Health needs of refugee children younger than 5 years arriving in New Zealand

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Dec;32(12):e432-6. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3182a11526.

Abstract

Background: New Zealand accepts 750 refugees annually who enter via the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.

Aims: To evaluate the health needs of refugee children less than 5 years of age.

Methods: Retrospective audit on the outcomes of health screening and referrals in children less than 5 years of age at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre between 2007 and 2011.

Results: Of the 343 children, the most common infectious diseases were latent tuberculosis (15%) and parasitic infections (15%). In those older than 1 year old who had rubella and measles serology information, immunity was found in 50% and 59%, respectively. Hepatitis B immunity was found in 68%. Complete vaccination certificates were available for 66% on arrival to New Zealand. Vaccinations were administered to 73% while at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre. Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were the main noninfectious diseases found and were present in 33% and 12%, respectively. The total requiring referral for further medical assessment or support was 58% with 19% requiring referral to more than one service.

Conclusions: Screening identified health needs in otherwise asymptomatic newly arriving refugee children. A proportion of children required access to multiple specialized medical services and may benefit from a comprehensive pediatric service.

MeSH terms

  • Avitaminosis / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Latent Tuberculosis / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Needs Assessment*
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Parasitic Diseases / epidemiology
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Refugees / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data