Understanding Medical Decision-Making Among Migrant Populations in Belgium: A Vignette Study

This research examines the preferences that patients with a migration background hold and the challenges they are confronted with when making medical decisions (MDM), thereby focusing on the degree of family involvement and information disclosure, two aspects identified in the literature as particularly relevant. We use data from The Social Study (TSS), an online probability panel of Belgium's general population aged 16 and above. Data was collected in the fall of 2024, but not released at the moment of the abstract submission (N: approximately 1250). A TSS module, developed by the authors, assesses our research objectives through a vignette survey consisting of two hypothetical situations describing a clinical consult about cancer (melanoma) and depression diagnosis, with the latter varying randomly by severity level. Respondents (potential patients) were asked about their preferences for the degree of family involvement and information disclosure concerning each of these vignettes. In addition, detailed socio-demographic and -economic information was collected. The data will allow us to examine whether and when patients with a migration background prefer a different type of family involvement and information disclosure compared to the majority population in Belgium and/or whether other sociodemographic and -economic characteristics underlie this variation. In addition, it allows us to assess whether this variation manifests itself differently by the type and severity of the medical condition.

We are eager to share the results with the audience during the International Sociological Association (ISA). This ongoing research underscores the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare practices in adjusting to the needs of migrant populations in Belgium's medical decision-making processes.