Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
Volume 27, Issue 2, 2004, Pages 40-45

Demographics and utilisation of health services by paediatric refugees from East Africa: implications for service planning and provision (Article) (Open Access)

Cooke R. , Murray S. , Carapetis J. , Rice J. , Mulholland N. , Skull S.
  • a Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • b Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • c Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • d Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • e Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • f Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne VIC, Australia

Abstract

Little is known of difficulties in accessing health care for recently arrived paediatric refugees in Australia. We reviewed routinely collected data for all 199 East African children attending a hospital Immigrant Health Clinic for the first time over a 16 month period. Although 63% of parents reported medical consultations since arrival, 77% of this group reported outstanding, unaddressed health problems. Availability of interpreters and information on health services were the main factors hindering access to care. These data have informed future service planning at the Clinic. Ongoing data collection is key to maintaining a responsive, targeted service for a continually changing population.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

health service human Africa refugee Ambulatory Care Facilities outpatient department demography Health Services Needs and Demand Africa, Eastern Health Services Accessibility Humans Refugees health care delivery Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84983027565&doi=10.1071%2fAH042720040&partnerID=40&md5=0fa48f321f98969cc574c60504d77b15
DOI: 10.1071/AH042720040
ISSN: 01565788
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English