Health assessment of newly arrived refugees to the Municipality of Copenhagen, Denmark

• Published in: European journal of public health 2019-11, Vol.29 (Supplement_4)
• Main Authors: Andersen, M, Frederiksen, H Winther, Ahmadi, M, Kruse, A, Nørredam, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anemia; Bias; Cross-sectional studies; Disease; Headache; Migration; Oppression; Pain; Political asylum; Population studies; Post traumatic stress disorder; Public health; Refugees; Signs and symptoms; Sociodemographics; Vitamin D; Vitamin deficiency; Vitamins
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.016

Abstract Background Research data on the health status of newly arrived refugees is sparse. Newly arrived refugees and family reunified in The Municipality of Copenhagen has since 2016 been offered a general health assessment. These assessments are conducted by clinicians with expertise in refugee and migrant health from the Section of Immigrant Health. This study describes the sociodemographic characteristics and the burden of disease in this population. Methods In this cross-sectional study the population consists of adult patients examined January 2017 to February 2019. Clinicians performed the health assessment including a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, medical history, symptoms, traumatic events during/before migration, a clinical examination and blood samples. Results The population had an equal presentation of males (N = 81) and females (N = 79) primarily from Syria (33%) and Iran (29%). The median age was 31,5 years (SD = 10,9). 67% had ≥8 years of schooling, while 11% had a maximum of 2 years. More than half had experienced war and 50% persecution. 76% suffered from Vitamin D deficiency, 31% of B12 deficiency and 12% of anemia. Few suffered from infectious and somatic diseases, yet many experiences symptoms such as pain (53%) and headaches (54%). 33% presented with symptoms of PTSD. Conclusions A high frequency of micronutrition deficiency was prevalent in the refugee group. Furthermore, many suffered from physical symptoms while very few had serious somatic issues. Numerous traumatic experiences were reported and 33% presented with symptoms of PTSD. The data is presumably a reflection of the healthy migrant bias. Key messages Despite refugees presumably being tested pre-entry and at holding level, they still suffer several health issues when granted asylum. Many newly arrived refugees suffer from micronutrition deficiency. These conditions are easily treated and could enhance the overall health of the individual.