Pediatric Refugee Health and Patterns of Health Care Utilization in Durham, North Carolina

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study explored the health needs, trends of health care utilization, and barriers to care of a diverse population of refugee children resettled in Durham County, North Carolina. METHODS Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 327 pediatric (aged 0-21 years) refugee patients who received care at Lincoln Community Health Center from 2016 to 2018. RESULTS Results describe a low prevalence of infectious diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (0%), hepatitis B (2%), and tuberculosis (5%), but a high prevalence of nutritional problems, such as growth stunting (17%), overweight (21%), Vitamin D insufficiency (79% of the 39 tested), and anemia (13%). Subspecialty care was frequently utilized, despite prolonged appointment delays and frequent missed visits. LIMITATIONS Limitations of the study included a small sample size that only considered refugees in one geographic area and one primary care clinic, as well as variability in physician documentation. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need for tailored programs and processes, such as dedicated case management and improved screening practices, in order to facilitate integrated care and promote wellness among this vulnerable group of young refugees.