Several medical problems have been reported in Southeast Asian refugees during recent years. Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and include tuberculosis, intestinal parasites, hepatitis carriers and malaria. Anemia is common, often due to iron deficiency and hemoglobin disorders. Acute malnutrition does not appear to be a major problem except in young children, but evidence suggests chronic malnutrition may be widespread. Psychiatric and cultural problems exist and may increase. Based on these findings several recommendations can be made for the medical evaluation of Indochinese refugees. All persons should have a complete history and physical examination with close attention paid to nutritional status and possible psychiatric problems. Routine laboratory studies should include complete blood count (CBC) with differential, screening of stool for ova and parasites, and screening for HBsAg. Tuberculosis status should be reevaluated and a full set of immunizations based on the refugee's age should be started.

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fungus cestode health care management central nervous system protozoon trematode refugee psychological aspect human epidemiology Refugees Malaria health status geographic distribution morbidity Nutrition Disorders Hematologic Diseases mental disease digestive system United States anemia male Tuberculosis, Pulmonary case report nematode hepatitis Filaria Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic infection abstract report Asia, Southeastern Middle Age blood and hemopoietic system