268 Health Status of Children Adopted From Ethiopia in Belgium

Abstract

Aim: evaluate the demographic characteristics and health status of children adopted from Ethiopia at arrival in Belgium. Material and Methods: retrospective review of data. Results: 99 children (58 females, 41 males) were seen in the Institute of Tropical Medicine between 01- 2008 & 12-2009. Prior to arrival, 96% resided in an orphanage; 48% were foundlings, 32 % true orphans, renunciation accounted for 18%. Age at arrival ranged from 3 months to 8 years. However, birthdates were found to be correct in only 36%. Medical history data were available in 28%. Immunization status was unknown in 79%. Weight z-scores and height z-scores ranged respectively from -5,60 to 1,49 (mean -1,15) and -4,72 to 1,39 (mean -1,54). 4% were wasted, 18% stunted, and 5% had severe malnutrition. Skin problems were detected in 54% (scabies 19% and dermatophytosis 18%). Other abnormalities included respiratory tract symptoms (18%), developmental delay (12%) and dental caries (8%). Pathogenic intestinal parasites were detected in 49%. 34% of all children had Giardia lamblia infection, 22% Hymenolepsis nana, 12% Trichuris trichiura and 8% Schistosoma. 30% had multiple parasites. 15% had Strongyloides infection. 4% of all children had a positive tuberculin test, 3 had latent and 1 pulmonary TBC. Conclusion: The majority of Ethiopian adoptees were foundlings or true orphans. A considerable number have health problems that were unrecognized (parasitic infections, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, or others). Therefore, careful history taking, physical examination and laboratory studies during the first medical contact after arrival should be considered as crucial.