Evidence-based clinical guidelines for immigrants and refugees

Health and growth status of immigrant and refugee children in Toronto, Ontario: A retrospective chart review

“…Therefore, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics and The Canadian Collaboration for Immigration and Refugee Health all recommend screening for anemia in infancy and early childhood, particularly for 'high-risk' children. (10,16,24) We also found a high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLL) in the clinic population. Studies from the United States (US) involving newly-arrived refugee children, similarly demonstrate higher rates of elevated BLL within this population (9,25).…”

“…Various authors have identified a 'healthy immigrant' effect -largely among economic and family class immigrants -which is likely a reflection of the health requirements of the immigrant selection program and premigration medical examination. Conversely, refugeeclass immigrants have been demonstrated to have a poorer health status (10,29,30).…”

“…These guidelines include recommendations for catch-up immunization and screening for anemia, as well as targeted serological testing for hepatitis B and intestinal parasites (specifically Strongyloides and Schistosoma) among individuals coming from countries with a high prevalence (10). Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society have developed guidelines and tools, which address the unique disease profiles within foreignborn children, and recommend targeted screening for health and developmental issues (15)(16)(17).…”

Refugee Mental Health: How Canada Supports the World’s Most Vulnerable in Their Transition to Becoming Canadian

“…There are key factors along the refugee journey that have been shown to predict the development of mental illness such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, psychotic illness or depression later in life [7][8][9][10]. This can be understood in a sequential order beginning with a refugee's experiences in their home nation.…”

“…This can be understood in a sequential order beginning with a refugee's experiences in their home nation. The level of trauma endured through exposure to war, torture, food shortage, or abuse are known factors in predicting future mental health complications [9]. What refugees have witnessed may have a lasting impact on their ability to cope with change upon being adopted into Canada.…”