Primary care needs of Cambodian refugees

Cambodian refugees who endured the Pol Pot regime experienced a horrendous assault on their physical and mental health. The complaints and diagnoses of 168 Cambodian refugees who presented to a family medicine primary care clinic between 1985 and 1987 were examined. Fourteen of these patients were visited in their homes to obtain in-depth perspectives of their health beliefs and needs. The results support the growing awareness that Cambodian refugees require sensitive and sophisticated approaches to dealing with widespread emotional and physical dysfunction.