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At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Risk of tuberculosis in the inadequate handling of refugees seeking asylum].

OBJECTIVE: To describe screening for tuberculosis in a temporary centre for refugees, and contact investigation after a patient with open tuberculosis had been identified. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Regional Communal Health Centre Nijmegen. METHOD: The refugees waiting for official status were housed on three cruise ships during the winter period November 1993 to April 1994. Ventilatory capacity was insufficient. The people had thorax radiograms after 10 days on average as a screening for tuberculosis. When abnormalities were found sputum was examined (Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture). The workers of the centre were Mantoux-tested. RESULTS: Of the 834 persons screened 4 had open tuberculosis. Contact investigation yielded three cases of infection among 5 contacts in the first ring, and 11 cases of infection and 2 cases of tuberculosis (one infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, the other cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis) among 215 contacts in the second ring. Fourteen of the infected persons were centre workers. The bacteria found were not resistant to tuberculostatics. CONCLUSION: Rapid transmission of tuberculosis occurred because of insufficient ventilation and a slow screening procedure. Tuberculosis in refugee centres is a serious problem that needs adequate attention.

Contact Tracing↗
PubMed1993

Health problems among Vietnamese refugees resettled in Japan.

A medical examination of 932 Vietnamese refugees was conducted within 1 month of their resettlement in Japan between 1989 and 1991. A variety of abnormalities were detected, including parasitic disease (78% prevalence), anemia (12%), HBsAg positive state (14%), liver dysfunction (10%), hypertension (0.8%), active pulmonary tuberculosis (2%) and syphilis (0.7%). These rates were still as high as the prevalence in previous studies of earlier immigrants from Vietnam. The high frequency of infectious diseases in recent Vietnamese refugees compared with the Japanese community leads to a recommendation for continuing medical examinations and treatment for new Vietnamese refugees.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Blind treatment or treatment oriented to intestinal parasitoses in a Parisian health center for refugees].

The Comede health care center for political refugees received 4,414 first arrivals from 70 African, Asian and South American countries in 1989. Many arrived from areas where intestinal parasitic infections are endemic, and where infections by nematodes (Ancyclostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis), trematodes (Schistosoma hematobium, Schistosoma stercoralis) and protozoa (Entamoeba coli) cause significant morbidity. The question that arises is whether we should screen stools and urine only in the case of African refugees, or treat all refugees empirically (mass treatment program). We carried out a retrospective study of 1,425 patients seen for the first time in the Comede from August 1, 1989 to December 31, 1989. Three-quarters of the subjects were men and the mean age was 29 years. 63.2% of the subjects were from 28 African countries, 18.6% from 8 Asian countries, 10% from 5 South American countries and the West Indies, and 6.4% from 4 countries of the Mediterranean basin. 4 countries of the Mediterranean basin. All the subjects were asked to provide stool and urine specimens at the Paris City Laboratory, which were examined using the merthiolate iodo formol direct methods, two concentration methods (MIF and Kato) and Baermann's technique. Patients with infestations were prescribed appropriate treatment at a second visit, compliance with which was good (86%). The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 60%. Albendazole was given to 44% of patients, while 45% of African patients were given praziquantel and 2.7% tinidazole.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence rate of hypertension among recent Southeast Asian refugees to northern California.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the prevalence rate of hypertension among recent Southeast Asian refugees to the United States. METHODS: In this randomized, prospective study, four northern California counties with large Southeast Asian refugee populations were screened for the prevalence rates of hypertension and borderline hypertension. A population density method based upon 1988 census data was used to screen a representative sample of subjects from each county. Criteria for hypertension came from the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. RESULTS: In all, 964 subjects were screened. We found a prevalence rate of 4.8 percent for hypertension and 10.9 percent for borderline hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively low prevalence rates of this disease can be explained by the youth of this refugee population, mean age 37.6 +/- 0.36 years, as the presence of hypertension increases with chronological age.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Tuberculosis in refugees from foreign countries].

Screening for tuberculosis has revealed active disease in 30 of 168 examinees. They have arrived in Russia as refugees from Somalia, Afghanistan, Angola and other countries. 24 refugees had pulmonary tuberculosis. Destruction of pulmonary tissues and massive discharge of M. tuberculosis were found in 10, 2 and 1 patients with infiltrative, disseminated and fibrous-cavernous tuberculosis. A specific therapy with 3-4 drugs stopped discharge of the bacteria with sputum. It is stated that refugees from foreign countries may constitute a great epidemiological threat of tuberculosis for contacting Russian population.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Denmark's education project for nurse refugees from ex-Yugoslavia.

With the phenomenal rise in displaced persons and refugees, ICN has been encouraging its member associations to join up with international and local agencies to answer their health and social needs, with particular emphasis on assisting nurse refugees with their problems both as refugees and as nurses. An example of how one member responded to the call is outlined below.

Curriculum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Tuberculosis beliefs among recent Vietnamese refugees in New York State.

OBJECTIVE: To identify newly arrived Vietnamese refugees' beliefs about tuberculosis (TB) and TB education needs. METHODS: In 1994, the New York State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey of 51 newly arrived adult Vietnamese refugees in two New York counties. After being trained in interview methods, two bilingual researchers asked 32 open-ended questions on the causes of TB, TB treatment, and the disease's impact on work and social relationships. RESULTS: Respondents correctly viewed TB as an infectious lung disease with symptoms such as cough, weakness, and weight loss. Hard manual labor, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition were believed to be risk factors. Many respondents incorrectly believed that asymptomatic latent infection is not possible and that infection inevitably leads to disease. Nearly all respondents anticipated that having tuberculosis would adversely impact their work, family, and community activities and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted patient education is needed to address misconceptions about TB among Vietnamese refugees and to help ensure adherence to prescribed treatment regimens.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Cancer in north west Pakistan and Afghan refugees.

The medical records of all patients attending the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM), Peshawar during 1990 and to 1994 were analysed to determine the frequency of most common cancers. There were 13,359 adults with biopsy proven cancers of these 10,371 belonged to the North West Frontier province (NWFP) and remaining 2,988 were Afghan refugees. In NWFP there were 55% males and 45% females, while in Afghan refugees there were 59% males and 41% females. Patients whose histopathology was doubtful or not available were excluded from the study. The most common male tumours were skin, lymphoma, oral cancer, urinary bladder, lung, oesophagus, soft tissue, prostate, brain and myeloid leukemia. Among male Afghan refugees the most common cancers were oesophagus, skin, lymphoma, oral cancer, soft tissue, myeloid leukemia, stomach, urinary bladder, testis and colorectal cancer. Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Predictors of hostility in a group of relocated refugees.

The objective of this research was to determine whether early postmigration demographic and psychosocial factors associated with cultural marginality would predict hostility one decade after flight and relocation. In this longitudinal study, participants, who had spent 1 year in a refugee comp, were studied at 1.5, 3.5, and 9 years postrelocation in the United States (i.e., Times 1, 2, and 3). Earlier data were compared with hostility at 9 years. Participants were interviewed primarily in their homes, although a few were interviewed elsewhere at their request (i.e., community center, University of Minnesota clinical offices). The 102 Hmong participants in this study, originally from Laos, comprised the first group of Hmong refugees, aged 15 to 72 years old (M = 31.0, SD = 13.1), to be relocated from Thailand to Minnesota by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1976. Hmong research assistants collected these data using a questionnaire format at 1.5, 3.5, and 9 years postrelocation. Hostility was measured using the Hostility subscale of the 90-item Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). Female gender, animistic belief, absence of a leadership role, and high scores on the SCL-Hostility predicted higher SCL-Hostility scores. Increased hostility was associated with greater financial, marital, and mental-emotional problems. This study suggests that demographic factors associated with marginality and loss of control predict hostility in a group of refugee immigrants. Losses and stressors from a decade earlier in Asia did not predict hostility.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1998

Tuberculosis in a cohort of Vietnamese refugees after arrival in Denmark 1979-1982.

SETTING: Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. OBJECTIVE: To study the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) in a cohort of immigrants from a high incidence country during the years following arrival in a low incidence country. DESIGN: Follow-up analysis in a cohort of 1983 Vietnamese refugees who arrived in Denmark during the period 1979-1982. The civil registration number could be identified for 1936 (98%) individuals from the original cohort. Date of possible death, emigration and the development of tuberculosis were determined by checking the refugees' civil registration number in the National Civil Register and the National Infectious Disease Registry for Tuberculosis. RESULTS: Tuberculosis notification for the 1936 individuals fell from 1.14% for the first 12 months to a mean of 0.08% per year during the following 5-year period. During the 16 years of follow up, 36 of the refugees developed tuberculosis, of whom 14 (39%) had had abnormal chest X-ray on arrival and 14 (39%) (including one with normal chest X-ray) had been identified as having active tuberculosis through screening on arrival. CONCLUSION: Decline in tuberculosis incidence for immigrants is very rapid if the tuberculosis infection rate is low following arrival. With a very limited TB screening programme (chest X-ray on arrival) and a passive diagnosis policy without preventive chemotherapy, it is possible to control tuberculosis among high prevalence immigrants in a low incidence country.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Traumatic stress in adult refugees: when ill-health is silent or speaks broken Swedish].

It is well established that a significant proportion of refugees in Sweden have had traumatic experiences prior to immigration, causing mental and psychosomatic disorders. The actual frequency is difficult to assess because of methodological problems. Of refugees resettled in Stockholm county in 1996, 13 per cent were immediately referred to specialised trauma centres, thus comprising half of all referrals. Moreover, it has to be borne in mind that underdiagnosis is common in clinical practice. In the article, the relevance of accessible data, the clinical picture and epidemiological issues are discussed with regard to the refugee population.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Nutritional status of Guatemalan refugees below 6 years of age].

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in the nutritional status of Guatemalan refugee children under six years of age, who lived in Mexico between 1982 and 1996, under various nutrition-related programs implemented during that period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative analysis of 4 cross-sectional anthropometric studies performed in Chiapas (1982, 1989), Quintana Roo (1989) and Campeche and Quintana Roo in 1996. Malnutrition prevalence by weight/age and height/age indicators was calculated. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. The implemented programs to improve nutritional status and health conditions are described. RESULTS: In 1982, high rates of malnutrition and mortality prevailed among refugee children. In 1989 some had been transferred to Campeche and Quintana Roo and others stayed in Chiapas. Their situation had improved and remained so until 1996. CONCLUSIONS: The implemented programs were successful to control the emergency and prevent new crises. However they only managed to maintain similar conditions for the refugees as those which prevail among the Mexican indians.

Child↗
PubMed1998

[Psychiatric disorders in refugees and asylum seekers: psychological trauma as a cause?].

Posttraumatic stress disorder was diagnosed in two patients, men aged 26 and 29, an asylum seeker from the Middle East and a refugee from former Yugoslavia respectively. They had experienced severe psychotraumatic events. They were referred to a clinic for traumatised refugees and asylum seekers. Their psychiatric disturbances did not fit posttraumatic stress disorder, however. The former suffered from a schizophrenic disorder, the latter from psychosis and depression based on alcohol dependence. Growing awareness of the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in the population leads to a contextual shift in therapists regarding their understanding of the short and long term effects of traumatization in their patients. Exclusive focus on the traumatic history, however, biases the diagnostic process and could lead to wrong conclusions about a causal relationship between traumatic experiences and the psychopathology observed in the patient. When treating asylum seekers or refugees the risk of jumping to this false conclusion is even higher, partially due to cultural and language barriers.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Hematologic genetic disorders among Southeast Asian refugees.

Resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees has introduced into the Western Hemisphere many persons of all major ethnic groups from Indochina. They represent several distinctive cultural, genetic, and linguistic groups, and the prevalence of genetic traits among them varies accordingly. We studied 778 Southeast Asian persons resettled in the upper Midwest who belonged to 182 unrelated families from the five major Southeast Asian ethnic groups. High prevalences of hemoglobin E, alpha- and beta-thalassemia disorders, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency were found. The prevalences of these four conditions in the refugees are among the highest known in the world. For these groups, iron deficiency is an uncommon cause of microcytosis; instead, the most frequent causes are hemoglobin E and alpha-thalassemia-1. Very serious thalassemic disorders occur with unusually high frequency in the refugees, especially in the Tai-Dam.

Asia, Southeastern↗
PubMed1999

Multilevel healing pursuits of Cambodian refugees.

The difficult adjustment of Cambodian refugees to life in the United States is no more evident than in their use of the biomedical health care system. When forced by circumstances to seek Western medical care, they often perceive the cause of their symptoms to be untreatable by this technological modality of healing. This attitude is understandable because the lengthy and destructive civil war they survived also extinguished their medical system. Many of the refugees had no contact with Western-style health care until they reached the camps in Thailand. As a result, the Cambodians have had to develop ways to integrate centuries-old indigenous and self-care practices, that they know well, with the modern health care services and technologies, that are new to them. In San Diego they have sought what is for them a new kind of provider, Vietnamese physicians who practice medicine that is culturally appropriate and convenient. Although these multiple systems satisfy them in many ways, a significant number of Cambodians are still not getting well. The constant pursuit of healing is time-intensive and expensive, and ignores the emotional effects of refugee status on physical health.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Attitudes towards and perceptions about contraceptive use among married refugee women of Somali descent living in Finland.

OBJECTIVES: To assess attitudes towards and perceptions about contraceptive use among married refugee women of Somali descent living in Finland. METHOD: A sample of 100 married refugee women of Somali descent (18-50 years of age) were invited to participate in a study on contraceptive use in Finland (30 women refused). Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect the data. Questionnaire of the first data set was written in the Somali language. Interviews were conducted in the Somali language. RESULTS: The attitudes and opinions of these women towards contraceptive use (73% did not use contraceptives, 27% did use them) were connected with religious beliefs and issues involving marital relations. Religious or gender issues did not seem to influence those who used contraception. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that the majority of the married refugee women of Somali descent living in Finland did not use contraception. The process of starting the use of contraception was possible because of an access to good reproductive health care and family planning services, changes in life situations, and adaptations to Finnish social and cultural norms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Intestinal parasite infection in the Kampuchean refugee population 6 years after resettlement in Canada.

A follow-up prevalence study was done in 1989 of the same Kampuchean refugee population (247 subjects) that had been screened and treated for intestinal parasite infection 6 years earlier. A control group (102 subjects) included Kampuchean refugees who had arrived in Montreal at about the same time. These groups did not differ in age, sex, family size, or number of months spent in refugee camps. Statistically significant prevalence differences were observed in the rescreened group between 1982-1983 (63.7%) and 1989 (21.9%) and between the rescreened group and the control group (39.2%). These differences are largely attributable to the elimination of Ascaris infection and decreases in Giardia and hookworm infections. However, Strongyloides infection decreased only slightly (from 15% to 11%) in the rescreened group, while 12% of the control group was infected. Despite an early screening and treatment program, there remain important health risks in this immigrant population due to long-lived potentially pathogenic parasites.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence of mental disorders and torture among Tibetan refugees: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Many Tibetan refugees flee Tibet in order to escape physical and mental hardships, and to access the freedoms to practice their culture and religion. We aimed to determine the prevalence of mental illnesses within the refugee population and determine the prevalence of previous torture reported within this population. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of 10 electronic databases from inception to May 2005. In addition, we searched the internet, contacted all authors of located studies, and contacted the Tibetan Government-in-exile, to locate unpublished studies. We included any study reporting on prevalence of mental illness within the Tibetan refugee populations. We determined study quality according to validation, translation, and interview administration. We calculated proportions with exact confidence intervals. RESULTS: Five studies that met our inclusion criteria (total n = 410). All studies were conducted in North India and 4 were specifically in adult populations. Four studies provided details on the prevalence of torture and previous imprisonment within the populations. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder ranged from 11-23%, anxiety ranged from 25-77%, and major depression ranged from 11.5-57%. CONCLUSION: Our review indicates that the prevalence of serious mental health disorders within this population is elevated. The reported incidence of torture and imprisonment is a possible contributor to the illnesses. Non-government organizations and international communities should be aware of the human rights abuses being levied upon this vulnerable population and the mental health outcomes that may be associated with it.

Journal Article↗