European Journal of Public Health
Volume 28, Issue 5, 2018

Infectious and dermatological diseases among arriving migrants on the Italian coasts (Article) (Open Access)

Meco E.D.* , Napoli A.D. , Amato L.M. , Fortino A. , Costanzo G. , Rossi A. , Mirisola C. , Petrelli A.
  • a National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • b National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • c National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • d National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • e National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • f National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • g National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy
  • h National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano 25/a, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Background: Since 2008 Italy has been the destination of the 'central Mediterranean route', used by migrants to reach Europe. The aim of this study is to describe demographic characteristics and health problems of migrants at the time of arrival on the Italian coasts, focussing on dermatological and infectious diseases. Methods: Cross-sectional study of data routinely collected (n = 6, 188) by the National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP) in the centres for migrants of Lampedusa and Trapani-Milo (2015-16). Logistic models were performed to identify factors associated with scabies, varicella and the occurrence of two or more not related diagnosis. Results: The average age was 21.6 years; 83.5% of the patients were males. The most frequent countries of origin were Eritrea, Nigeria, and Somalia. The most frequent diagnosis was scabies (58% of patients), skin infections, pediculosis and dermatitis; respiratory infections and varicella were the most represented infectious diseases. The diagnosis of scabies was more probable among Somalis (OR: 11.60) and Eritreans (OR: 10.05); the diagnosis of varicella was more probable among Ghanaians (OR: 13.58) and Nigerians (OR: 9.79). Somalis (OR: 4.10) and Eritreans (OR: 3.32) were the patients more likely to receive two or more diagnosis. Conclusions: The majority of the diseases affecting migrants is in most cases, related to the migration experience and is likely not to represent a major threat for public health. Up-to-date information regarding the burden of diseases is needed in order to identify the health needs of incoming migrants and to arrange the appropriate response in terms of health services provision. © 2018 Czech National Institute of Public Health. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

refugee skin disease human Communicable Diseases middle aged Refugees statistics and numerical data Skin Diseases Cross-Sectional Studies Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans male female Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics communicable disease adult migration Italy Transients and Migrants
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058547850&doi=10.1093%2feurpub%2fcky126&partnerID=40&md5=036fa11b603990710b688656293873bd
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky126
ISSN: 11011262
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English