Health care needs of Indochinese refugee teenagers

Abstract

Although 50% of Indochinese refugees are under 18 years of age, previous studies have emphasized the prevalence of parasites, anemia, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, with few addressing age-related health care needs. In this study the specific health care needs of 80 Indochinese refugee teenagers, evaluated during a 4-year period, were determined. The Centers for Disease Control's suggested screening measures were used, and it was found that 52% had positive purified protein derivative skin tests, 38% lacked immunizations, 35% had stool specimens positive for parasites (prevalence and number of parasites greatest among Cambodians), 14% had blood tests positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, and 10% were anemic. Additional evaluations showed that 19% had hemoglobinopathies, 14% were in or below the fifth percentile for height and weight, 12% had goiters, 12% had skin disorders, 8% had positive hepatitis B surface antigen, 5% had visual defects, 5% had hearing loss, 5% had psychosomatic illness, and 4% had idiopathic scoliosis. Although suggested Centers for Disease Control screening measures may be adequate for younger Indochinese children, these data suggest that additional studies are necessary for teenagers. For the sexually active adolescent, identification of and counseling for hepatitis antigenemia and hemoglobinopathies are crucial. In addition, early identification of emotional and physical problems during screening may enhance assimilation into a new society and facilitate completion of the psychosocial tasks of adolescence.