Migrant children frequently have health needs that go unmet due to fragmented care caused by their mobility, poverty, lack of medical and financial resources, language barriers, superstitions and poor education. Their common health problems primarily fall into four categories: 1) Diseases and conditions caused by overcrowded and poor living conditions and frequent moves to new climatic areas with different water supplies and native viruses; 2) nutritional problems; 3) congenital anomalies, inherited conditions and allergies; and 4) neglect and lack of adequate medical treatment. Migrant children present nurse practitioners with a unique challenge to provide the children and their families with comprehensive health care which includes 1) diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, infections and infestations within the family's meager economic means; 2) referrals for congenital anomalies, chronic conditions and those conditions requiring additional or specialized health services; and 3) the adaptation of teaching programs for the child and his/her parents (including health education in hygiene, immunization status, growth and development, stimulation, nutrition, etc.). This article discusses migrant health problems and makes recommendations for providing health care and referrals for migrant children. © Williams & Wilkins 1986. All Rights Reserved.

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public health service human health service Abnormalities nutritional disorder Nutrition Disorders Health Services Needs and Demand United States health services research preschool child patient referral Infant Child, Preschool congenital malformation Referral and Consultation Article organization and management Public Health Administration migration child health care Child Health Services infection Transients and Migrants immunization Child