ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses some of the health challenges at the clinic when meeting patients with migrant backgrounds. It describes complexity of several dimensions that might be present in consultations with migrants, and explains need for person-centred, culturally sensitive, integrated care. The presentation of disease, particularly the expression of pain, is an important challenge often pointed out in communication with some migrant groups. Some diseases like cancer are generally less prevalent among migrants, although with differences among groups. Many migrants have to deal with adverse psychosocial circumstances that can negatively affect their health due to chronic stress and can hinder effective management of their diseases. In addition to the challenges directly related to the migration history of the person, the lack of social support and finances further limit the self-management skills of some groups of migrants. Prevention of chronic diseases might need a special approach for some migrant groups.
