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Growth status and related medical conditions among refugee children in Massachusetts, 1995-1998
P L Geltman1, M Radin, Z Zhang
1Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Mass, USA. Paul.geltman@wshc.org
Insights
Refugee children in Massachusetts showed significant growth issues, including parasites and anemia. European refugees were often overweight, while those from developing nations experienced growth retardation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Global Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Refugee populations often face unique health challenges due to displacement and varying access to care.
- Growth abnormalities and related medical conditions can be prevalent in pediatric refugee populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze growth patterns and identify associated medical conditions in refugee children resettled in Massachusetts.
- To provide data on the health status of this vulnerable population for targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- Screened 1825 refugee children between July 1995 and June 1998.
- Assessed variables including tuberculin (purified protein derivative; PPD) test results, dental health, parasitic infections, and anthropometric measurements (z scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and body mass index).
Main Results:
- Prevalence of parasites was 21%, caries 62%, and positive PPD reactions 25%.
- Anemia affected 12% overall (28% in children <2 years).
- Growth abnormalities varied by region: height-for-age z scores <-2 were highest in East Asian (30%) and Near Eastern (19%) children; weight-for-height z scores >+2 were highest in children from the former Yugoslavia (8%) and former Soviet Union (8%).
Conclusions:
- Recently arrived refugee children exhibit significant growth abnormalities and related health conditions.
- Disparities were observed, with European refugees tending to be overweight and those from developing countries showing signs of growth retardation.
Objectives:
This study analyzed growth and identified related medical conditions among refugee children in Massachusetts.
Methods:
Between July 1995 and June 1998, 1825 refugee children were screened. Variables included positive tuberculin (purified protein derivative; PPD) test; dental abnormalities; pathogenic parasites; weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height z scores; and body mass index greater than the 84th percentile.
Results:
Of all the children, 21% had parasites, 62% had caries, and 25% had a positive PPD reaction. Twelve percent overall and 28% younger than 2 years had anemia. Eight percent had height-for-age z scores less than -2, and 6% had weight-for-age z scores greater than +2. Of those aged 1 to 9 years, 7% had weight-for-height z scores greater than +2. Weight-for-height z scores less than -2 were concentrated among Africans and East Asians (both 8%). Height-for-age z scores less than -2 were seen among African (13%), Near Eastern (19%), and East Asian (30%) children. Weight-for-height z scores greater than +2 and body mass index greater than the 84th percentile were concentrated among children from the former Yugoslavia (8% and 15%) and the former Soviet Union (8% and 14%).
Conclusions:
Recently arrived refugee children have significant growth abnormalities. European refugees were overweight; those from developing countries had growth retardation.
