Affiliations 

  • 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, 63000, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 2 Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. aneesa@upm.edu.my
  • 3 Faculty of Medicine, SEGi University, 47810, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 4 Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
J Immigr Minor Health, 2021 Dec;23(6):1159-1169.
PMID: 33543426 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01150-6

Abstract

The Rohingyas fled from their home to escape ethnic persecution. Due to their status as refugees they have difficulties in accessing healthcare leading to avoidable mortality and morbidity. Infectious diseases are reported to be among the causes. To ease access to healthcare, IMAM Response and Relief Team (IMARET) provides a free monthly clinic for them. The objective of this study is to determine the proportion of infectious diseases and appropriateness of antimicrobial usage among its pediatrics patients. It was conducted in 2017, through universal sampling. Information retrieved were via interviews and medical records. The majority diagnosis were infectious diseases (57.1%), which include respiratory infections (77.3%), skin (13.6%), gastrointestinal (4.5%), eye and ear infection (both 1%). Albendazole (40.7%) was the most prescribed. Only 7.4% were appropriately prescribed antimicrobials. Age (p = 0.005) and BMI (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with infections.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.