scholarly journals ‘A Cross Sectional Survey of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Primary Care Health Needs and Living Conditions of Asylum-Seekers Living in a Greek Reception Centre.’

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Clare Talitha Gordon ◽  
Conor T O-Brien ◽  
Julie Balen ◽  
Stephanie Duncombe ◽  
Albane Girma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Reception Centre ◽  
Greek Island

Abstract BackgroundIn 2019, a migrant camp on the Greek island of Samos designed for 650 people was home to over 5500. Migration rates from conflict zones remain high. We aimed to quantitatively describe demographics, living conditions and health needs in the reception centre community of Samos, Greece.MethodsA questionnaire was designed with reference to international humanitarian standards for reception centre following a consultative process with representatives of the asylum-seeker population. Domains assessed included demographics; living conditions; safety/vulnerability; and health. The questionnaire was piloted and then following feedback from participants, conducted in June 2019 on a sample of 500 asylum seekers attending Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) centres supporting the Samos reception centre. Results500 participants: 60.6% male, 35.0% female and 4.4% did not report gender. 79.4% lived in tents. Respondents were predominantly from Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Respondents reported a total of 570 children in their care. 20.6% of women were pregnant. 35.4% had experienced physical violence; 7.8% reported Sexual/ Gender-based violence (SGBV). 83% reported psychological distress, 71% skin disease, 66% diarrhoea and vomiting and 64% respiratory disease. Accommodation, sanitation, and nutrition fell below internationally recognised standards, and poor access to water was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with respiratory disease, diarrhoea and vomiting, skin disease and psychological distress. ConclusionLiving conditions in the over-burdened Samos camp fall far below accepted basic humanitarian standards and are associated with overall poor health status in the camp population. Further research is imperative to analyse and monitor the diverse, varying needs of asylum-seekers in the Greek island hotspots and inform policies to improve conditions.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional survey of sociodemographic characteristics, primary care health needs and living conditions of asylum-seekers living in a Greek reception centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gordon ◽  
Conor O-Brien ◽  
Julie Balen ◽  
Stephanie L. Duncombe ◽  
Albane Girma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Access

Abstract Background In 2019, a migrant camp on the Greek island of Samos designed for 650 people was home to a growing population of over 5500. We aimed to quantitatively describe living conditions and health needs in the camp. Methods A questionnaire was designed with reference to international humanitarian standards, following a consultative process with the asylum-seeker population. Domains assessed included demographics, living conditions, safety/vulnerability, and health. The questionnaire was piloted and then conducted in June 2019 on a sample of asylum seekers. Results Five hundred participants, predominantly from Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Of these, 79.4% lived in tents. Respondents cared for a total of 570 children; 20.6% of women were pregnant, 35.4% had experienced violence, 83% psychological distress, 71% skin disease, 66% diarrhoea and vomiting, and 64% respiratory disease. Accommodation, sanitation, and nutrition fell below internationally recognised standards, and poor access to water was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with respiratory disease, diarrhoea and vomiting, skin disease ,and psychological distress. Conclusions Living conditions in the Samos camp fall below basic humanitarian standards and are associated with poor health status. Further research is imperative to analyse and monitor the diverse, varying needs of asylum-seekers and inform policies to improve conditions.

Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health needs of asylum seekers in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110054
Author(s):  
Sarah Mares ◽  
Kym Jenkins ◽  
Susan Lutton ◽  
Louise Newman AM
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Human Rights Violations ◽  
Mental Health Needs

Objective: This paper highlights the significant mental health vulnerabilities of people who have sought asylum in Australia and their additional adversities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Australia’s policies in relation to asylum seekers result in multiple human rights violations and add significantly to mental health vulnerabilities. Despite a majority being identified as refugees, people spend years in personal and administrative limbo and are denied resettlement in Australia. Social isolation and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and recent reductions in welfare and housing support compound their difficulties. The clinical challenges in working with people impacted by these circumstances and the role of psychiatrists and the RANZCP in advocacy are identified.

OP4 Accessing unplanned and emergency health services – experiences of asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees living in wales

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. e3.2-e3
Author(s):  
Ashrafunnesa Khanom ◽  
Bridie Evans ◽  
Wedad Alonazi ◽  
Alex Glendenning ◽  
Matthew Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Language Barriers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Out Of Hours Care ◽  
Asylum Seekers And Refugees ◽  
Emergency Health Services

BackgroundNumbers of asylum seekers and refugees living in Wales have increased sharply. Many are liable to have unmet health needs and difficulty accessing services. We investigated the experience of, and access to, unplanned and emergency health services by asylum seekers, refugees and those refused asylum living in Wales.MethodWe surveyed 210 asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees and conducted eight focus groups with 57 participants (with interpreters present when necessary) to explore experiences. We used descriptive statistics to analyse survey data and framework analyses to analyse interview data.ResultsSurvey data showed awareness of unscheduled health services was mixed. Best known was the 999 ambulance service (72% reportedly had heard of and could contact this outside daytime hours). NHS111 was familiar to 36% but just a quarter (26%) had heard of and could contact GP out-of-hours services. Fewer than half of respondents (44%) knew of the Emergency Department. 26% reported using a health service out-of-hours. Focus group respondents with little English reported difficulty explaining their health needs, particularly in emergencies and when seeking telephone help through 999 and 111 calls. Others said they used emergency services if they did not know how to access routine and out-of-hours care or if they felt their efforts to see a GP did not resolve their problem.ConclusionLanguage barriers and poor knowledge of UK health systems mean asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees use emergency health services to meet needs which could be seen and treated in routine primary services. Language barriers using phone lines may also result in paramedic attendance or conveyance to Emergency Departments because health needs are not clearly identified. Better information and support may help this population access services which match their needs and support their health more effectively.

scholarly journals Meeting the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers

2014 ◽  
Vol 204 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panos Vostanis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
The Other ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Service Models ◽  
Refugees And Asylum Seekers

SummaryMental health provision for diverse refugee populations is faced with a number of challenges, and requires the development and evaluation of flexible service models that maximise capacity and utilise existing non-specialist resources. Emerging therapeutic approaches should be applied in real settings, adapted to cultural needs and integrated with the other agencies involved.

scholarly journals Patient satisfaction & use of health care: a cross-sectional study of asylum seekers in the Freiburg initial reception centre

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabelle J. Bockey ◽  
Aleš Janda ◽  
Cornelia Braun ◽  
Anne-Maria Müller ◽  
Katarina Stete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reception Centre ◽  
Use Of Health Care

scholarly journals Effects of introducing a walk-in clinic on ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations among asylum seekers in Germany: a single-centre pre–post intervention study using medical records

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e027945
Author(s):  
Celina Lichtl ◽  
Kayvan Bozorgmehr
Keyword(s):  
Ambulatory Care ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Time Trends ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Rate Ratios ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reception Centre ◽  
Ambulatory Care Sensitive

ObjectiveMeasuring the effect of introducing a walk-in clinic on ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) hospitalisations among asylum seekers in a large state reception- and registration centre.Design and settingPre–post intervention study using anonymous account data from a university hospital functioning as referral facility for a state reception- and registration centre in the third largest German federal state.ParticipantsWe included all asylum seekers residing in the reception centre and admitted to the referral hospital between 2015 to 2017.InterventionsEstablishment of an interdisciplinary walk-in clinic in the reception centre (02/2016).Main outcome measuresInternational lists for ACS conditions for both adults and children were adapted and used to calculate the prevalence of ACS conditions among the population (primary outcome measure). The impact of the intervention on the outcome was analysed using a segmented Poisson regression to calculate incidence-rate ratios with respective 95% CIs, adjusted for age, sex and admission.ResultsThe prevalence of ACS hospitalisations changed over time, as did the effect of age, sex and quarter of admission. Introducing the walk-in clinic reduced the prevalence of ACS hospitalisations among asylum seekers compared with the period before establishment of the clinic (incidence-rate ratios (IRR)=0.80 (0.65 to 1.00), p=0.054), but the effect was attenuated after adjustment for time trends. The average difference in prevalence of ACS hospitalisations compared with the period before establishment of the clinic, corrected for pre-existing time trends, age and sex of asylum seekers was IRR=1.03 ((0.69 to 1.55), p=0.876).ConclusionsA walk-in clinic in reception centres may be effective to reduce ACS hospitalisations, but our study could not prove evidence for a measurable effect after full adjustment for time trends. Further research, ideally with parallel control groups, is required to establish evidence for the effectiveness of walk-in clinics in reception centres on reducing ACS hospitalisations.

scholarly journals Asylum seekers’ healthcare in Italy: policies and practices among different regions

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Milani ◽  
J Bianchi ◽  
P Bordin ◽  
S Bortoluzzi ◽  
V Gianfredi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Refugee Status ◽  
The Real ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Computerized System ◽  
Policies And Practices

Abstract Background The Italian law provides for international protection and universal health-care coverage for asylum seekers (AS). Indeed, they are entitled to be regularly registered at the National Healthcare Service. Before submitting the application for refugee status, medical assistance to migrants is up to local administration. Our aim was to describe and compare policies and protocols regulating AS healthcare from their arrival to their application for refugee status, at national and regional level. Moreover, we investigated the daily healthcare practice addressing potential gaps between policies and practice. Methods The research team is a subgroup of the Inequality working group of the Italian hygiene society and it is composed of public health residents. The research involved also local health workers and other professionals belonging to regional groups of Italian migrant medicine society (SIMM). We collected national, regional and local policies and protocols and we compared them using a specific framework. Furthermore, we achieved a mapping of daily practice implementation at local health organization (LHO) level using a checklist. Results The most relevant findings were that regional policies themselves vary notably from each other and, as regard practices, LHO implement differently the same regional legislation. Furthermore, we found some critical issues: the delayed inclusion in primary care assistance and lack of continuity of care and of a computerized system of recording information. Conclusions The lack of uniformity concerning policies and practices of AS healthcare might also result in unawareness and uncertainty about how to access to healthcare services by migrants. An enhanced cooperation between groups dealing with migrants’ issues may lead to avoid variability at the implementation. Finally, a computerized system for data collection might facilitate the continuity of care and the assessment of the real health needs of the AS population. Key messages It is a priority challenge for health systems to strengthen the interventions aimed at overcoming the linguistic, economic, cultural and administrative barriers to the health services access. It is crucial to improve the recording information system to detect the real health needs of AS, their change and the inequalities in access and to improve collaboration between groups and university.

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