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Health problems of refugees
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas 76104-4940, USA.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|September 23, 1997
Summary
Health data for refugees is scarce, with common issues including tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, parasites, and hepatitis B. Physicians need more research on refugee health and beliefs for effective care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Internal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The United States is experiencing an increase in refugee arrivals with diverse ethnicities.
- Family physicians require health data on major refugee groups for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available health data on diverse refugee populations resettling in the United States.
- To identify common health issues and inform medical practice for refugee health.
Main Methods:
- MEDLINE database search (1991-present) using keywords for refugee origins (Vietnam, Laos, former Yugoslavia, etc.).
- Reviewed cross-references and studies on post-arrival conditions and origin country diseases (1981-1991).
Main Results:
- Limited clinical trials exist on refugee health post-arrival, except for Southeast Asian groups.
- Common health problems include tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, intestinal parasites, chronic hepatitis B, lack of immunizations, and depression.
- Significant variations exist in health issues, psychosocial factors, and cultural beliefs among refugee groups.
Conclusions:
- Recommended screenings for refugees include tuberculosis, hepatitis B surface antigen, ova and parasites, and hemoglobin measurement.
- Further clinical trials are essential to understand the medical, psychological, and health beliefs of refugee populations.
- Tailored medical and psychosocial support is crucial for diverse refugee communities.