Access to healthcare by undocumented Zimbabwean migrants in post-apartheid South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  Zimbabwean undocumented migrants rely on the South African public health care system for treatment of non-communicable and communicable diseases, surgery and medical emergency services. A gap remains to understand undocumented migrant experiences at a time when accessing public healthcare has been topical in South Africa. AIM:  This article aimed to describe and understand the experiences, challenges and health-seeking alternatives of undocumented Zimbabwean migrants in accessing healthcare services in Nellmapius in Pretoria. SETTING:  The study was conducted at Nellmapius in Pretoria. METHODS:  A qualitative descriptive research design was used. Structured interviews with 13 undocumented migrants were conducted by applying purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. The data were thematically analysed. RESULTS:  Migrants reported that the attitudes by healthcare officials suggest unwillingness to provide services to undocumented migrants, aggravating their vulnerability and perennial illness. Migrants faced challenges of discrimination, a lack of professional service delivery, a lack of financial capacity to pay for services and a lack of documentation evoking health-seeking alternatives. CONCLUSION:  Migrants continue to face challenges while accessing subsidised health care. This study confirms that medical xenophobia is generally present in the public health care centres, at least for the sampled undocumented Zimbabwean migrants. The majority of undocumented migrants cannot afford to pay for private healthcare.Contribution: The findings of this study inform national, provincial and local healthcare facilities to be ethical and provide dignified quality healthcare to undocumented migrants in line with international practices.

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions among female migrant head porters (kayayei) in Accra, Ghana: a pilot cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been given to the risk of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection and cervical precancerous lesions among female migrant head porters (kayayei) in Ghana, as a vulnerable group, and to promote cervical screening in these women. This pilot study aimed to determine the prevalence of hr-HPV infection and cervical lesions among kayayei in Accra, the capital of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and to describe our approach to triaging and treating these women. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study involved the screening of 63 kayayei aged ≥ 18 years at the Tema Station and Agbogbloshie markets in March 2022 and May 2022. Concurrent hr-HPV DNA testing (with the MA-6000 platform) and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) was performed. We present prevalence estimates for hr-HPV DNA positivity and VIA 'positivity' as rates, together with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We performed univariate and multivariable nominal logistic regression to explore factors associated with hr-HPV infection. RESULTS: Gross vulvovaginal inspection revealed vulval warts in 3 (5.0%) and vaginal warts in 2 (3.3%) women. Overall, the rate of hr-HPV positivity was 33.3% (95% CI, 21.7-46.7), whereas the VIA 'positivity' rate was 8.3% (95% CI, 2.8-18.4). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, none of the sociodemographic and clinical variables assessed, including age, number of prior pregnancies, parity, past contraceptive use, or the presence of abnormal vaginal discharge showed statistically significant association with hr-HPV positivity. After controlling for age and past contraceptive use, only having fewer than two prior pregnancies (compared to having ≥ 2) was independently associated with reduced odds of hr-HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.69). CONCLUSION: In this relatively young cohort with a high hr-HPV positivity rate of 33.3% and 8.3% of women showing cervical lesions on visual inspection, we posit that kayayei may have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer if their accessibility to cervical precancer screening services is not increased.

Screening for latent tuberculosis in migrants-status quo and future challenges.

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence that migrants from tuberculosis (TB) high-incidence countries migrating to TB low-incidence countries significantly contribute to active TB cases in the counties of destination, primarily through reactivation of latent TB. METHODS: This is a narrative review. The different screening programs in the countries of destination are reviewed either based on screening and preventive treatment of latent TB pre or more commonly - post arrival. RESULTS: Screening can be performed using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) or tuberculin skin tests (TST). Preventive treatment of latent TB is using either monotherapy with isoniazid, or in combination with rifampicin or rifapentine. We discuss the ethical issues of preventive treatment in asymptomatic individuals and how these are addressed in different screening programs. CONCLUSION: Screening migrants from TB high endemic countries to TB low endemic countries is beneficial. There is a lack of standardization and agreement on screening protocols, follow up and treatment.

Post-migration HIV acquisition: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Migrants in Europe face a disproportionate burden of HIV infection; however, it remains unclear if this can be prevented through public health interventions in host countries. We undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate post-migration HIV acquisition (PMHA) as a proportion of all HIV cases in European migrants. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, HMIC, and Cochrane Library were searched with terms capturing 'HIV', 'migration', and 'Europe'. Data relating to the proportion of HIV acquired following migration were extracted and random-effects model (REM) meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate a pooled estimate for the proportion of PMHA in European countries. Subgroup meta-analysis was undertaken for PMHA by migrant demographic characteristics and host country. Fifteen articles were included for systematic review following retrieval and screening of 2,320 articles. A total of 47,182 migrants in 11 European countries were included in REM meta-analysis, showing an overall PMHA proportion of 0.30 (95% CI: 0.23-0.38). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in PMHA between host country and migrant demographic characteristics. This work illustrates that migrants continue to be at high risk of HIV acquisition in Europe. This indicates the need for targeted screening and HIV prevention interventions, ensuring resources are appropriately directed to combat the spread of HIV.

Active Case Finding for Tuberculosis in Migrants: a Systematic Review.

Background: Active case finding (ACF) is an alternative strategy to accelerate the identification of TB cases among the migrant population. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence for the effectiveness of ACF TB in migrants. Methods: This study uses the PRISMA model as a method of searching for journal articles in the databases of Google Scholar, ProQuest, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and PubMed, as well as other sources such as textbooks and reports from 2017 to 2021 with the keywords "tuberculosis" AND "active case finding" AND "migrant". The search revealed 371 articles, of which 26 met the criteria for further discussion. Results: Most studies show that the TB incidence among migrants is higher than in the local population. Factors leading to increased cases include lack of knowledge about the symptoms, high mobilization, social isolation, economic problems, and medication adherence that impact an advanced stage. Furthermore, it is also influenced by the low quality of health services, including accessibility, health facilities, health workers, and information. Therefore, Active Case Finding (ACF) is more effective in identifying cases of TB in the risk groups. This was conducted on migrants with increased notifications followed up with treatment. Conclusion: ACF is effective approach in screening and diagnosing TB in the migrant group.

Disparities in Eye Care Utilization Among Refugee and Migrant Populations.

Purpose: In this cross-sectional study, we examined refugee/migrant participants' health and eye care utilization compared to controls in San Diego County. Methods: Data were collected from electronic health records (EHRs) at UCSD Health-affiliated medical centers. Through a manual review of EHRs, eligibility criteria to identify a cohort were developed. A total of 64 refugee/migrant participants and 95 control participants matched based on country of origin, age, and sex were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, insurance type, and vision/eye care utilization were compared between the two groups. Results: A greater proportion of refugee/migrant participants were more likely to be enrolled in government-sponsored insurance programs, predominantly Medicaid when compared to controls (55% vs. 24%, P = < 0.01). When adjusting for age, history of ophthalmic procedure, and surgery, refugee status was associated with fewer encounters with ophthalmologists in a multivariable linear regression model (coefficient = -1.66 [95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.89 to -0.44], P = 0.009). Conclusions: This study highlights disparities in eye care utilization for refugee/migrant populations. When compared to controls, a larger proportion of refugees/migrants had government-funded insurance, and refugee status was associated with fewer encounters with ophthalmologists. These findings underscore the need for further research on this population to better understand potential healthcare barriers these individuals may encounter. Translational Relevance: This analysis of EHR data illustrates disparities in eye care experienced by refugees/migrants, highlighting potential gaps in care in a vulnerable population.

Migrant well-being and undocumented status in South Korea: a cross-sectional assessment of physical, psychological, social well-being, and health behaviors.

BACKGROUND: A high burden of physical, mental, and occupational health problems among migrant workers has been well-documented, but data on undocumented migrant workers are limited and their well-being has rarely been compared to that of the general population. METHODS: Using data from a cross-sectional survey of non-professional migrant workers in South Korea in early 2021, we described their physical, psychological, social well-being and health behaviors across a wide range of outcomes, including self-rated health, occupational injury, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, meal pattern, happiness, mental illness, social support, and social participation. The outcomes were first compared between documented and undocumented migrant workers in generalized linear regressions adjusting for potential confounders. Then, the well-being of the migrant workers was compared against that of the general population using data from the Korean Happiness Survey, which is a nationally representative survey of the South Korean general population conducted in late 2020. The parametric g-formula was performed to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, the undocumented migrant workers were less likely to be happy or participate in social communities, and much more likely to have anxiety or depression, smoke cigarettes, or engage in heavy alcohol consumption than the documented migrant workers. When compared to the general South Korean population, an evident social gradient emerged for happiness and mental illness; the undocumented experienced the worst outcome, followed by the documented, and then the general population. Also, the undocumented migrant workers were more likely to smoke cigarettes than the general population. CONCLUSION: The undocumented migrant workers face considerably greater challenges in terms of mental health and happiness, demonstrate higher rates of risky health behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking, and experience a lack of social support and community integration. A stark social gradient in happiness, mental illness, and cigarette smoking exists among the documented, undocumented migrant workers and the general population in South Korea. Socio-structural factors are likely to play a crucial role in contributing to the suboptimal level of overall well-being of undocumented migrant workers. Policy-level interventions as well as interpersonal efforts are in urgent need.

Recruiting refugees and migrants as potential hematopoietic stem cell donors to serve patients of comparable ethnicities with rare human leucocyte antigen patterns - The BluStar.NRW project in North Western Germany.

Currently, approximately 19 million people with a migration background live in Germany. The majority of those descend from regions where the population has a genetically different distribution of HLA antigens when compared to the HLA frequencies usually found in North Western Europe. In case of severe haematological disorders of these individuals, allogeneic stem cell transplantation may be the treatment of choice. However, finding appropriate histocompatible hematopoietic stem cell donors continues to be a major challenge. If no matching sibling donors are available, there are only few suitable donors with a similar genetic background available in international blood stem cell donor registries. The "BluStar.NRW" project aimed to recruit new blood and hematopoietic stem cell donors with a migration background and to noticeably increase the number of suitable donors for patients within this group. Since December 2017, a total number of 9100 blood and stem cell donors with a migration background were recruited and typed for this project. HLA typing for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1, and -DPB1 was performed by Next Generation Sequencing. We assessed the proportion of rare alleles according to HLA frequency tables, as defined by a frequency of <1:1000. The rare HLA allele frequencies according to HLA frequency tables of the BluStar.NRW cohort were compared with a matched control donor cohort: Rare HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles occurred three times more frequent than in the control group, but rare HLA-DPB1 alleles occurred more frequently in the control cohort. This difference was highly significant for all HLA alleles (p < 0.0001 for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DPB1; p = 0.0002 for HLA-DQB1). In addition, the distribution of rare alleles differed between the two groups. To date, 29 work-ups were initiated, 12 PBSC, one BM and three DLI were collected so far out of the BluStar.NRW cohort. The apheresis probability is twofold higher (0.18% vs. 0.07%) compared to the control group which clearly shows a serious medical need. However, 13 work-ups were cancelled in the BluStar.NRW donor cohort which represents an almost twice as higher cancellation rate (45% vs. 25%). This single registry analysis with a large sample cohort clearly indicates that hematopoietic stem cell donors with a migration background represent an adequate donor pool to serve patients of comparable ethnicity.

Differences in STI/HIV Burden and Sexual Health Care-Seeking Behavior Among First- and Second-Generation Migrant and Western-Born Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex With Men in the Netherlands: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, migrant sex workers have a higher burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This large study aimed to assess demographics, STI/HIV burden, and sexual health care-seeking behavior of first-generation migrant and second-generation migrant male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW-MSM) versus Western-born MSW-MSM. METHODS: Coded STI clinic consultations (n = 6970) from 3116 individual MSW-MSM attending any Dutch STI clinic between 2016 and 2021 were included. First-generation migrant: born outside of northern/central/southern/western Europe/North America/Oceania. Second-generation migrant: ≥1parent born outside of northern/central/southern/western Europe/North America/Oceania. Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed associations between MSW-MSM groups and STI in first consultation in the data. A Cox proportional hazard regression compared the incidence of a first repeat consultation between migration groups, stratified by STI in first consultation. All analyses were adjusted for age and urbanity of STI clinic region. RESULTS: First-generation migrant MSW-MSM (n = 1085) were mostly born in Latin America (50%), whereas second-generation migrant MSW-MSM (n = 368) mostly originated from North Africa (30.4%). The proportion of STI diagnoses differed (33.2%, 29.3%, 23.3%; P < 0.001) between the first-generation migrant, second-generation migrant, and Western-born MSW-MSM. First-generation migrant MSW-MSM versus Western-born had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.9) of STI diagnosis in the first consultation. First-generation migrant MSW-MSM versus Western-born had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.8) of having a first repeat consultation at any time, when stratified for no STI in the first consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The STI/HIV burden is high among all 3 MSW-MSM groups. First-generation migrants have higher odds of STI, but retention in care seems similar. Results highlight the importance of low-threshold STI testing and care for (migrant) MSW-MSM.

HIV knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, and sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor migrants who inject drugs in Moscow.

BACKGROUND: The interplay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and self-perception of risk for HIV among people who inject drugs is complex and understudied, especially among temporary migrant workers who inject drugs (MWID) while in a host country. In Russia, Tajik migrants make up the largest proportion of Moscow's foreign labor. Yet, HIV knowledge and self-perceived risk in association with sexual risk behavior among male Tajik MWID in Moscow remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This research examines knowledge about HIV transmission, self-perception of HIV risk, and key psychosocial factors that possibly contribute to sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor MWID living in Moscow. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with 420 male Tajik labor MWID. Modified Poisson regression models investigated possible associations between major risk factors and HIV sexual risk behavior. RESULTS: Of the 420 MWID, 255 men (61%) reported sexual activity in the last 30 days. Level of HIV knowledge was not associated in either direction with condom use or risky sexual partnering, as measured by sex with multiple partners or female sex workers (FSW). Lower self-perceived HIV risk was associated with a greater likelihood of sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.40) and FSW (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59), but was not associated with condom use. Police-enacted stigma was associated with sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) and FSW (aPR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.54). While depression and lower levels of loneliness were associated with condomless sex (aPR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.92, respectively), only depression was associated with condomless sex with FSW (aPR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention programing for male Tajik MWID must go beyond solely educating about factors associated with HIV transmission to include increased awareness of personal risk based on engaging in these behaviors. Additionally, psychological services to counter depression and police-enacted stigma are needed.

Meaning, trust, and belonging: Exploring the factors that foster elite forced migrant athletes' growth.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Researchers have highlighted elite refugee athletes' acculturation and sport-related challenges upon transitioning into host country sports systems. Using a strength-based approach, we aimed to broaden this view through exploring the internal and external factors that have fostered refugee athletes' abilities to find meaning and growth following their transitions into a national sports system. METHODOLOGY: Data collection began with an arts-based drawing activity which was then discussed in a conversational interview. Fourteen (n = 11 male, 3 female) national and international refugee athletes participated. The interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis, a form of qualitative analysis used to derive commonalities that connect athletes' experiences. The data is represented through polyphonic vignettes (narrative featuring multiple perspectives) to safeguard athletes' anonymity whilst showcasing varying perspectives. RESULTS: Athletes were at various phases of growth at the time of the interviews. The primary internal factor that facilitated growth was responsibility to find and pursue meaning. External factors of trust and belonging, actualized through supporting elite athletes' personal differences, were external factors that fostered their abilities to find meaning. CONCLUSION: Elite refugee athletes' growth occurred at the nexus of individual responsibility, trusting relationships, and inclusive sport environments. The findings inform individual and environmental growth-based interventions for current and future elite athletes who face varying adversities within their sports contexts.

Barriers and facilitators of lifestyle management among adult South Asian migrants living with chronic diseases: A mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: South Asian migrants have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases than Caucasians. Despite much literature that has explored challenges in chronic disease management amongst the South Asian population in the past decades, their chronic disease management is still suboptimal. Understanding their determinants of disease management behaviour using the Theoretical Domains Framework will inform the development of a culturally sensitive intervention relevant to consumer-end-users. This study aimed to synthesise qualitative and quantitative studies on chronic disease management among adult South Asian immigrants. METHODS: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted using electronic databases. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool assessed the quality of the included studies. Quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data and analysed thematically. Subthemes were mapped in the Theoretical Domains Framework presenting barriers and facilitators under each theme. RESULTS: 18293 studies were identified, of which 37 studies were included. The barriers and facilitators identified were categorised into four overarching themes: patient-provider interaction and relationship (e.g., complex language use by health professionals), the impact of migration (e.g., weather conditions had an impact on engagement with physical activity), heritage-based practices (e.g., an obligation to consume energy-dense food in social gatherings), and chronic disease management strategies (e.g., lack understanding of appropriate disease management strategies). CONCLUSION: This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of chronic disease management among South Asian migrants and insights into developing multifaceted interventions to address barriers to chronic disease management, guiding the healthcare professionals in helping overcome South Asians perceived barriers to managing chronic disease in the host countries.

Quick diagnostic approach for HIV/STDs among migrants: results from a monocentric Italian cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Migration has a direct influence on sexual health. Differences both in sexual networks and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) between racial or ethnic minorities and the native population have been described in the literature. METHODOLOGY: We collected data on medical history, physical examination, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STDs tests. Screenings were proposed basing on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2018 guidelines on STDs. Patients underwent peer-to-peer counselling before screening. RESULTS: We included data of 391 patients (both outpatients and migrants living in facility centers). The median age was 30 (range 24-38) years, and the majority were male (198/391; 50.6%). Among them, 389 (99.4%) were counselled, and 371 (94.8%) accepted the screening. We found 155 (41.7%) HBsAg/Anti-HBc positive tests, 4 (1%) HIV positive screenings, 1 (0.2%) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 47 (12%) genital/perianal warts, 29 (2.3%) cases of syphilis, and 13 (3.3%) molluscum contagiosum. CONCLUSIONS: Migrants have high-risk sexual behavior. Despite this, they may have a low perception of risk and healthcare needs. An approach based on quick tests was demonstrated to be useful in increasing the screening acceptance. However, the retainment in care was low, as in previous studies. Access to HIV/STDs screening and treatment should be implemented. The development of specific retainment in care pathways is still needed to reduce the lack of follow-up.

Diagnóstico tardío de VIH: diferencias entre nativos y migrantes internacionales. Estudio observacional en un hospital de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Late diagnosis of HIV-infection: differences between natives and international migrants. Observationalstudy in a hospital of Ciudad Autónoma de BuenosAires

ntroducción: El diagnóstico tardío de la infección por VIH y el acceso de los pacientes con enfermedad avanzada al sistema de salud afectan negativamente los beneficios in-dividuales y colectivos del tratamiento antirretroviral. A nivel mundial existe una alta prevalencia de diagnóstico tardío es-pecialmente en poblaciones vulnerables como los migrantes.Objetivos: Medir la prevalencia de diagnóstico tardío de infección por VIH entre migrantes internacionales y com-pararla con la de los argentinos.Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de personas mayores de 16 años asistidas en el Hospital General de Agudos Donación Francisco Santojanni que hubieran recibido diagnóstico de infección por VIH entre 01/1/2018 y el 31/12/2021. Se determinó la mediana de recuento de CD4 basal y la prevalencia de diagnóstico tar-dío. Aplicamos la prueba de la suma de rangos de Wilcoxon para la variable contínua y la prueba de Fisher para com-parar proporciones.Resultados: Incluimos 199 personas (52 migrantes, 147 argentinos). Los migrantes presentaron un nivel basal de linfocitos CD4 significativamente menor [Mediana (RIC 25-75) 248 (79-466) vs. 331 (166-532); p=0,044], mayor tasa de presentación tardía [69,2% vs. 54,4%; RR 1,27 (IC95 1,01-1,61); p=0,072] y con sida [44,2% vs. 30,6%; RR 1,44 (IC95 0,98-2,13); p=0,089] y una menor proporción de diagnós-ticos en etapa temprana [13,5% vs. 29,3%; RR 0,46 (IC95 0,22-0,96); p=0,026].Conclusiones: Los migrantes internacionales accedieron al diagnóstico en peor estado clínico que los argentinos. Conocer este dato es imprescindible para elaborar políti-cas tendientes a mejorar el acceso al diagnóstico de esta población vulnerable.

Introduction: The late diagnosis of HIV infection and the access of patients to health system with advanced disease negatively affect the individual and collective benefits of antiretroviral treatment. There is a worldwide high prevalence of late diagnosis, specially in vulnerable populations, such as migrants.Objectives: to measure the prevalence of late diagnosis of HIV infection among international migrants and compare it with the people born in Argentina.Material and methods: retrospective and observational study of people over 16 years old, assisted at the Donación Francisco Santojanni General Hospital, who had received a diagnosis of HIV infection between 01-01-2018 and 12-31-2021. The median baseline CD4 cell count and the prevalence of late diagnosis were determined. We applied the Wilcoxon rank sum test for the continuous variable and the Fisher test to compare proportions.Results: 199 subjects (52 migrants, 147 Argentinians) were included. Migrants presented a significantly lower baseline CD4 cell count [Median (IQR 25-75) 248 (79-466) vs 331 (166-532); p=0.044], a higher rate of late presentation [69.2% vs 54.4%; RR 1.27 (CI95 1.01-1.61); p=0.072], presentation with aids [44.2% vs 30.6%; RR 1.44 (CI95 0.98-2.13); p=0.089]; and a lower proportion of early stage presentation [13.5% vs 29.3%; RR 0.46 (CI95 0.22-0.96); p=0.026].Conclusions: international migrants accessed to the diagnosis in a worse clinical condition than Argentinians. Knowing this information is essential for the development of policies aimed to improve the access to diagnosis of this vulnerable population

Barriers to and facilitators of human papillomavirus vaccination in an ethnically diverse group of migrant parents: A qualitative mixed methods study.

A disparity in the uptake of the Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPVV) among immigrants and refugees leads to a social gradient in health. Recognizing that immigrants and refugees may encounter unique barriers to accessing prevention and care, this study seeks to determine barriers to and facilitators of HPVV among these subgroups to uncover high-resolution quality improvement targets of investment for under-immunized pockets of the population. The study undertook a qualitative inquiry into understanding immigrant and refugee parents' perspectives on HPV infection and HPVV experience through school-based programs. We collected data first through short online surveys (N = 15) followed by one-on-one interviews (N = 15) and then through detailed online surveys (N = 16) followed by focus group discussions (N = 3) with 4-6 participants per group discussion from different groups: Black, South Asian and West Asian. Analysis of surveys and interviews identified that: information, awareness, and education about HPV infection and HPVV were among the most cited barriers that impede the uptake of HPVV. Moreover, vaccine-related logistics were equally important, including not having immunization information packages in different languages and relying solely on the child to bring home packages in paper copies from school-based vaccine programs. A multi-component intervention remains instrumental in enhancing HPV immunization rates, given the inconsistent uptake of HPVV by these subgroups who voice unique barriers and facilitators. An educational campaign that involves educating parents who consent for their child(ren) for HPVV, the children receiving the vaccination, and training staff providing HPVV through school-based immunization programs would be paramount.

Exploring equity in cancer treatment, survivorship, and service utilisation for culturally and linguistically diverse migrant populations living in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is strong international evidence documenting inequities in cancer care for migrant populations. In Australia, there is limited information regarding cancer equity for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) migrant populations, defined in this study as migrants born in a country or region where English is not the primary language. This study sought to quantify and compare cancer treatment, survivorship, and service utilisation measures between CALD migrant and Australian born cancer populations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilising electronic medical records at a major, tertiary hospital. Inpatient and outpatient encounters were assessed for all individuals diagnosed with a solid tumour malignancy in the year 2016 and followed for a total of five years. Individuals were screened for inclusion in the CALD migrant or Australian born cohort. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare treatment, survivorship, and service utilisation measures. Sociodemographic measures included age, sex, post code, employment, region of birth and marital status. RESULTS: A total of 523 individuals were included, with 117 (22%) in the CALD migrant cohort and 406 (78%) in the Australian-born cohort. CALD migrants displayed a statistically significant difference in time from diagnosis to commencement of first treatment for radiation (P = 0.03) and surgery (P = 0.02) and had 16.6 times higher odds of declining recommended chemotherapy than those born in Australia (P = 0.00). Survivorship indicators favoured CALD migrants in mean time from diagnosis to death, however their odds of experiencing disease progression during the study period were 1.6 times higher than those born in Australia (P = 0.04). Service utilisation measures displayed that CALD migrants exhibited higher numbers of unplanned admissions (P = < 0.00), longer cumulative length of those admissions (P = < 0.00) and higher failure to attend scheduled appointments (P = < 0.00). CONCLUSION: This novel study has produced valuable findings in the areas of treatment, survivorship, and service utilisation for a neglected population in cancer research. The differences identified suggest potential issues of institutional inaccessibility. Future research is needed to examine the clinical impacts of these health differences in the field of cancer care, including the social and institutional determinants of influence.

Critical Illness in Migrant Workers in the Windsor-Essex Region: A Descriptive Analysis.

Despite their essential role in Canadian agriculture, migrant workers face numerous healthcare barriers. There is a knowledge gap regarding the healthcare experiences of migrant workers with critical illness in the Windsor-Essex region. Our objective was to collect information on the experiences of migrant workers experiencing a critical illness at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) between 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2021. We conducted a retrospective chart review and interviews with migrant workers. We identified 14 migrant workers who presented to WRH with a critical illness over these 10 years. Despite occasional barriers regarding access to care, the migrant workers received an appropriate standard of care in Canada. Five of the fourteen patients identified were repatriated to their home countries. The migrant worker patients interviewed expressed satisfaction with the care they received in Canada but identified repatriation as a specific concern to receiving continuity of care. The health and financial burden imposed by critical illness on migrant workers and their employers makes critically ill workers vulnerable to medical repatriation as a unique social determinant of health. Considering the critical role of migrant workers in Canada's food security, policy changes should be considered to ensure critically ill workers are able to remain until recovery.