Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public health research has increasingly focused on migration as a determinant of health. Responsible research in this area requires an anti-discriminatory approach in its conduct, reporting and dissemination. A discrimination-sensitive use of language is a central element. Guidelines in this regard do not yet exist for the field of public health in German-speaking countries. METHODS: Within the framework of the project Improving Health Monitoring in Migrant Populations (IMIRA) at the Robert Koch Institute, a guideline on anti-discriminatory language in research on migration and health was developed. It consists of a manual and an overview of relevant terms and concepts. The needs, content and form of the guideline were developed in an action research process with project staff from the IMIRA project. RESULTS: The manual shows the following five basic principles for anti-discriminatory language use: (1) avoid generalisations, (2) formulate in a discrimination-sensitive way, (3) use self-designations and external designations, (4) recognise that terms are subject to constant change and (5) openly communicate one's own uncertainties. The overview, which is available online as a "living document", contains terms and concepts that are frequently used in association with the topic of migration. CONCLUSION: The guideline is intended to support researchers in using language in an anti-discriminatory way. This goes hand in hand with a reflection on one's own language use and strengthens responsible research on the topic of migration and health.