Interim Federal Health Program: Survey of use of supplemental benefits by paediatric health care providers.

Objectives: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary healthcare coverage to refugees and refugee claimants. Previous research demonstrates that paediatric healthcare providers poorly utilize the IFHP, with low registration rates and limited understanding of the program. The objective of this study was to examine paediatric provider use of IFHP-covered supplemental benefits, and their experience with trying to access these benefits. Methods: A one-time survey was administered via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program in February 2020. Of those who had provided care to IFHP-eligible patients, descriptive tables and statistics were created looking at provider demographics, and experience using the IFHP supplemental benefits. A multinomial logistic regression was built to look at provider characteristics associated with trying to access supplemental benefits. Results: Of the 2,753 physicians surveyed, there were 1,006 respondents (general paediatricians and subspecialists). Of the respondents, 526 had recently provided care to IFHP-eligible patients. Just over 30% of those who had recently provided care did not access supplemental benefits as they did not know they were covered by the IFHP. Of those who had tried to access supplemental benefits, over 80% described their experience as difficult, or very difficult. Conclusions: Paediatric providers have a poor understanding of IFHP-covered supplemental benefits, which is cited as a reason for not trying to access supplemental benefits. Of those who do try to access these benefits, they describe the process as difficult. Efforts should be made to improve provider knowledge and streamline the process to improve access to healthcare for refugee children and youth.

Intestinal parasites in stool testing among refugees at a primary care clinic in Toronto, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Enteric parasites are endemic in many of the countries from which refugees originate. Clinical guidelines vary in approaches to screening for and treating intestinal parasites in refugee receiving countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and species of intestinal parasites identified in stool ova and parasite (O&P) specimens in a sample of newly arrived refugees in Toronto, Canada. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1042 refugee patients rostered at a specialized primary care clinic in Toronto from December 2011 to September 2016. Patients who completed recommended stool O&P analyses were included. Basic sociodemographic and clinical variables and results of stool O&P were examined. RESULTS: 419 patients (40.2%) had a stool O&P positive for any protozoan or helminth species. Sixty-nine patients (6.6%) had clinically significant parasite species (excluding B hominis, D fragilis, and E dispar, given their lower risk for causing symptoms/complications): 2.3% had clinically significant protozoans and 4.2% had helminths on stool analysis. CONCLUSION: Given the relatively low prevalence of clinically significant parasites identified, our findings do not support universal screening for enteric parasites with stool O&P among refugee claimants/asylum seekers. However, stool analysis should be considered in certain clinical situations, as part of a more tailored approach.

Interim Federal Health Program: Survey of access and utilization by paediatric health care providers.

Background: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides health care coverage to refugees and refugee claimants, yet remains underused by providers. The objective of this study was to assess Canadian paediatricians' current understanding and utilization of the IFHP, and perceived barriers to utilization. Methods: A one-time survey was administered via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program in February 2020. In addition to descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regressions were built to examine paediatrician use of the IFHP, and characteristics associated with registration and use. Results: Of the 2,753 physicians surveyed, there were 1,006 respondents (general paediatricians and subspecialists). 52.2% of respondents had provided care to IFHP-eligible patients in the previous 6 months. Of those participants, only 26.4% were registered IFHP providers, and just 16% could identify 80% or more of IFHP-covered services. Knowledge of 80% or more of IFHP-covered services was associated with registration status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92; 95%CI 1.09 to 3.37). Among those who knew they were not registered, 70.2% indicated they did not know they had to register. aOR demonstrated that those with fewer years of practice had higher odds of not knowing that they had to register (aOR 1.22; 95%CI 1.01 to 1.49). Conclusions: We demonstrate that IFHP is poorly utilized by paediatric providers, with low registration rates and poor understanding of IFHP-covered supplemental services, even among those who have recently provided care to IFHP-eligible patients. Efforts to improve registration and knowledge of IFHP are essential to improving access to health care for refugee children and youth.

Caring for refugees and newcomers in the post-COVID-19 era: Evidence review and guidance for FPs and health providers.

OBJECTIVE: To guide clinicians working in a range of primary care clinical settings on how to provide effective care and support for refugees and newcomers during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: The described approach integrates recommendations from evidence-based clinical guidelines on refugee health and COVID-19, practical lessons learned from Canadian Refugee Health Network clinicians working in a variety of primary care settings, and contributions from persons with lived experience of forced migration. MAIN MESSAGE: The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified health and social inequities for refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, transient migrant workers, and other newcomers. Refugees and newcomers face front-line exposure risks, difficulties accessing COVID-19 testing, exacerbation of mental health concerns, and challenges accessing health care, social, and settlement supports. Existing guidelines for clinical care of refugees are useful, but creative case-by-case strategies must be employed to overcome additional barriers in the context of COVID-19 and new care environments, such as the need for virtual interpretation and digital literacy skills. Clinicians can address inequities and advocate for improved services in collaboration with community partners. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic is amplifying structural inequities. Refugees and newcomers require and deserve effective health care and support during this challenging time. This article outlines practical approaches and advocacy priorities for providing care in the COVID-19 context.

Soigner les réfugiés et les nouveaux arrivants à l'ère post-COVID-19: Revue des données probantes et conseils pour les MF et les professionnels de la santé.

OBJECTIF: Guider les cliniciens qui travaillent dans divers milieux cliniques de soins primaires quant aux façons de prodiguer des soins et du soutien efficaces aux réfugiés et aux nouveaux arrivants, durant et après la pandémie de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). SOURCES D'INFORMATION: L'approche décrite intègre les recommandations tirées de guides de pratique clinique fondés sur des données probantes portant sur la santé des réfugiés et la COVID-19, de leçons concrètes apprises de cliniciens du Réseau canadien sur la santé des réfugiés (Canadian Refugee Health Network) qui travaillent dans divers milieux de soins primaires, ainsi que de contributions de personnes ayant vécu l'expérience d'une migration forcée. MESSAGE PRINCIPAL: La pandémie de la COVID-19 a amplifié les iniquités sociales et de santé pour les réfugiés, les demandeurs d'asile, les migrants sans papiers, les travailleurs transitoires de l'étranger et d'autres nouveaux arrivants. Les réfugiés et les nouveaux arrivants sont confrontés à des risques d'exposition en première ligne, à des problèmes d'accès aux tests de dépistage de la COVID-19, à l'exacerbation des préoccupations liées à la santé mentale, et aux difficultés d'accéder aux soins de santé et aux services sociaux et d'établissement. Les lignes directrices existantes sur les soins cliniques aux réfugiés sont utiles, mais des stratégies créatives au cas par cas doivent être utilisées pour surmonter les obstacles additionnels dans le contexte de la COVID-19 et des nouveaux environnements de soins, comme la nécessité d'une traduction simultanée virtuelle et d'habiletés en littératie numérique. Les cliniciens peuvent lutter contre les iniquités et plaider en faveur de meilleurs services en collaboration avec des partenaires communautaires. CONCLUSION: La pandémie de la COVID-19 amplifie les iniquités structurelles. Les réfugiés et les nouveaux arrivants nécessitent et méritent des soins de santé et du soutien efficaces durant ces moments éprouvants. Cet article présente des approches pratiques et les priorités en matière de défense des droits pour offrir des soins dans le contexte de la COVID-19.

Refugee mothers, migration pathways and HIV: a population-based cohort study.

Forced migration and extended time spent migrating may lead to prolonged marginalization and increased risk of HIV. We conducted a population-based cohort study to examine whether secondary migration status, where secondary migrants resided in a transition country prior to arrival in Ontario, Canada and primary migrants arrived directly from their country of birth, modified the relationship between refugee status and HIV. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using log-binomial regression. In sensitivity analysis, refugees with secondary migration were matched to the other three groups on country of birth, age and year of arrival (+/- 5 years) and analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Unmatched and matched models were adjusted for age and education. HIV prevalence among secondary and primary refugees and non-refugees was 1.47% (24/1629), 0.82% (112/13,640), 0.06% (7/11,571) and 0.04% (49/114,935), respectively. Secondary migration was a significant effect modifier (p-value = .02). Refugees with secondary migration were 68% more likely to have HIV than refugees with primary migration (PR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.06, 2.68; APR = 1.68, 95% 1.04, 2.71) with a stronger effect in the matched model. There was no difference among non-refugee immigrants. Secondary migration may amplify HIV risk among refugee but not non-refugee immigrant mothers.

Burden of common mental disorders in a community health centre sample.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the rates of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use in an urban community health care centre (CHC) serving vulnerable immigrant and ethnoracial communities in order to improve knowledge on the rates of CMDs specific to these groups accessing primary care settings. DESIGN: English or Spanish, self-administered, tablet-based survey known as the Interactive Computer-Assisted Client Assessment Survey (iCCAS). SETTING: Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services CHC in Toronto, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients waiting to see a clinician. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The iCCAS screened for depression (using the PHQ-9 [Patient Health Questionnaire]), anxiety (using the GAD-7 [Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale]), PTSD (using the PC-PTSD [Primary Care PTSD Screen]), and alcohol dependency (using the CAGE questionnaire); those with an existing diagnosis and active treatment for one of these conditions were not asked to complete that condition-specific screening scale. An exit survey measured demographic characteristics and relevant indicators. RESULTS: A response rate of 78.6% was achieved. The iCCAS survey was completed by 75 patients (26 men and 49 women) with a mean age of 36.5 years. Almost all were first-generation immigrants: 32.0% originated from Latin America, 28.0% from South Asia, and 17.3% from Africa or the Middle East. Major depression was found among 44.0% of participants (11 with diagnosis and treatment, 22 with a score of 10 or greater on the PHQ-9). Generalized anxiety disorder was present in 26.7% of participants (7 with diagnosis and treatment, 13 with a score of 10 or greater on the GAD-7 scale). Posttraumatic stress disorder was detected in 37.3% of participants (7 with diagnosis and treatment, 21 with a score of 3 or greater on the PC-PTSD tool). Alcohol dependency was found among 10.7% of participants (1 with diagnosis and treatment, 7 with a score of 2 or greater on the CAGE questionnaire). CONCLUSION: The high rates of probable depression, generalized anxiety, and PTSD that were found in the studied population suggest a need for systematic assessment of CMDs in CHCs, as well as training and resources to increase readiness to handle identified cases.

Health status of newly arrived refugees in Toronto, Ont: Part 1: infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of selected infectious diseases among newly arrived refugee patients and whether there is variation by key demographic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Primary care clinic for refugee patients in Toronto, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1063 refugee patients rostered at the clinic from December 2011 to June 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic information (age, sex, and region of birth); prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Strongyloides, Schistosoma, intestinal parasites, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis infections; and varicella immune status. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 29 years and 56% were female. Refugees were born in 87 different countries. Approximately 33% of patients were from Africa, 28% were from Europe, 14% were from the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 14% were from Asia, and 8% were from the Americas (excluding 4% born in Canada or the United States). The overall rate of HIV infection was 2%. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection was 4%, with a higher rate among refugees from Asia (12%, P < .001). Hepatitis B immunity was 39%, with higher rates among Asian refugees (64%, P < .001) and children younger than 5 years (68%, P < .001). The rate of hepatitis C infection was less than 1%. Strongyloides infection was found in 3% of tested patients, with higher rates among refugees from Africa (6%, P = .003). Schistosoma infection was identified in 15% of patients from Africa. Intestinal parasites were identified in 16% of patients who submitted stool samples. Approximately 8% of patients were varicella nonimmune, with higher rates in patients from the Americas (21%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of screening for infectious diseases among refugee patients to provide timely preventive and curative care. Our data also point to possible policy and clinical implications, such as targeted screening approaches and improved access to vaccinations and therapeutics.

Health status of newly arrived refugees in Toronto, Ont: Part 2: chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of selected chronic diseases among newly arrived refugee patients and to explore associations with key demographic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Primary care clinic for refugee patients in Toronto, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1063 refugee patients rostered at the clinic from December 2011 to June 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic information (age, sex, and region of birth) and prevalence of abnormal Papanicolaou test results, anemia, elevated blood pressure (BP), and markers of prediabetes or diabetes (elevated random glucose, fasting glucose, or hemoglobin A1c levels). RESULTS: More than half of our patients were female (56%) and the median age was 29 years. Patients originated from 87 different countries of birth. Top source countries were Hungary (210 patients), North Korea (119 patients), and Nigeria (93 patients). Most patients were refugee claimants (92%), as opposed to government-assisted refugees (5%). Overall, 11% of female patients who underwent Pap tests had abnormal cervical cytology findings, with the highest rates among women from Asia (26%, P = .028). The prevalence of anemia among children younger than 15 years was 11%; for children younger than 5 years the prevalence was 14%. Approximately 25% of women older than 15 years had anemia, with the highest rates among African women (37%, P < .001). Elevated BP was observed in 30% of adult patients older than 15 years, with higher prevalence among male patients (38%, P < .001) and patients from Europe (42%, P < .001). Laboratory markers of prediabetes or diabetes were identified in 8% of patients older than 15 years, with higher rates among patients from Europe (15%, P = .026). CONCLUSION: This study found a notable burden of chronic diseases among refugee patients, including anemia, elevated BP, and impaired glycemic control, as well as abnormal cervical cytology findings. These results underscore the importance of accessible, comprehensive primary care for refugees, with attention to prevention and management of chronic diseases in addition to management of infectious disease.

Unmet contraceptive needs among refugees.

OBJECTIVE: To describe what women of reproductive age who received primary care at a refugee health clinic were using for contraception upon arrival to the clinic, and to quantify the unmet contraceptive needs within that population. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Crossroads Clinic in downtown Toronto, Ont. PARTICIPANTS: Women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) who first presented for care between December 1, 2011, and December 1, 2012. To be included, a woman had to have had 2 or more clinic visits or an annual health examination. Exclusion criteria for the contraception prevalence calculation were female sexual partner, menopause, hysterectomy, pregnancy, or trying to conceive. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Contraception use prevalence was measured, as was unmet contraceptive need, which was calculated using a modified version of the World Health Organization's definition: the number of women with an unmet need was expressed as a percentage of women of reproductive age who were married or in a union, or who were sexually active. RESULTS: Overall, 52 women met the criteria for inclusion in the contraceptive prevalence calculation. Of these, 16 women (30.8%) did not use any form of contraception. Twelve women were pregnant at some point in the year and stated the pregnancy was unwanted or mistimed. An additional 14 women were not using contraception but had no intention of becoming pregnant within the next 2 years. There were no women with postpartum amenorrhea not using contraception and who had wanted to delay or prevent their previous pregnancy. In total, 97 women were married or in a union, or were sexually active. Unmet need was calculated as follows: (12 + 14 + 0)/97 = 26.8%. CONCLUSION: There was a high unmet contraceptive need in the refugee population in our study. All women of reproductive age should be screened for contraceptive need when first seeking medical care in Canada.

Cervical cancer screening among vulnerable women: factors affecting guideline adherence at a community health centre in Toronto, Ont.

OBJECTIVE: To see if refugee women at a community health centre (CHC) in Toronto, Ont, are appropriately screened for cervical cancer and if there are any demographic characteristics that affect whether they are screened. DESIGN: Chart review. SETTING: A CHC in downtown Toronto. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 357 eligible refugee women attending the CHC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Papanicolaou test received or documented reason for no Pap test. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of women in the study sample were either appropriately screened for cervical cancer or had been approached for screening. Eighty percent of women were appropriately screened. Demographic variables including pregnancy, being uninsured, not speaking English, recent migration to Canada, and being a visible minority did not affect receipt of a Pap test after migration in multivariate analyses. Not speaking English was associated with a delay to receiving a first Pap test after migration. CONCLUSION: The clients at our centre are demographically similar to women who are typically overlooked for Pap tests in the greater Toronto area. Despite belonging to a high-risk population, refugee women in this multidisciplinary CHC were screened for cervical cancer at a higher rate than the local population.

For the Parent, by the Parent: Creating a Program to Empower Parents of Refugee Background in Canada Using Novel Participatory Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Families of refugee background have complex, multigenerational mental health and developmental needs that are not accounted for in current programming frameworks in Canada. Providing appropriate support services and educational resources that address the unique concerns of families of refugee background will allow for improved family cohesion and developmental outcomes for children. Parenting programs have been shown to be successful in improving parental stress, parental efficacy, and children's mental health and well-being. This study gathers data about the experiences of caregivers of refugee background in order to develop a novel, multi-dimensional parenting program model using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles. METHODOLOGY: This was a qualitative, CBPR study using a formative research framework. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with caregivers of refugee background and service providers that work closely with this population. Data were recorded, transcribed, and coded using deductive and inductive coding methods by two independent coders. RESULTS: A total of 20 IDIs were conducted (7 caregivers and 13 service providers). The main topics that were identified to be incorporated into the program include: features of child development, how to address resettlement issues, child advocacy, and parenting after resettlement. Participants felt that tackling language barriers, addressing the overlapping responsibilities of caregivers attending the sessions, providing incentives, increasing awareness of the program, and using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach was key to the program's success. Participants emphasized the need for trauma-informed mental health supports within the program model. CONCLUSION: This study describes the key considerations for a novel parenting program for families of refugee background, by engaging them as key stakeholders in the program design process. Future iterations of this project would involve a pilot and evaluation of the program.

Development of guidelines for recently arrived immigrants and refugees to Canada: Delphi consensus on selecting preventable and treatable conditions.

BACKGROUND: Setting priorities is critical to ensure guidelines are relevant and acceptable to users, and that time, resources and expertise are used cost-effectively in their development. Stakeholder engagement and the use of an explicit procedure for developing recommendations are critical components in this process. METHODS: We used a modified Delphi consensus process to select 20 high-priority conditions for guideline development. Canadian primary care practitioners who care for immigrants and refugees used criteria that emphasize inequities in health to identify clinical care gaps. RESULTS: Nine infectious diseases were selected, as well as four mental health conditions, three maternal and child health issues, caries and periodontal disease, iron-deficiency anemia, diabetes and vision screening. INTERPRETATION: Immigrant and refugee medicine covers the full spectrum of primary care, and although infectious disease continues to be an important area of concern, we are now seeing mental health and chronic diseases as key considerations for recently arriving immigrants and refugees.

Common mental health problems in immigrants and refugees: general approach in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing and appropriately treating mental health problems among new immigrants and refugees in primary care poses a challenge because of differences in language and culture and because of specific stressors associated with migration and resettlement. We aimed to identify risk factors and strategies in the approach to mental health assessment and to prevention and treatment of common mental health problems for immigrants in primary care. METHODS: We searched and compiled literature on prevalence and risk factors for common mental health problems related to migration, the effect of cultural influences on health and illness, and clinical strategies to improve mental health care for immigrants and refugees. Publications were selected on the basis of relevance, use of recent data and quality in consultation with experts in immigrant and refugee mental health. RESULTS: The migration trajectory can be divided into three components: premigration, migration and postmigration resettlement. Each phase is associated with specific risks and exposures. The prevalence of specific types of mental health problems is influenced by the nature of the migration experience, in terms of adversity experienced before, during and after resettlement. Specific challenges in migrant mental health include communication difficulties because of language and cultural differences; the effect of cultural shaping of symptoms and illness behaviour on diagnosis, coping and treatment; differences in family structure and process affecting adaptation, acculturation and intergenerational conflict; and aspects of acceptance by the receiving society that affect employment, social status and integration. These issues can be addressed through specific inquiry, the use of trained interpreters and culture brokers, meetings with families, and consultation with community organizations. INTERPRETATION: Systematic inquiry into patients' migration trajectory and subsequent follow-up on culturally appropriate indicators of social, vocational and family functioning over time will allow clinicians to recognize problems in adaptation and undertake mental health promotion, disease prevention or treatment interventions in a timely way.

Concordance of self-reported varicella history and serology among adolescent and adult refugee patients at a primary care clinic in Toronto, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found higher rates of varicella susceptibility among migrants from tropical regions. This study seeks to estimate the prevalence of varicella susceptibility in a cohort of newly arrived refugees and refugee claimants at a primary care clinic in Toronto and to compare patients' self-reported history of varicella infection with serologic test results. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 1888 refugee patients aged 13 years and older rostered at a specialized primary care clinic in Toronto from December 2011 to October 2017. Basic sociodemographic variables, self-reported varicella history, and varicella serologic results were examined. RESULTS: Based on serologic testing, 8.5% of individuals were varicella non-immune, with highest rates of varicella susceptibility among adolescents aged 13-19 years (13.5%). All adults over age 60 were varicella immune on serology (n = 56). A positive self-reported history of varicella infection was strongly predictive of varicella immunity on serology (PPV 96.8%; 95% CI: 95.2-97.9). A self-reported history of no prior varicella infection did not correlate reliably with serologic test results (NPV 15.8%; 95% CI: 13.3-18.0). A substantial proportion of patients (34.1%) were unsure of their varicella history. CONCLUSION: Identification and immunization of varicella susceptible refugee newcomers remains a health care priority. Self-reported history of varicella infection had mixed reliability as a predictor of varicella immunity.

Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a large refugee shelter in Toronto, April 2020: a clinical and epidemiologic descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is high risk of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in congregate settings, including shelters. This study describes a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and corresponding reported symptomatology at a shelter in Toronto. METHODS: This clinical and epidemiologic analysis focuses on a COVID-19 outbreak at a dedicated refugee shelter in downtown Toronto. All adult residents on site at the shelter were offered SARS-CoV-2 testing on Apr. 20, 2020. At the time of testing, residents were screened for 3 typical COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath). Among those who tested positive, a more comprehensive clinical assessment was conducted 1 day after testing and a standardized 15-item symptom screen was administered by telephone 14 days after testing. We report rates of positive test results and clinical symptoms with each assessment interval. RESULTS: Of the 63 adult residents on site at the shelter, 60 agreed to be tested. Among those tested, 41.7% (n = 25) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of those who tested positive (n = 25), 20.0% (n = 5) reported fever, cough or shortness of breath at the time of testing. On more detailed assessment 1 day later, 70.8% (17/24) reported a broader range of symptoms. During the 14 days after testing, 87.5% (21/24) reported symptoms of infection. INTERPRETATION: We found a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this shelter population. Our study underscores the high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in congregate living settings and the importance of mobilizing timely testing and management of symptomatic, paucisymptomatic and asymptomatic residents in shelters.