Looking beyond: complex holistic care needs of Syrian and Iraqi refugee children and adolescents. Issue 5 (26th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindsay, Kristen; Hanes, Gemma; Mutch, Raewyn; McKinnon, Elizabeth; Cherian, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 461
• Page End: 467
• Publication Date: 2021-10-26
• Subjects: paediatrics -- adolescent health -- global health -- child development -- child protective services; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Protracted international conflict has seen escalating numbers of displaced and resettled Syrian and Iraqi refugees, raising concerns for their health and well-being. This paper describes the demographic and clinical profiles of recently resettled Syrian and Iraqi refugee children and adolescents across physical, psychosocial, developmental and educational domains using standardised multidisciplinary assessments. Design: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken of initial specialist paediatric multidisciplinary Refugee Health Service assessments completed at the tertiary paediatric hospital (Western Australia) between June 2015 and September 2019. Results: Three hundred and twenty-seven children and adolescents (264 Syrian, 63 Iraqi) were assessed following resettlement. Witnessed trauma (86%) and disclosed adversity (median Refugee Adverse Childhood Experiences score 3, range 1–14) were universally high. Almost all patients had health issues identified across physical (99%), psychosocial (76%) and developmental/educational (75%) domains. Interrupted education (65%) and death of a family member (16%) were significantly associated with psychological morbidities. Common comorbidities included dental caries (78%), non-infectious disease (76%), vitamin D deficiency (72%), malnutrition (46%; overweight/obesity 23%), and psychological (32%; post-traumatic stress disorder 4.3%) and developmental (9.5%) concerns. Emerging and alarming child protection concerns were prevalent (17%), with females demonstrating especially high risks. Conclusion: This is the largest comprehensive study demonstrating the complex and cross-dimensional health needs and specific vulnerabilities of resettled Syrian and Iraqi refugee children and adolescents. Early comprehensive standardised multidisciplinary paediatric assessments, and culturally safe, trauma-informed interventions and follow-up are required to optimise resettlement outcomes and promote well-being. Abstract : A cross sectional observational study of multidisciplinary assessment of Syrian and Iraqi child refugees in Australia, showing multiple complex health concerns across physical, psychosocial and developmental/educational domains.