Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
Volume 63, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 109-117

Screening and primary care access for newly arrived paediatric refugees in regional Australia: A 5 year cross-sectional analysis (2007-12) (Article)

Zwi K.* , Morton N. , Woodland L. , Mallitt K.-A. , Palasanthiran P.
  • a Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • b Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
  • c South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, District Executive Unit, Sydney, NSW 2229, Australia
  • d University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • e Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of health conditions in newly arrived refugee children and access to timely heath screening. Methods: Cross-sectional data from screening of refugee children in regional Australia (2007-12) were analysed for health conditions and timeliness of primary care access. Results: The health of 376 newly arrived refugee children (0-15 years) was assessed. Refugee children came from African (45%), Southeast Asian (29%) and Eastern Mediterranean (10%) regions. Access to primary care screening was present in 367 children (97% of arrivals). Completion of all recommended screening tests was 72%. Of 188 children with arrival and screening dates recorded, 88% were screened within 1 month and 96% within 6 months of arrival. Timely access of remaining children could not be assessed. Conclusion: Primary care was highly accessible to almost all newly arrived refugee children. Health screening was timely in those children with complete medical records. © The Author [2016].

Author Keywords

Primary care Screening child Model of care Refugee

Index Keywords

primary medical care refugee Australia mass screening human Refugees statistics and numerical data screening test Cross-Sectional Studies cross-sectional study Humans model male female preschool child Child, Preschool medical record prevalence major clinical study Health Services Accessibility primary health care public health health care delivery Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018949993&partnerID=40&md5=7c45eed3a0ac51b277009ee973a0b13a
ISSN: 01426338
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English