Immigrant Child Health Through the Eyes of Orthopedics: Is There a Difference Between Local Children

Abstract

Background: The number of immigrant children admitted to public sector healthcare facilities is increasing. However, comparatively few studies investigated its effects on health systems, especially in the orthopedics discipline. This research investigates if there is a significant difference in admission to orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics (O&T) between immigrants and local children. Materials and Methods: Immigrant (IP) and local patients (LP) under 18 admitted to the O&T of a tertiary hospital between 2019-2021 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic data of patients, number of admission in a year, place of admission, the reason for admission, treatment method, radiological imaging, and diagnoses (soft tissue trauma (STT), developmental hip dysplasia (DDH), etc.) were evaluated for both groups. Results: 1009 patients were included (n=481 LP, n=528 IP). The number of admissions was higher in IP between 1 and 2 years (p=0.02). The consultations of IP from the emergency department and other departments were statistically higher than those of LP (p<0.001). Fracture/complications and STT are the most common diagnoses in local and immigrant groups. The third most common diagnosis was DDH in LP and general examination in IP. Examinations with MRI and no radiological imaging were more frequent in IP than in LP. Conclusions: It is noteworthy that the number of admissions to O&T and consultations from other services is higher in IP than the LP. Increasing physicians' awareness of cultural differences and expectations and providing health education to immigrant families through professional translators in their preferred language can diminish the load on healthcare.