BackgroundMigrant children are a population at risk for various health problems. Despite the increased inflow of migrants in Greece, data regarding their health assessment are lacking. This study aims to describe the clinical and certain laboratory characteristics and identify possible associations in a group of new immigrant (I) and refugee (R) children, arriving in Athens, Greece.MethodsA prospective, cross- sectional study was performed in a migrant outpatient clinic of a tertiary Children’s hospital. All immigrant and refugee children, examined to obtain a health certificate, within 3 months of their arrival in the country, were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory information was collected in a pre- designed form. We applied multiple logistic regression models to investigate the association between the child’s status (immigrant vs refugee) and health indicators controlling for possible confounding effects, mainly of age and area of origin.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2013, a total of 300 children (I/R:138/162) with a mean age of 7.08 (range 1–14) years were included. Overall, 79.3% presented unknown vaccination status, 21.3% dental and 7.3% additional clinical problems. Latent tuberculosis was identified in 2.7%, while anemia, low serum ferritin and eosinophilia were found in 13.7%, 17.3%, and 22.7% of subjects, respectively. 57.7% had protective antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs ≥ 10 IU/L) and 30.6% elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs). Immigrants had less likely unknown immunization (OR = 0.25, p < 0.001), but had increased odds of low ferritin (OR = 1.97, p = 0.043), EBLLs (OR = 2.97, p = 0.001) and protective anti-HBs (OR = 1.79, p = 0.03). Age was inversely associated with anemia (OR = 0.0.89, p = 0.017), low ferritin (OR = 0.91, p = 0.027), EBLLs (OR = 0.86, p = 0.001) or positive anti-HBs (OR = 0.92, p = 0.025). Children from Europe or Africa presented decreased probability of EBLLs (OR = 0.31, p = 0.001, and OR = 0.15, p = 0.005, respectively) compared to those from Asia.ConclusionsNew immigrant and refugee children presented distinct clinical problems and certain laboratory abnormalities. Some of these health issues differed according to their migration status, age and geographic area of origin. These findings provide evidence that may assist the optimal approach of this vulnerable population.

Background: This study aims to assess lead exposure and associated risk factors among newly arrived migrant (M) (immigrant and refugees) children in Greece and a matched control of native (N) children. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary children’s hospital. Results: From 2010 to 2014, 598 children (M/N: 349/249) with a mean age of 6.96 years old (range 1–14, SD 3.76) were enrolled. Blood lead levels (BLLs) ranged from 0.7 to 21 μg/dL in migrant and from 0.4 to 10 μg/dL in native Greek children. Elevated BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL were detected in 27.7% of migrants and 1.2% of natives (p < 0.001). A significant association was found between EBLLs and childrens’ age (≤5 years) (OR: 1.8, p-value 0.02) and EBLLs with Asian origin (OR: 3.63, p-value 0.023). Conclusion: New migrant children presented with increased BLLs when compared to their age- and sex-matched controls. Younger age and Asian origin were significant risk factors associated with elevated BLLs among children. Early screening, secondary prevention, and regular follow-up could prove useful in this vulnerable population.

Introduction: Alcohol use during adolescence remains a prominent public health problem with short-and long-term consequences. The study aims at investigating the epidemiological characteristics of alcohol use among Greek adolescents. Important parallel aims were to identify alcohol-related problems and its consequences experienced by the adolescence. Methods: The study population was a convenience sample of 1100 students of secondary education (junior and senior high school) from 12 public and private schools in Athens. 573 boys and 527 girls aged 12 to 19 years old [mean age 15.3 (±1.7)] answered a specially structured anonymous questionnaire. Results: Recent alcohol consumption was reported by more than the half of students (57.3%) and was more prevalent among adolescents over 15 years old (67.3%) and among boys (59.3%). Beer was the most popular type of alcoholic beverage (65.9%) at all ages. On average, both males and females stated the onset of alcohol at the age of 12 years. Boys reported being drunk more often than girls (25.7% versus 14.9%). However, more girls reported being drunk at least once a year than boys (27.1% versus 17.6%). The vast majority of the participants stated that they were informed about the possible addiction to alcohol (86.2%) and its negative consequences. A statistically significant correlation was found between age and hangover (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Alcohol consumption remains a serious problem among adolescents. There is a need to implement preventive measures and counseling approaches in school. The study will contribute to the public awareness concerning adolescent's drinking behavior in Greece.