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Cakmak HM, Kocabay K, Temizkan RC, Turay S, Ozde S, Kurt F, Sav NM, Erguven M, Coşkun E. Refugee and asylum-seeker children and health problems in the city of Duzce, Türkiye. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13295. [PMID: 38927007 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13295] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examines the health problems and healthcare needs of refugee and asylum-seeker children and aims to develop strategies for improvement. METHODS Based on quantitative data from 448 refugee and asylum-seeker children and 222 non-refugee local children, this study was conducted at Düzce University, Department of Paediatrics, between 2010 and 2021. The refugee children originated from three countries: Iraq (n = 304), Syria (n = 101) and Afghanistan (n = 43). The data were analysed using the SPSS data analysis program. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Düzce Üniversity. RESULTS The results suggest that refugee and asylum-seeker children have significantly higher rates of acute illness or infection, malnutrition (p < 0.001) and anaemia (p < 0.001) than local children as a result of living in overcrowded families (p = 0.017) and unhealthy conditions. Adolescent pregnancy (p = 0.049) emerges as an important social problem as a result of child marriage among refugee children, mostly in the form of consanguineous marriages (p < 0.001). The rate of having at least two adolescent pregnancies (under 18) was highest among Syrian refugee girls (p = 0.01). Although refugee and asylum-seeker children have higher rates of health insurance (between 74% and 95%), they have lower rates of insurance compared to local children. This research also compares the data from three nationalities, including Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq children; Iraqi and Afghan children under the international protection (IP) system with limited social support and rights had worse health conditions compared to other groups. Although Iraqi children had the highest rates of health insurance on admission (p < 0.001), they also had higher rates of chronic diseases (p = 0.001), infections (p = 0.004), allergic rhinitis (p = 0.001) and malnutrition (p < 0.001). The youngest age of admission (p = 0.006) and the shortest length of stay (p = 0.004) were for Afghan children who also had higher rates of upper respiratory infections (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the urgent need for improved screening programmes and the importance of collaborative efforts to address the specific health needs of these populations. Addressing the health status of child refugees is a complex and multifaceted task that requires the active participation of healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers, each of whom has a crucial role to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Mine Cakmak
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Kenan Kocabay
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | | | - Sevim Turay
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Sukriye Ozde
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kurt
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Nadide Melike Sav
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
| | - Muferet Erguven
- Department of Pediatrics, Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Duzce, Turkey
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Smith C, Boylen S, Mutch R, Cherian S. Hear Our Voice: Pediatric Communication Barriers From the Perspectives of Refugee Mothers With Limited English Proficiency. J Pediatr Health Care 2024; 38:114-126. [PMID: 38429024 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.12.009] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse health outcomes are more common for health consumers with limited English proficiency (LEP). This study examines the consumer experience of refugee mothers with LEP when communicating with paediatric health services. METHOD A community-based participatory qualitative study engaging participants from refugee-like backgrounds. Focus groups and in-depth individual interviews (using professional interpreters) were conducted in community settings and analysed using Grounded Theory principles. RESULTS Fifty ethnolinguistically diverse participants reported universal communication barriers; (i) "Negative health care experiences" (fear, helplessness, lack of safety, trust and dignity), (ii) "Ineffective health service communication and adverse outcomes", (iii) "Logistical access barriers" and (iv) self-sourced solutions". The "importance of professional interpreter utilisation" and subsequent "sense of empowerment" was unanimous. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights gaps in current health interactions which negatively impact care, inclusion, and culturally safe engagement. Recommendations include orgainzational reform enhancing language services, increased cultural competency, long term support, and research with LEP populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Smith
- Cassie Smith, Paediatric Advanced Trainee (General Paediatrics and Gastroenterology) Refugee Health Service, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Susan Boylen
- Susan Boylen, Senior Lecturer & 1(st) Year Academic Advisor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Raewyn Mutch
- Raewyn Mutch, General Paediatrician (Refugee Health Service and General Paediatrics), Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service, and Clinical Associate Professor Division of Paedaitrics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Cherian
- Sarah Cherian, Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, and General Paediatrician and Clinical Lead Refugee Health Service, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service, and Honorary Research Associate, Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Immunity, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Li Y, Shang Y, Yang Y, Hou C, Yang H, Hu Y, Zhang J, Song H, Zhang W. Association of childhood adversities with psychosocial difficulties among Chinese children and adolescents. Int J Epidemiol 2023; 52:1887-1897. [PMID: 37659106 PMCID: PMC10749775 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been well recognized as risk factors for various adverse outcomes. However, the impacts of ACEs on psychological wellbeing among Chinese children and adolescents are unknown. METHODS In total, 27 414 participants (6592 Grade 4-6 and 20 822 Grade 7-12 students) were included and information on ACEs and various psychosocial outcomes was collected. We identified subgroups with distinct psychosocial statuses using cluster analysis and logistic regression was applied to measure the associations of ACEs [individual, cumulative numbers by categories or co-occurring patterns identified by using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA)] with item- and cluster-specific psychosocial difficulties. RESULTS Three and four cluster-based psychosocial statuses were identified for Grade 4-6 and Grade 7-12 students, respectively, indicating that psychosocial difficulties among younger students were mainly presented as changes in relationships/behaviours, whereas older students were more likely featured by deviations in multiple domains including psychiatric symptoms and suicidality. Strongest associations were found for threat-related ACEs (e.g. bullying experiences) with item- or cluster-based psychosocial difficulties (e.g. for cluster-based difficulties, the highest odds ratios = 1.72-2.08 for verbal bullying in Grade 4-6 students and 6.30-12.81 for cyberbullying in Grade 7-12 students). Analyses on cumulative numbers of ACEs and MCA-based ACE patterns revealed similar risk patterns. Additionally, exposure patterns predominated by poor external environment showed significant associations with psychosocial difficulties among Grade 7-12 students but not Grade 4-6 students. CONCLUSIONS Chinese adolescents faced different psychosocial difficulties that varied by age, all of which were associated with ACEs, particularly threat-related ACEs. Such findings prompt the development of early interventions for those key ACEs to prevent psychosocial adversities among children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- Mental Health Center and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanan Shang
- School of Health Management, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Hou
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huazhen Yang
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Hu
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Song
- Mental Health Center and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Abu-Ras W, Ashraf AbuLaban A, Talat AlQaisi S, AlQaisi MTH, Decker E. Orphans in Syria and Iraq Juggling Balls: Wars, COVID-19, and the NGO's financial crisis. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2170010. [PMID: 36744740 PMCID: PMC9904298 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2170010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic's impact varies between and within nations, causing new forms of inequality. Refugee and orphan children in conflicted areas are more likely to suffer due to poverty, vulnerability, and limited access to essential services including reduction in donor funding. This qualitative study is the first to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial crisis on Iraqi and Syrian orphaned children and their mothers. The Modified Grounded Theory was used for the preliminary analysis to expand the range of themes. This study has identified five major themes: financial crisis, low educational attainment, child labour, mental health issues, violence, and social problems. The impact of COVID-19 children and adolescents' mental health is of great concern. These multiple crises may significantly impact orphan children and adolescents' cognitive, mental health, and physical development. It is critical to address mental health issues during the current crisis and to plan for possible future pandemics and their intersecting outcomes. A Holistic approach requires providers to be aware of their clients' intersecting circumstances and needs using a range of lenses, including the person in the environment, family dynamics, culture, politics, and structural challenges. Offering food, medical supplies, and housing are considered basic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahiba Abu-Ras
- Adelphi School of Social Work, Garden City, NY, United States,CONTACT Wahiba Abu-Ras Adelphi School of Social Work, One South Avenue Garden City, Garden City, New York11530
| | | | | | | | - Eliza Decker
- MSW Candidate Adelphi School of Social Work, Garden City, NY, United States of America
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Chawla J, Houbby N, Boutros S, Davies S, Farina E, Stewart CG, Munajjed O. Emergency paediatric medicine consultation-a practical guide to a consultation with refugee and asylum-seeking children within the paediatric emergency department. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4379-4387. [PMID: 37477702 PMCID: PMC10587207 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing numbers of refugee and asylum-seeking children entering the UK annually who face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services. Clinicians working in the emergency department should have an awareness of the journeys children may have taken and the barriers they face in accessing care and have a holistic approach to care provision. We conducted a narrative literature review and used experiential knowledge of paediatricians working in the Paediatric Emergency Department to formulate a step-by-step screening tool. We have formulated a step-by-step screening tool, CCHILDS (Communication, Communicable diseases, Health-physical and mental, Immunisation, Look after (safeguarding), Deficiencies, Sexual health) which can be used by healthcare professionals in the emergency department. CONCLUSION Due to increasing numbers of refugee and asylum-seeking children, it is important that every point of contact with healthcare professionals is an impactful one on their health, well-being and development. Future work would include validation of our tool. WHAT IS KNOWN •The number of refugees globally are rapidly increasing, leading to an increase in the number of presentations to the PED. These patients are often medically complex and may have unique and sometimes unexpected presentations that could be attributed to by their past. There are a multitude of resources available outlining guidance on the assessment and management of refugee children. WHAT IS NEW •This review aims to succinctly summarise the guidance surrounding the assessment of refugee children presenting to the PED and ensure that healthcare professionals are aware of the pertinent information regarding this cohort. It introduces the CCHILDS assessment tool which has been formulated through a narrative review of the literature and acts as a mnemonic to aid professionals in their assessment of refugee children in the PED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Chawla
- London North West Healthcare Trust, London, UK.
- Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Nour Houbby
- London North West Healthcare Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ella Farina
- Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust, London, UK
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