Comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugee children in Australia

Abstract

Providing appropriate and responsive care to refugees from diverse backgrounds and with unique health needs is challenging. Refugee children may present with a wide range of conditions, which may be unfamiliar to health professionals in developed countries. Additionally, refugees may experience unfamiliarity with the Australian health system and distrust of authority figures and/or medical practitioners. This article provides an overview of the priority areas in health and health management for paediatric refugee patients for paediatricians as well as other relevant health care providers caring for this group. Specific issues covered include general health assessment, infectious diseases, immunization, growth and nutrition, oral health, development and disability, mental health and child protection. Comprehensive health assessment can assist in identifying children at risk of poor health and to provide them with timely and effective care, advocacy and appropriate referral.

Universal Paediatric Refugee Health Screening

“…We briefly outline our recent experience with paediatric refugee screening in Western Australia (WA) based on the frameworks outlined previously in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. [2][3][4] Earlier, more extensive data have also been described. 5 The wide array of health concerns that may be encountered in this vulnerable population is highlighted.…”

“…3 There is a much wider reported literature for venlafaxine ingestion in adults typically as episodes of deliberate self-harm, including polypharmacy overdoses. 4 …”

Immunisation of refugee and migrant young people: can schools do the job?

“…3,4 Unlike programs in other countries, 5 there is no national, formal health-screening program or immunisation catch-up for refugee children following arrival in Australia. 3 New South Wales (NSW) receives the largest proportion of refugees in Australia; each year more than 4,000 are granted residency in the State. Western Sydney receives the second-highest number of newly arriving refugees in NSW.…”

“…1 In children, exposure to trauma and deprivation can lead to low immunisation rates, increased prevalence of infectious diseases, nutritional problems and poor psychological health. 2,3 The immunisation status of refugee children arriving in Australia is a major public health issue. 3,4 Unlike programs in other countries, 5 there is no national, formal health-screening program or immunisation catch-up for refugee children following arrival in Australia.…”

“…2,3 The immunisation status of refugee children arriving in Australia is a major public health issue. 3,4 Unlike programs in other countries, 5 there is no national, formal health-screening program or immunisation catch-up for refugee children following arrival in Australia. 3 New South Wales (NSW) receives the largest proportion of refugees in Australia; each year more than 4,000 are granted residency in the State.…”