Decreased health service use among migrants improves through an internal locus of control,especially in men

Abstract

We explore the role of internal locus of control (LOC), migration status and gender, in healthcare utilization, using the Andersen Model. It addresses the knowledge gap in understanding how these factors influence healthcare access, especially in migrant populations. Utilization was assessed using the 2020 German Socioeconomic Panel with 26,028 adults (6,968 migrants). In this cross-sectional survey study, four outcomes were analyzed via regression models, including predisposing, enabling, and need factors. A migration background reduced the likelihood of doctor visits, while LOC increased it. Among migrants, LOC predicted even higher likelihood, especially in men, mitigating the negative impact of migration status. Migration background and LOC were not linked to hospital visits, and gender differences in doctor visits were found only in men. While individuals with a migration background had a lower chance of visiting doctors, internal control beliefs proved to be a significant resource for health behavior.