BACKGROUND: New Zealand accepts 750 refugees annually who enter via the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. AIMS: To evaluate the health needs of refugee children less than 5 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective audit on the outcomes of health screening and referrals in children less than 5 years of age at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: Of the 343 children, the most common infectious diseases were latent tuberculosis (15%) and parasitic infections (15%). In those older than 1 year old who had rubella and measles serology information, immunity was found in 50% and 59%, respectively. Hepatitis B immunity was found in 68%. Complete vaccination certificates were available for 66% on arrival to New Zealand. Vaccinations were administered to 73% while at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were the main noninfectious diseases found and were present in 33% and 12%, respectively. The total requiring referral for further medical assessment or support was 58% with 19% requiring referral to more than one service. CONCLUSIONS: Screening identified health needs in otherwise asymptomatic newly arriving refugee children. A proportion of children required access to multiple specialized medical services and may benefit from a comprehensive pediatric service.
BACKGROUND: New Zealand accepts 750 refugees annually who enter via the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. AIMS: To evaluate the health needs of refugee children less than 5 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective audit on the outcomes of health screening and referrals in children less than 5 years of age at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: Of the 343 children, the most common infectious diseases were latent tuberculosis (15%) and parasitic infections (15%). In those older than 1 year old who had rubella and measles serology information, immunity was found in 50% and 59%, respectively. Hepatitis B immunity was found in 68%. Complete vaccination certificates were available for 66% on arrival to New Zealand. Vaccinations were administered to 73% while at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were the main noninfectious diseases found and were present in 33% and 12%, respectively. The total requiring referral for further medical assessment or support was 58% with 19% requiring referral to more than one service. CONCLUSIONS: Screening identified health needs in otherwise asymptomatic newly arriving refugee children. A proportion of children required access to multiple specialized medical services and may benefit from a comprehensive pediatric service.
Authors: Nadia A Charania; Janine Paynter; Arier C Lee; Donna G Watson; Nikki M Turner Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2018-08-17 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: Katherine Yun; Jasmine Matheson; Colleen Payton; Kevin C Scott; Barbara L Stone; Lihai Song; William M Stauffer; Kailey Urban; Janine Young; Blain Mamo Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2015-11-12 Impact factor: 9.308