Health profile of Ethiopian immigrants in Israel: an overview

Abstract

The health profile of two groups of Ethiopian immigrants in Israel was evaluated. Trichophytosis and active trachoma were observed in 5%-8.7% of prepubertal children. Among adults 13% had corneal opacities and 10.4% had cataracts. Goiter, spastic bronchitis, valvular heart disease, leprosy and onchocerciasis were prevalent. Malnutrition was common, with average body weights ranging from 72.4% to 85.2% of normal. Anemia was observed in 6.3% of young children and 70% of all immigrants. Fifty percent of children over 12 years and 98% of adults over 40 years of age had been exposed to hepatitis B virus; 9.8%-11.8% were HBsAg carriers. Tuberculin tests were positive in 9.8%-13%; and intestinal parasites were identified in 86%-98%. Hospitalization was required for 15.7% of immigrants arriving during the period 1978-90, and for 3.7% of those arriving in mid-1991 (Operation Solomon).