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Risk of Poor Outcomes with COVID-19 Among U.S. Detained Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Study
1Department of Sociology, University of California Davis, 1283 Social Sciences & Humanities, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. patler@ucdavis.edu.
Many detained immigrants have chronic health conditions, increasing their risk for severe illness. Disruptions in care are common, highlighting the need for better health monitoring in detention centers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immigration Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infectious disease spread is a concern in immigrant detention centers.
- Limited data exists on the health of detained immigrants, hindering risk assessment.
- Understanding health conditions is crucial for managing risks, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of chronic health conditions among detained immigrants.
- To identify health-related correlates and interruptions in care.
- To inform public health strategies for detained populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cross-sectional survey data from a 2013-2014 survey of detained immigrants in California.
- Calculated the prevalence of chronic conditions and multiple chronic conditions.
- Analyzed interruptions in care and sociodemographic factors, using two-tailed tests for significance.
Main Results:
- 42.5% of 529 detained immigrants had at least one chronic condition; 15.5% had multiple.
- 20.9% experienced disrupted medical care upon entering detention.
- 95.6% reported stable housing in the U.S., a factor that may aid release through Alternatives to Detention programs.
Conclusions:
- Detained immigrants frequently have chronic health conditions that elevate their risk for adverse outcomes, including from COVID-19.
- Interrupted medical care is a significant issue within detention facilities.
- Stable housing is prevalent and may support release via Alternatives to Detention, potentially improving health outcomes.
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