Acute respiratory infections in an adult refugee population: an observational study

2021 | journal article; research paper. A publication with affiliation to the University of Göttingen.

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​Acute respiratory infections in an adult refugee population: an observational study​
Jablonka, A.; Dopfer, C.; Happle, C.; Shalabi, A.; Wetzke, M.; Hummers, E.   & Friede, T.  et al.​ (2021) 
npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine31(1).​ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-021-00261-9 

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Authors
Jablonka, Alexandra; Dopfer, Christian; Happle, Christine; Shalabi, Andree; Wetzke, Martin; Hummers, Eva ; Friede, Tim ; Heinemann, Stephanie ; Hillermann, Nele; Simmenroth, Anne ; Müller, Frank 
Abstract
The presence of acute infectious respiratory diseases (ARD) is one of the main reasons why recently arrived refugees seek medical help. This paper investigates the incidence rates of acute respiratory diseases in an adult refugee population as well as associated sociodemographic factors and drug treatments. We conducted a retrospective observational study of deidentified medical records. The data were collected between 2015 and 2019 in the health care centers of two large German initial reception centers for refugees. Multivariable analyses controlling for sociodemographics were carried out using generalized estimating equations. Out of 10,431 eligible residents, 6965 medical encounters of 2840 adult patients were recorded over 30 months. Of all the adult patients, 34.4% sought medical help for a respiratory symptom or diagnosis at least once. Older patients and patients from Sub-Saharan Africa sought help less often. The occurrence of ARD showed a typical distribution over the course of the year. Facility occupancy was not associated with ARD occurrence. Acute respiratory symptoms are a leading cause for adult refugee patients to seek medical care. The doctor contact rates due to ARD were consistently two to three times higher among refugees than among German residents.
Issue Date
2021
Journal
npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine 
Project
DICTUM Friedland - Digitale Kommunikationshilfen für nicht-deutschsprechende Patienten im Grenzdurchgangslager Friedland 
Organization
Institut für Allgemeinmedizin 
ISSN
2055-1010
Language
English

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