Forced migration is on the rise, mainly from the Middle East to western countries, resulting in unprecedented moral, political, and economic challenges for both refugees and host communities. Recent research showed that refugees represent around 1.5% of the dialysis population in several European and Middle Eastern countries surveyed. Despite the fact that refugees represent a small percentage of all dialysis patients in these countries, adequate care for this population is challenging. There are cultural differences between refugee patients with end-stage renal disease hailing from the Middle East, who are predominantly Muslims, and people from the western host countries. These differences may present a major obstacle in ensuring adequate patient care. In this study, we identify several of these issues that we believe western renal providers should be aware of. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

End-stage renal disease culture Renal transplantation Refugees Dialysis

patient care cultural anthropology end stage renal disease refugee psychological aspect European human Refugees hemodialysis patient Middle East statistics and numerical data social aspect priority journal religion Muslim nephrologist Humans Review cultural factor Kidney Failure, Chronic Kidney Transplantation Nephrologists Delivery of Health Care chronic kidney failure dietary intake Culture health care delivery