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Abdelhamid S, Kraaijenvanger E, Fischer J, Steinisch M. Assessing adverse childhood experiences in young refugees: a systematic review of available questionnaires. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-023-02367-6. [PMID: 38451312 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02367-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Today, various questionnaires are available to assess Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in children; however, it is uncertain if these questionnaires are comprehensive in addressing adversities of vulnerable subgroups, specifically refugee children. This review's objectives are to (1) identify current ACE questionnaires and determine if they are suitable in assessing refugee children's adversities, and (2) identify those previously used within a refugee population. A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases for articles published since 2010, including studies using an ACE-questionnaire that recognized multiple adversities in healthy children and were published in English. A total of 103 ACE questionnaires were identified in 506 studies. Only 14 of the 103 questionnaires addressed a refugee-specific adversity. Their ability to capture refugee children's experiences was limited: available questionnaires used a maximum of three items to assess refugee-specific adversities, covering only a fraction of forms of adversities relevant to refugee children. Psychometric characteristics were rarely reported. In addition, only two ACE questionnaires were used within a refugee population. With the tools currently available, it is not possible to comprehensively assess the exposure to and severity of the adversities faced by refugee children. The perpetuation of ongoing crises necessitates assessing refugee children's adversities to understand how their wellbeing is affected and to identify children at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Abdelhamid
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of General Medicine, Heidelberg University, Alte Brauerei, Röngtenstraße 7, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Eline Kraaijenvanger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Joachim Fischer
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of General Medicine, Heidelberg University, Alte Brauerei, Röngtenstraße 7, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Steinisch
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Heidelberg University, Alte Brauerei, Röngtenstraße 7, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
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Bernhardt K, Le Beherec S, Uppendahl JR, Fleischmann M, Klosinski M, Rivera LM, Samaras G, Kenney M, Müller R, Nehring I, Mall V, Hahnefeld A. Young children's development after forced displacement: a systematic review. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:20. [PMID: 38303022 PMCID: PMC10835848 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of displacement experiences on 0- to 6-year-old children's social-emotional and cognitive development, as well as influencing factors on reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We systematically searched MEDline, Psyndex, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Elsevier, TandF, Oxford Journal of Refugee Studies, Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, and Canada's Journal on Refugees for existing literature regarding social-emotional and cognitive outcomes in children directly exposed to forced displacement due to political violence. Results were synthesized in the discussion and displayed using harvest plots. RESULTS Our search generated 9,791 articles of which 32 were selected for review and evaluation according to NICE criteria. Included studies provided results for 6,878 forcibly displaced children. Measured outcomes were diverse and included areas such as peer relations, prosocial behavior, family functioning, play, intelligence, learning performance, and language development. Repeated exposure to adverse experiences, separation from parents, parental distress, as well as duration and quality of resettlement in the host country were reported as influencing factors in the reviewed studies. CONCLUSION As protective factors like secure and stable living conditions help to promote children's development, we call for policies that enhance participation in the welcoming society for refugee families. Early integration with low-threshold access to health and educational facilities can help to mitigate the wide-ranging negative consequences of forced displacement on young children's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bernhardt
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Saskia Le Beherec
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jana R Uppendahl
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Melia Fleischmann
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Klosinski
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Luisa M Rivera
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Georgia Samaras
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martha Kenney
- Department of Women and Gender Studies, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ruth Müller
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ina Nehring
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Mall
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Hahnefeld
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Kbo Kinderzentrum, Heiglhofstrasse 65, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Higgins C, Gartland D, Yelland J, Brown S, Szwarc J, Kaplan I, Paxton G, Riggs E. Refugee child health: a systematic review of health conditions in children aged 0-6 years living in high-income countries. Glob Health Promot 2023; 30:45-55. [PMID: 37401462 DOI: 10.1177/17579759231165309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the extent, quality and cultural appropriateness of current research on the health conditions of refugee children aged 0-6 years settled in high-income countries. A systematic review was conducted, including original articles published on the health conditions experienced by refugee children. A total of 71 papers were included. The studies varied considerably in their research design, population characteristics and health conditions. Studies included information on 37 different health conditions, with the majority non-communicable diseases, in particular growth, malnutrition and bone density. Although the studies identified a wide range of health issues, a coordinated effort to prioritise research on particular health topics was lacking, and health conditions studied do not align with the global burden of disease for this population. Additionally, despite being rated medium-high quality, most studies did not describe measures taken to ensure cultural competency and community involvement in their research. We suggest a coordinated research effort for this cohort, with greater emphasis on community engagement to improve the evidence-base of the health needs of refugee children after settlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Higgins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deirdre Gartland
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Yelland
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephanie Brown
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Women and Kids Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Josef Szwarc
- The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ida Kaplan
- The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Georgia Paxton
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Immigrant Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisha Riggs
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Amarasena L, Zwi K, Hu N, Lingam R, Raman S. Changing landscape of paediatric refugee health in South Western Sydney, Australia: a retrospective observational study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064497. [PMID: 37852766 PMCID: PMC10603544 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the changing health needs of refugee children and young people (CYP) entering Australia, in relation to key government policy changes. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of health service use data over 11 years. SETTING Paediatric refugee clinics in South Western Sydney (SWS), the Australian region with the largest annual resettlement of refugees. PARTICIPANTS Refugee CYP (≤25 years) attending the SWS paediatric refugee clinics for their first visit between 2009 and 2019. MEASURES Clinician defined health conditions categorised as communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD). RESULTS Data were analysed for 359 CYP, mean age 9.3 years; 212 male (59.1%). Most CYP (n=331, 92.2%) had health problems identified; 292 (81.3%) had ≥1 NCD and 24 (6.7%) had ≥1 communicable disease. The most frequent individual NCDs were dental disease (n=128, 35.7%) and vitamin D deficiency (n=72, 20.1%). Trend analysis showed increased odds of identifying an NCD from 2013 onwards (crude OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.96). Neurodevelopmental problems, especially Global Developmental Delay (n=31, 8.6%), emerged as more prevalent issues in the latter half of the decade. There were significantly increased odds of identifying a neurodevelopmental problem in 2016-2019, especially in 2016-2017 (adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.40). Key policy changes during this period included acceptance of refugees with disabilities from 2012, additional Australian Humanitarian Programme intake from the Eastern Mediterranean region and mandatory offshore processing for those seeking asylum by boat from 2013. In response to the changing needs, local health services adopted nurse-led primary healthcare screening, early childhood services, youth and disability clinics. CONCLUSIONS Refugee CYP in Australia are presenting with a growing burden of NCDs, with neurodevelopmental problems contributing. Government policy changes affect the sociodemographics of resettled populations, influencing health profiles. Paediatric refugee health services need to be responsive to the changing needs of these populations to optimise well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lahiru Amarasena
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Zwi
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nan Hu
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shanti Raman
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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Abdelhamid S, Lindert J, Fischer J, Steinisch M. Negative and protective experiences influencing the well-being of refugee children resettling in Germany: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067332. [PMID: 37076150 PMCID: PMC10124287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Conflict, forced migration and searching for safety in a foreign land are all experiences common to refugee children. They experience potentially traumatic events that are distinct from the general population, yet current adverse childhood experience (ACE) studies do not cover these events. Studies that do examine refugee children's experiences typically focus on a single stage of migration or adversities from the community, offering insight into only a fraction of their realities. This study aimed to identify potentially traumatising and protective experiences subjectively perceived as influencing refugee children's well-being from all stages of migration and all socio-ecological levels. DESIGN Qualitative study with thematic analysis of semi-structured individual and group interviews. Themes were organised within a socio-ecological model. SETTING Non-profit organisations, youth welfare facilities and societies that organise civic engagement for refugee families in the Rhine-Neckar region in Germany provided rooms where interviews could be conducted. PARTICIPANTS Refugee parents and children who spoke one of the four most common languages of those seeking asylum in Germany in 2018 were included. This study excluded refugees who were not fleeing a conflict area. Forty-seven refugee parents and 11 children (aged 8-17 years) from Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and Eritrea participated. RESULTS Eight major themes emerged from interviews including six reflecting potentially negative experiences and two potentially protective themes. These themes evolved from experiences such as family dispersion, displacement, rigorous immigration and national policies, as well as constructive parenting and community support. CONCLUSION It is increasingly important to identify these diverse experiences as the refugee population continues to grow, and the increased prevalence of poor health outcomes in refugee children continues to be widely documented. Identifying ACEs specifically relevant to refugee children could contribute to understanding potential pathways and could further serve as a starting point for tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Abdelhamid
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of General Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Lindert
- Department of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
| | - Joachim Fischer
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of General Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Steinisch
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Division of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Fluid intelligence in refugee children. A cross-sectional study of potential risk and resilience factors among Syrian refugee children and their parents. INTELLIGENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2022.101684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Hodgins M, Ostojic K, Hu N, Lawson KD, Samir N, Webster A, Rogers H, Henry A, Murphy E, Lingam R, Raman S, Mendoza Diaz A, Dadich A, Eapen V, Rimes T, Woolfenden S. Study protocol for a real-world evaluation of an integrated child and family health hub for migrant and refugee women. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061002. [PMID: 36041760 PMCID: PMC10439340 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Continuity of child and family healthcare is vital for optimal child health and development for developmentally vulnerable children. Migrant and refugee communities are often at-risk of poor health outcomes, facing barriers to health service attendance including cultural, language, limited health literacy, discrimination and unmet psychosocial needs. 'Integrated health-social care hubs' are physical hubs where health and social services are co-located, with shared referral pathways and care navigation. AIM Our study will evaluate the impact, implementation and cost-benefit of the First 2000 Days Care Connect (FDCC) integrated hub model for pregnant migrant and refugee women and their infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study has three components. Component 1 is a non-randomised controlled trial to compare the FDCC model of care with usual care. This trial will allocate eligible women to intervention and control groups based on their proximity to the Hub sites. Outcome measures include: the proportion of children attending child and family health (CFH) nurse services and completing their CFH checks to 12 months of age; improved surveillance of growth and development in children up to 12 months, post partum; improved breastfeeding rates; reduced emergency department presentations; and improved maternal well-being. These will be measured using linked medical record data and surveys. Component 2 will involve a mixed-method implementation evaluation to clarify how and why FDCC was implemented within the sites to inform future roll-out. Component 3 is a within-trial economic evaluation from a healthcare perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Hubs relative to usual care and the implementation costs if Hubs were scaled and replicated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was granted by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee in July 2021 (Project ID: 020/ETH03295). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12621001088831.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nan Hu
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K D Lawson
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nora Samir
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Webster
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Rogers
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Elisabeth Murphy
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- North Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shanti Raman
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Ann Dadich
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tania Rimes
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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High Prevalence of Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress in Children of Refugee and Asylum Seeker Background. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Scharf RJ, Zheng C, Briscoe Abath C, Martin-Herz SP. Developmental Concerns in Children Coming to the United States as Refugees. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-030130. [PMID: 34011635 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Scharf
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Christie Zheng
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Christina Briscoe Abath
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Susanne P Martin-Herz
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Bajo Marcos E, Serrano I, Fernández García MM. The antecedents of well-being in first-generation migrant children: A systematic review. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 13:677-692. [PMID: 34013661 PMCID: PMC8453737 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Migrant children's well‐being has emerged into the spotlight of academic literature and policy‐makers in recent times. This systematic review is aimed at analysing the publication trends on the topic and at synthesising the available evidence on the antecedents of well‐being of first‐generation international migrant children. Systematic searches of primary studies were conducted in 18 databases using search terms related to migration, childhood and well‐being. Three rounds of screening and data extraction, researchers' full agreement and the inclusion criteria produced 39 eligible studies. Critical appraisal of results revealed a fragmentation in the literature, the evidence available being mostly descriptive and focused on involuntary migrants settled in Western countries. A bias across publications overlooking younger migrant children was unveiled. The compartmentalisation of the evidence hindered an understanding of the magnitude of the different effects of migration on well‐being. Antecedents of well‐being have been documented as factors fostering and hindering well‐being. Important gaps in literature and key antecedents of well‐being have been uncovered for voluntary and involuntary migrant children. These findings show limitations in the available evidence pointing to specific suggestions for future research that should help improve interventions at the social and individual levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bajo Marcos
- Research Institute of Migration Studies, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Serrano
- Research Institute of Migration Studies, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid, Spain
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Salami B, Fernandez-Sanchez H, Fouche C, Evans C, Sibeko L, Tulli M, Bulaong A, Kwankye SO, Ani-Amponsah M, Okeke-Ihejirika P, Gommaa H, Agbemenu K, Ndikom CM, Richter S. A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073514. [PMID: 33800663 PMCID: PMC8038070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Migration is a growing phenomenon around the world, including within the African continent. Many migrants, especially African children, face challenges related to health and social inclusion and can face increased health risks. A systematic scoping review of available literature on the health of African migrant children across the globe was conducted to offer insight into these health risks. The review was conducted over a 15-month period from January 2019 to April 2020, yielding 6602 articles once duplicates were removed. This search included electronic databases, reference lists of articles reviewed, and searches of libraries of relevant organisations. A total of 187 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 159 were quantitative, 22 were qualitative, and 6 used mixed methods. The findings reveal decreased health in this population in areas of nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, birth outcomes, sexual and reproductive health, physical and developmental health, parasitic infections, oral health, respiratory health, preventative health, endocrine disorders, health care services, and haematological conditions. The findings offer insights into factors influencing the health of African immigrant and refugee children. Further studies, especially qualitative studies, are needed to determine barriers to service access after migration and to investigate other underexplored and overlooked health concerns of African migrant children, including pneumonia and child maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada; (H.F.-S.); (M.T.); (A.B.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada; (H.F.-S.); (M.T.); (A.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Christa Fouche
- Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
| | - Catrin Evans
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Lindiwe Sibeko
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 204 Chenoweth Laboratory, Amherst, MA 01003-9282, USA;
| | - Mia Tulli
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada; (H.F.-S.); (M.T.); (A.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Ashley Bulaong
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada; (H.F.-S.); (M.T.); (A.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Stephen Owusu Kwankye
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 96, Legon, Accra GA184, Ghana;
| | - Mary Ani-Amponsah
- School of Nursing, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra GA184, Ghana;
| | | | - Hayat Gommaa
- Department of Nursing Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Sokoto Road, PMB 06, Zaria 810107, Nigeria;
| | - Kafuli Agbemenu
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York (SUNY), University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
| | | | - Solina Richter
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada; (H.F.-S.); (M.T.); (A.B.); (S.R.)
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Woodland L, Blignault I, O'Callaghan C, Harris-Roxas B. A framework for preferred practices in conducting culturally competent health research in a multicultural society. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:24. [PMID: 33602261 PMCID: PMC7893969 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improving the health and well-being of the whole population requires that health inequities be addressed. In an era of unprecedented international migration, meeting the health care needs of growing multicultural or multiethnic societies presents major challenges for health care systems and for health researchers. Considerable literature exists on the methodological and ethical difficulties of conducting research in a cross-cultural context; however, there is a need for a framework to guide health research in multicultural societies. Methods The framework was informed by “research on research” that we have undertaken in community and primary health care settings in Sydney, Australia. Case studies are presented as illustrative examples. Results We present a framework for preferred practices in conducting health research that is culturally informed, high-quality, safe, and actionable. Conclusions The framework is not intended to be universal, however many of its aspects will have relevance for health research generally. Application of the framework for preferred practices could potentially make health research more culturally competent, thus enabling enhanced policies, programmes and practices to better meet population health needs. The framework needs to be further tested and refined in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodland
- Priority Populations, Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia. .,South Eastern Sydney Research Collaboration Hub, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of NSW, Level 3, AGSM Building, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Ilse Blignault
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Translational Health Research Institute, Building 3, David Pilgrim Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Cathy O'Callaghan
- South Eastern Sydney Research Collaboration Hub, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of NSW, Level 3, AGSM Building, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ben Harris-Roxas
- Priority Populations, Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.,Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, 301 Forbes St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
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Zwi K, Sealy L, Samir N, Hu N, Rostami R, Agrawal R, Cherian S, Coleman J, Francis J, Gunasekera H, Isaacs D, Larcombe P, Levitt D, Mares S, Mutch R, Newman L, Raman S, Young H, Norwood C, Lingam R. Asylum seeking children and adolescents in Australian immigration detention on Nauru: a longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2020; 4:e000615. [PMID: 32201744 PMCID: PMC7073805 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immigration detention has a profound and negative impact on the physical health, mental health, development and social-emotional well-being of children, adolescents and their families. Australian clinicians will report results from detailed health and well-being assessments of asylum seeking children and adolescents who have experienced prolonged immigration detention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a national, multicentre study with a longitudinal cohort design that will document health and well-being outcomes of the children and adolescents who have been detained in offshore detention on the remote island of Nauru. Outcome measures will be reported from the time arrival in Australia and repeated over a 5-year follow-up period. Measures include demographics, residency history and refugee status, physical health and well-being outcomes (including mental health, development and social-emotional well-being), clinical service utilisation and psychosocial risk and protective factors for health and well-being (eg, adverse childhood experiences). Longitudinal follow-up will capture outcomes over a 5-year period after arrival in Australia. Analysis will be undertaken to explore baseline risk and protective factors, with regression analyses to assess their impact on health and well-being outcomes. To understand how children's outcomes change over time, multilevel regression analysis will be utilised. Structural equation modelling will be conducted to explore the correlation between baseline factors, mediational factors and outcomes to assess trajectories over time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This research project was approved by the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Human Research Ethics Committee. Subsequent site-specific approvals have been approved in 5 of the 11 governing bodies where the clinical consultations took place. In order to ensure this research is relevant and sensitive to the needs of the cohort, our research team includes an asylum seeker who has spent time in Australian immigration detention. Results will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed Medline-indexed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Zwi
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Sealy
- Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nora Samir
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nan Hu
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reza Rostami
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rishi Agrawal
- General Paediatrics, Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide Division of Paediatric Medicine, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Cherian
- Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacinta Coleman
- Adolescent Medicine, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Josh Francis
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Hasantha Gunasekera
- School of Paediatrics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Isaacs
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penny Larcombe
- Paediatrics, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Levitt
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Mares
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raewyn Mutch
- Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise Newman
- Child Psychiatry, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shanti Raman
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Community Paediatrics, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Young
- Paediatrics, Royal North Shore Hospital School, Saint Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christy Norwood
- Community Child Health, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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MacLean SA, Agyeman PO, Walther J, Singer EK, Baranowski KA, Katz CL. Mental health of children held at a United States immigration detention center. Soc Sci Med 2019; 230:303-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Newman LK. Children Seeking Asylum: Mental Health and Human Rights. INTEGRATING PSYCHIATRY AND PRIMARY CARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-15872-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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16
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van Os ECCC, Zijlstra AEE, Knorth EJE, Post WJW, Kalverboer MEM. Recently arrived refugee children: The quality and outcomes of Best Interests of the Child assessments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2018; 59:20-30. [PMID: 29996984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Best Interests of the Child (BIC) assessments provide migration authorities with behavioral information about which interests of the child could be taken into account before a decision is made on the request for a residence permit. This study provides insight into the quality and outcomes of BIC assessments with 16 unaccompanied children (15-18 years) and 11 accompanied children (4-16 years) who have recently arrived in the Netherlands and requested asylum (N = 27). The results suggest that BIC assessments provide relevant information that enables assessors to determine the best interests of recently arrived refugee children. The inter-rater reliability of the BIC-Questionnaire, an instrument that evaluates the child-rearing environment and that is one of the components of the BIC assessment, was fairly good. The children in the sample had experienced a high number of stressful life events and a majority reported trauma related stress symptoms or other emotional problems. The quality of the child-rearing environment in the country of origin had protected their development insufficiently in the past and would not protect their development sufficiently in the future. The results show that in many cases forced return to the country of origin can put children's development at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C C Carla van Os
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - A E Elianne Zijlstra
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E J Erik Knorth
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - W J Wendy Post
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M E Margrite Kalverboer
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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Zwi K, Woodland L, Mares S, Rungan S, Palasanthiran P, Williams K, Woolfenden S, Jaffe A. Helping refugee children thrive: what we know and where to next. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:529-532. [PMID: 29275398 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Zwi
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Woodland
- District Executive Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Mares
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Santuri Rungan
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pamela Palasanthiran
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Zwi K, Mares S, Nathanson D, Tay AK, Silove D. The impact of detention on the social-emotional wellbeing of children seeking asylum: a comparison with community-based children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:411-422. [PMID: 29177563 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-1082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating literature demonstrates that immigration detention is harmful to children. However, there is a scarcity of scientifically rigorous and reliable data about the health of children held in detention facilities. The aim of the study was to compare a community-based population of recently arrived refugee children flown into Australia, not detained, resettled in a non-urban area, with a population of children who arrived by boat seeking asylum, detained since arrival. The parent-version of the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) of children aged 4-15 years was compared in children living in the community with those held in detention. We compared 86 children who had a parent-completed SDQ performed, 38 (44%) in the community group and 48 (56%) in the detention group. The community sample had been living in Australia for 325 days, with no time in detention. The detention sample had been living in detention for a mean of 221 days. The mean age was similar for the community and detention sample at 8.4 years (P = 0.18). In the total sample, children in the detention group had significantly higher SDQ total difficulties scores than children in the community group (P < 0.0001). There was no difference between age groups (P = 0.82). The children in the detention group had, on average, an SDQ total difficulties score that was 12 points higher than children in the community group. Four of the five SDQ subscale scores indicated greater disturbance amongst children in detention (< 0.0001) compared to children living in the community. The detention group had significantly higher scores (P < 0.001) for all except Pro-social scores as compared to Australian norms for the 4-6 and 7-15 years age group. This study presents a rare opportunity to compare the wellbeing of displaced children who were detained following arrival in Australia with those settled in the Australian community since arrival. The community children's scores approximated data from the general Australian childhood population. Children held in detention had significantly more social, emotional and behavioural difficulties than children living in the community, and at levels resembling a clinical cohort. Despite the small sample size, data restrictions and other limitations of the data, statistical significance in differences between the community and detention children is marked and arguably demonstrates the negative impact of post-arrival detention in children who are presumed to have similar levels of pre-arrival adversity. If the objective is to optimise the health and wellbeing of children seeking asylum, removal of post-arrival detention is one of the most powerful interventions available to host countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Zwi
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. .,Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Sarah Mares
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Dania Nathanson
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alvin Kuowei Tay
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, Ingham Applied Medical Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Derrick Silove
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, South West Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Zwi K, Woodland L, Williams K, Palasanthiran P, Rungan S, Jaffe A, Woolfenden S. Protective factors for social-emotional well-being of refugee children in the first three years of settlement in Australia. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:261-268. [PMID: 28698238 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-312495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM This longitudinal study investigated protective factors for social-emotional well-being in refugee children in Australia. METHODS Newly arrived refugee children aged 4-15 years were recruited between 2009 and 2013 and assessments were conducted at two points, at years 2 and 3 postarrival. Social-emotional well-being was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Protective factors were assessed by structured interview and the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS); scores <150 reflect fewer stressful life events in the previous year. RESULTS Forty-three eligible refugee children were recruited. The SDQ was completed by parents in 90% and protective factor data in 80% at years 2 and 3 of follow-up. Protective factors for normal SDQ scores were: originating from Africa (p=0.01), father present on arrival (p=0.019) and family SRRS scores <150 at year 2 (p=0.045). The median number of protective factors was 4 (range 1-8). Better SDQ scores were associated with ≥4 protective factors (p<0.006). Furthermore, more protective factors increased the child's likelihood of a stable or improved SDQ score over time (p<0.04). Modifiable protective factors likely to promote social-emotional well-being include stability in the child's school and residence, parental employment, financial and marital stability, proximity to one's own ethnic community and external community support. CONCLUSIONS Cumulative protective factors, some of which are potentially modifiable, can predict social-emotional well-being in newly arrived refugee children. Children with four or more protective factors are at low risk of poor social-emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Zwi
- University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Woodland
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Health Services Research and Development, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Pamela Palasanthiran
- University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Santuri Rungan
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- University of New South Wales and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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