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Socio-Medical Challenges of Asylum Seekers Prior and After Coming to the US

Abstract  

Refugee asylum seekers face complex social and medical challenges. We evaluated 30 consecutive asylees in New York for socio-demographic
and health backgrounds, characteristics of torture, presentations and medico legal path. Results: Majority was male, young,
educated from sub-Saharan Africa. In home countries, all had employment; 58 % had fair or good access to healthcare; 36 %
used traditional medicine; and 14 % had insurance. In the US, social support and accommodations were provided by countrymen;
overwhelmingly they were unemployed; none had insurance; and 57 % never had any contact with healthcare system. Sixty nine
percent had PTSD and 69 % depression. Almost all had scars with significant sequelae. Eighty eight percent were granted asylum.
Ironically, asylees had better access to social and health services in home countries than the US. We recommend better recognition
of, and addressing asylees’ social and health needs through a multidisciplinary approach drawing on other countries’ experience,
and expanding existent programs for refugees to cover asylees.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Paper
  • Pages 1-8
  • DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9687-2
  • Authors
    • Ramin Asgary, Program in Health and Human Rights, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1255, New York, NY 10029, USA
    • Beth Charpentier, Program on Forced Migration and Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave., Suite B432, New York, NY 10032, USA
    • Delia C. Burnett, Department of Medical Education, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
    • Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
    • Online ISSN 1557-1920
    • Print ISSN 1557-1912
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 07/30/2012 | Link to this post on IFP |
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