The impact of unemployment on health is well studied. However, information on associations of unemployment, migration background and general practitioner-patient communication is scarce.

Data from the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) of individuals in working age (n = 5938) were analysed stratified by unemployment and migration background. Using official weighting factors, the prevalence of chronic stress, having ≥1 chronic disease, having a GP and GP visits in the last 12 months was determined. Multivariate regression models were analysed for associations between unemployment, migration background, and other socio-demographic characteristics with GP visits and chronic stress. Data from the General Practice Care-1 (GPCare-1) study (n = 813 patients) were analysed for differences in patient-physician communication between unemployed with and without migration background. Reverse proportional odds models were estimated for associations of unemployment and migration background with physician-patient communication.

In the DEGS1, 21.5% had experienced unemployment (n = 1170). Of these, 31.6% had a migration background (n = 248). Compared to unemployed natives, unemployed with migration background had higher chronic stress (mean: 14.32 vs. 13.13, p = 0.02), while the prevalence of chronic disease was lower (21.7% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.03). They were less likely to have a GP (83.6% vs. 90%, p = 0.02), while GP visits were similar (mean: 3.7 vs. 3.3, p = 0.26). Migration background and unemployment experience were not associated with GP visits, while both factors were significantly associated with higher chronic stress (both: p < 0.01). In GPCare-1, 28.8% had ever experienced unemployment (n = 215). Of these, 60 had a migration background (28.6%). The unemployed with migration background reported less frequently that the GP gives them enough space to describe personal strains (46.5% vs. 58.2%; p = 0.03), and that their problems are taken very seriously by their GP (50.8% vs. 73.8%; p = 0.04). In multivariate analyses, migration background showed a lower probability of having enough space to describe personal strains and feeling that problems were taken very seriously.

Unemployment experience and migration background were associated with higher chronic stress. Only migration background was associated with less satisfaction regarding physician-patient communication.