The Lancet
Volume 315, Issue 8173, 1980, Pages 868-872

RAPID ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH STATUS AND PREVENTIVE-MEDICINE NEEDS OF NEWLY ARRIVED KAMPUCHEAN REFUGEES, SA KAEO, THAILAND (Article)

Glass R.* , Nieburg P. , Cates Jr. W. , Davis C. , Russbach R. , Peel S. , Nothdurft H. , Turnbull R.
  • a Epidemiology Unit, International Red Cross, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
  • b Epidemiology Unit, International Red Cross, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
  • c Epidemiology Unit, International Red Cross, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
  • d Epidemiology Unit, International Red Cross, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
  • e International Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
  • f International Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
  • g International Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland
  • h International Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract

In the disaster relief programme for Kampuchean refugees in Thailand, epidemiological techniques were incorporated into the health-planning process during the first 2 weeks of the refugee influx. The findings influenced not only health care in the first refugee camp but also the delivery of medical services in subsequent camps. The mortality rate in the first week of refugee settlement was 9·1/10 000/day, and fell to 0·7/10 000/day by the fifth week. Children aged 4 and under had the highest risk of death. Fever/malaria was the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Simple epidemiological techniques, if initiated early in the relief effort, can influence medical decisions and lead to more effective use of health resources. © 1980.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Short Survey Nutritional Requirements hospitalization refugee Cambodia Thailand Population Surveillance Prospective Studies epidemiology Refugees Relief Work middle aged health status Time Factors geographic distribution morbidity disaster Health Services Needs and Demand health health program Humans Adolescent health services research male preschool child female Child, Preschool Disasters therapy Emergency Medical Services adult mortality Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0018842480&doi=10.1016%2fS0140-6736%2880%2991365-3&partnerID=40&md5=9bb2ece89febeb2a389a6e289a8ca9b3
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(80)91365-3
ISSN: 01406736
Cited by: 37
Original Language: English