[Health status of asylum seeking children].

Introduction: The aim of this investigation was to describe asylum seeking children's social and family situation, health status, strain factors connected with migration, and to unveil practice relevant indicators, which can furthermore delimit children with special needs.

Material and Methods: A cross section investigation of asylum seeking children, who in the first half of 1997 were accommodated in The Danish Red Cross Reception Centre and examined by a doctor and/or a public health nurse according to the rules laid down by The Danish Red Cross Social and Health Department. If language problems occurred, an interpreter was present at the examination. Data were collected from the medical record of the child and the parents.

Results: The investigation included 364 children. 59% of the children had 306 diagnoses or symptoms, 17% of the diagnoses or symptoms were referred to a specialist or a psychologist. The children came from 25 different countries. 43% came with both parents. The most frequent symptoms in the children were tooth and skin problems and enuresis.

Discussion: On the background of disease prevalence, asylum seeking children do not seem to be more frequently ill than children living in Denmark. It is considered that the present investigation could successfully be repeated with a view to universal validity. In the medical records, asylum seeking children's physical health situation is well described, whereas symptoms arising from the flight and experiences are sparsely described. It is recommended that an investigation is carried out, in which both the children's physical and mental health situation is described.