Australian Family Physician
Volume 36, Issue 7, 2007, Pages 568-570

Refugee youth - Immunisation status and GP attendance (Article)

Thomas P.* , Milne B. , Raman S. , Shah S.
  • a NSW Refugee Health Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • b Department of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia
  • c Area Community Paediatrician- Child Protection, Sydney South West Area Health Service, NSW, Australia
  • d Primary Health Care Education and Research Unit, Sydney West Area Health Service, NSW, Australia

Abstract

Background: We describe reported immunisation status and primary health care utilisation in refugee and migrant young people in western Sydney, New South Wales. Method: Students attending an Intensive English Centre (IEC) high school in western Sydney were surveyed for self reported general health, immunisation status of hepatitis B and measles, mumps and rubella and attendance at general practice following arrival in Australia. Results: Of 165 respondents, 68 (41%) had a named general practitioner and 66 (40%) reported seeing a doctor in Australia. Students who had not seen a doctor in Australia were significantly more likely to request immunisation. Discussion: Refugee and migrant young people are likely to have a poor utilisation of primary health care relative to their needs. Most who had seen a GP in Australia required catch up immunisation. Stronger links and increased GP education about the requirements of these young people are needed to improve immunisation status and GP utilisation in this high risk group.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

refugee Australia human Refugees statistics health service health status Humans Adolescent male female health services Article adult migration Utilization Review Emigration and Immigration immunization Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34547758469&partnerID=40&md5=4da0ac9c09f07dd29d48c135ed4a36c3
ISSN: 03008495
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English