Publication: Primary care screening methods and outcomes for asylum seekers in New York City
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KU-Authors
KU Authors
Co-Authors
Selden, Elizabeth
Krass, Polina
Keatley, Eva S.
Keller, Allen
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Embargo Status
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Abstract
Effective screening in primary care among asylum-seekers in the US is critical as this population grows. This study aimed to evaluate disease prevalence and screening methods in this high-risk group. Two hundred ten new clients from 51 countries, plus Tibet, who were accepted into a program for asylum seekers from 2012 to 2014 were included. Screening rates and outcomes for infectious, non-communicable, and mental illnesses were evaluated. Screening rates were highest for PTSD, depression, hepatitis B, and latent tuberculosis. Seventy-one percent of clients screened positive for depression and 55 % for PTSD, followed by latent tuberculosis (41 %), hypertension (10 %), hepatitis B (9.4 %), and HIV (0.8 %). Overall screening rates were high. Point of care testing was more effective than testing that required a repeat visit. A large psychiatric and infectious disease burden was identified. These findings can inform future primary care screening efforts for asylum seekers in the US.
Source
Publisher
Springer
Subject
Public, Environmental, Occupational health
Citation
Has Part
Source
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Book Series Title
Edition
DOI
10.1007/s10903-016-0507-y