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Letter From The Editor-In-Chief: Journal Of Refugee & Global Health Volume 2, Issue 2, Ruth Carrico

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

No abstract provided.

Treatment Of Podoconiosis With Complicating Polyinfections Within Rural African Villages: A Case Study, Amanda R. Beering, Abigail R. Florence, Soon Bahrami Md

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

This case study aims to provide a treatment plan for the treatment of podoconiosis with complicating polyinfections in a resource poor setting. A second objective is to help healthcare providers teach preventive measures to villagers in affected regions.

Implementing A Clinical Research Program In Long Term Care Facilities: Experiences From The University Of Louisville Center Excellence For Research In Infectious Diseases [Cerid], Ruth Carrico, Dawn Balcom, Kuldeep Ghosh, Bilal Abaid, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Bibodh Jung Karki, Simra Kiran, Stephen Furmanek, Senen Pena, Julio A. Ramirez

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background: According to the US Census Bureau International Report, in 2015, almost nine percent of the world’s population was aged 65 and over. As the worldwide population ages, there is a need to understand how to best care for those individuals. Developing clinical research programs focusing on long term care (LTC) will be critical to defining best practice.

Objectives: The objectives of this manuscript are to: 1) outline the challenges identified in performing clinical research in long term care facilities (LTCF), and 2) offer solutions for future clinical research in the LTC environment based upon our experiences.

Methods: A research …

An Overview Of The Health Profile Of Syrian Refugees Arriving In Kentucky From 2012-2017, Camila Calderon, Annie Rominger

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background:

The civil unrest in Syria has led to millions of displaced Syrians. The United States has relocated over 15,000 Syrian refugees, mostly arriving since 2015. Little is known about the health of Syrian refugees entering the United States.

Methods:

Syrian refugees in Kentucky who had a medical screening and documented RHA from October 2012 to September 2017 were included in the study. The information is collected and stored in the Arriving Refugee Informatics Surveillance and Epidemiology (ARIVE) database. This study is a retrospective review of the ARIVE database to describe the general health of the Syrian refugees …

Applying The Plan-Do-Study-Act (Pdsa) Approach To Community Health Worker Job Satisfaction: Local And Global Perspectives, Wendy R. Thal, Rosalinda Jimenez

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Community Health Workers (CHW) have been a continuing presence in the world health care arena for several decades. While the work they do is diverse, all abide by local social and cultural “norms” and are stakeholders within the population they serve. [1] While much literature is available on the importance of community health workers in the provision of care in regions with limited access to health care, there is little known on what inspires someone to engage in the role. The World Health Organization purports that building value for these lay health care providers within their community via training, support, …

International Infection Control Training Partnerships: Experiences From The Egypt-University Of Louisville Collaboration, Amr Aboelnasr, Mohammad Tahboub, Dawn Balcom, Lynn Roser, Morgan Stanley, Stephen P. Furmanek, Ruth Carrico

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background: Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is a global challenge that represent opportunities for international collaboration. Both the United States and Egypt prioritize HAI reduction as activities of public health importance. These shared priorities provide a foundation for interactive education and training.

Objective: In the fall 2018, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) sought a US training site where a delegation of physicians and nurses from Egypt could receive experiential training regarding HAI and prevention. The objectives of this review are to: 1) outline the training components used for the US-Egypt collaboration held at the University of Louisville …

Factors Associated With Full Immunization Coverage Among Children Up To 12 Months, Kakuma Mission Hospital, Turkana County, Kenya, Kevin Lomuria, Naomi Nyakio, Elvis Oyugi, James A. Ransom

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

The 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey showed that only 56.7% of children in Turkana County had received all recommended vaccines by 12 months of age, which is 12% below national and 24% below World Health Organization global coverage rates. This study aimed to identify factors that influence full immunization coverage (FIC) by 12 months of age in Kakuma Mission Hospital (KMH), Turkana County, in 2015. Kakuma is the site of a UNHCR refugee camp, established in 1969. Administration of vitamin A by 6 months of age and administration of measles-containing vaccine by 9 months of age were predictive of FIC.

Barriers To Health Among Idps In Kabul, Afghanistan: A Qualitative Study, Yagana Parwak, Madhavi Dandu, Rohini J. Haar

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background: Forced displacement is a significant problem for regions experiencing prolonged humanitarian crises due to armed conflict. Afghanistan, having experienced over four decades of conflict, has an estimated 1.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), a majority of which are concentrated in urban centers. IDPs have limited resources and face challenges accessing health services through traditional channels, leading to a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality. Health care facilities created for and existing within IDP camps also face numerous challenges. We aim to understand the structural factors that negatively impact health and the specific barriers to healthcare access for IDPs using …

Infertility In Muslim Refugees: A Review Of The Literature, Simone N. Reaves, Fern R. Hauck

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Many couples worldwide are affected by infertility, which is defined as an inability to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Many Muslim and Middle Eastern societies place a high societal value on having children and therefore, couples who are unable to conceive for various reasons often find themselves feeling stigmatized and socially isolated. Muslim refugees living in the United States face additional challenges and barriers to care due to their refugee status. This review is a synthesis of existing literature that 1) identifies Islamic viewpoints on infertility and assistive reproductive technology (ART), 2) explores the …

Health-Seeking Behavioral Patterns Among Refugee Groups – A Case-Study In South-Central Kentucky, Chika Ejike, Grace Lartey, Randy Capps, David Ciochetty

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Each year, thousands of people get displaced from their homes due to genocide, famine, civil wars and other crises in their countries. The United States has traditionally been receptive to resettling refugees. These refugees view resettlement as an opportunity to obtain proper health care. Due to the diverse cultural identities of refugee populations, it is essential to research complex culturally dependent healthcare utilization patterns. A purposeful sample of four refugees from the Burmese, Congolese and Iraqi refugee communities in south-central Kentucky- completed interviews. They shared experiences and insights from their cultural points of view. Results showed demographic factors directly impacted …

Refugee Women's Needs: The Athens Case, Melissa J. Diamond

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Medicins sans Frontiers estimates that twenty-five per cent of new asylum-seeking arrivals in Athens in 2016 were women [1]. Despite the sizable number of women asylum seekers arriving in Athens, women’s voices are often excluded from research on refugee needs. This research sought to understand the needs of women asylum seekers in Athens through the collection of qualitative data on their needs and experiences upon arriving in Athens. Twelve women from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries (background withheld for confidentiality) participated. The sampled women demonstrated an acute understanding of their own needs and the needs of their communities. While many …

Designing The Arriving Refugee Informatics Surveillance And Epidemiology (Arive) System: A Web-Based Electronic Database For Epidemiological Surveillance, William A. Mattingly, Ruth M. Carrico, Timothy L. Wiemken, Robert R. Kelley, Rebecca A. Ford, Rahel Bosson, Kimberley A. Buckner, Julio A. Ramirez

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Objectives: We design and implement the Arriving Refugee Informatics surVeillance and Epidemiology (ARIVE) system to improve the health of refugees undergoing resettlement and enhance existing health surveillance networks.

Materials and Methods: Using the REDCap electronic data capture software as a basis we create a refugee health database incorporating data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Electronic Disease Notification (EDN) system and domestic screening data from refugee health care providers.

Results: Domestic screening and EDN refugee health data have been integrated for 13,824 refugees resettled from 35 different countries into the state of Kentucky from the years 2013-2016.

Discussion: …

Transmissible Dermatological Diseases Affecting Syrian Refugees In Lebanon, Nisrine Kawa, Edith Hanna, Abdul Rahman Bizri

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

The Syrian war led many to seek shelter in Lebanon, creating a major refugee crisis. Displaced populations in crowded unequipped settlements are vulnerable to infectious diseases. The burden and incidence of various transmissible skin conditions affecting Syrian refugees in Lebanon and their impact on the Lebanese public health system were evaluated. Literature regarding these conditions among Syrian refugees in host countries, and epidemiological data from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Surveillance Unit and primary health-care network were reviewed. Lebanon has witnessed skin disorder outbreaks associated with the Refugee crisis, mainly leishmaniasis, scabies and lice infestations with little data about …

Perceptions Of Health Practices And Interactions With The Us Healthcare System Among Bhutanese Refugees: A Qualitative Approach, Amy E. Szajna

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Purpose

The aim of this pilot study was to explore health practices of Bhutanese refugees and their interactions with the US healthcare system and providers.

Methodology

Researchers conducted 12 in-depth interviews and 7 patient-provider observation units as part of this descriptive qualitative study.

Results

Participants identified individual definitions of health and behaviors they value to maintain health. They identified significant trust and faith in their healthcare provider and valued provider-directed suggestions. Participants cited concerns with patient-provider communication resulting from limited English proficiency and frequent changes in primary care providers.

Discussion

This study is useful to inform further research and potential …

Vitamin Deficiencies Among Resettled Refugees In Buffalo, Ny, Tyler B. Evans, Myron Glick Md

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background

Vitamin deficiency in the developing world is a considerable public health issue that is often overlooked. Refugees are some of the most vulnerable populations, since they rely almost exclusively on the nutrition provided by refugee camps. Buffalo, NY resettles the fourth largest number of refugees per capita among cities in the United States (US).

Objective

We examined the prevalence of vitamin A, B2, B12, and D deficiencies among refugees who had been recently resettled to Buffalo, NY and referred to our practice for assessment. Our exploratory objective was to examine potential differences in the prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among …

"We Didn't Know": An Examination Of Health And Nutrition Knowledge, Behaviors And Clinical Risk Factors To Guide A Pilot Health Education Intervention For Refugees From Burma, Elizabeth B. Smith, Lauren R. Sastre

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

No abstract provided.

Treating Latent Tuberculosis Infection In Newly Arriving Refugees: An Advanced Practice Nurse Initiative At The University Of Louisville Global Health Center, Linda Goss, Dawn Balcom, Karen Mutsch, Ruth Carrico, Rahel Bosson

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background: A review of newly arriving refugees referred to the local health department for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment during 2013-2015 revealed a treatment gap of 73%, supporting the need to identify new approaches to treat vulnerable populations and mirrored results in the literature.

Objectives: 1) Describe an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) led alternative approach to LTBI treatment in the refugee population; and 2) evaluate the impact of a 12-week regimen for LTBI on treatment acceptance, adherence and completion.

Methods: During the initial health screening visit, treatment options were provided for those identified with LTBI consisting of either a …

Reasons For Vaccine Declination In Healthy Individuals Attending An International Vaccine And Travel Clinic, Timothy L. Wiemken, Julio A. Ramirez, Ruth M. Carrico

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Little is known about the vaccine-related health behaviors of healthy individuals. We surveyed healthy individuals attending a vaccine center to define the reasons behind vaccine declination when the vaccine is warranted under current guidance. Declination due to perceived risks of the vaccines were by far the most common rationale, suggesting continued need for public health educational campaigns.

Mucormycosis - Dual Therapy With Prolonged Survival, Maydelin Pecchio, Yariela Osabio, Yariela Morales, Forest W. Arnold

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Mucorales fungal infection is a fungal disease with potentially fatal outcomes. The most frequent involvement in humans comes from the orders known as Mucorales and Entomophthorales. Mucorales is more acute and has a predilection for immunocompromised patients. Mucorales are associated with an affinity for vessels, which leads to invasion and infarction of tissue. Mucormycosis is a devastating complication that can be a life threatening fungal invasion in many patients in an immunocompromised state.

Multistate Hepatitis A Outbreak: Vaccination Of Food Service Workers As Part Of The Kentucky Outbreak Response, Ruth M. Carrico, Dawn Balcom, Delanor Mason, Audria G. Denker, Alyson Holland, Kimberley A. Buckner, Stephen P. Furmanek, Wesley Trail

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Background: In August 2017, a local outbreak of Hepatitis A was identified among homeless individuals in Louisville, Kentucky. This marked the first cases in what has now become recognized as the largest Hepatitis A outbreak in the US. When infection was identified in a Food Service Worker (FSW), vaccination efforts were expanded to target this group.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe: 1) the processes used to provide access to Hepatitis A vaccine for FSWs, 2) results from the immunization activities, and 3) lessons learned from the outcomes.

Methods: Through a partnership between the Louisville Metro Department …

Addressing Occupational Deprivation In Refugees: A Scoping Review, Shan M. Siddiqui, Eman Said, Briana Hanna, Natasha H. Patel, Evelyn L. Gonzalez, Savanna L. Garrett, Claudia L. Hilton, Karen Aranha

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

In 2015, over 21 million refugees were displaced worldwide. A significant issue faced by this population is occupational deprivation – being deprived of engagement in meaningful activities. Despite this being a global problem, information on interventions that address occupational deprivation has not been synthesized. To bridge this gap, we conducted a scoping review to examine interventions that can be used when working with refugees who face this issue. For our methods, we used a five-step framework and reviewed interventions using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Initial searches yielded 191 studies, 7 of which were retained. Community-based …

Intestinal Parasite Burden And Pre-Departure Treatment Compliance In Kentucky Refugee Children: A Descriptive Study, Collin Russell, Annie H. Rominger

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

Objective: Children are 1/2 of the world’s refugees and often have intestinal parasites. This study seeks to determine the intestinal burden and pre-departure treatment of Kentucky pediatric refugees.

Methods: This is a chart review of Kentucky pediatric refugee health screening data from 2012-2017. Stool culture results from children arriving through refugee camps were compared to non-camp children. They were placed into 3 regional groups and analyzed based on CDC pre-departure treatment recommendations.

Results: Of the 3,199 records, 1,653 had stool testing. 354 (51%) refugee camp children tested positive compared to 326 (33.9%) non-camp children. Giardia and Blastocystis were most commonly …

Letter From The Editor-In-Chief: Journal Of Refugee & Global Health Volume 2 Issue 1, Ruth Carrico

Journal of Refugee & Global Health

No abstract provided.