Abstract
The application of the electronic algorithm developed by the Mig-Healthcare project was pilot tested in a sample of migrants and refugees in 2 Reception and Identification Centres (RICs), temporary settlements, in Greece using portable devices. The questions relate to health literacy issues, to mental health, to vaccination history, to lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet, to the presence of diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, to the use of prevention services and to dental care. A total of 82 adults, 50 women and 32 men, participated. Data analysis showed that 67.1% (55) of the respondents had difficulty in understanding medical information and 57.3% (47) did not know where to seek medical help for a specific health problem. Four main areas of health problems were identified and further action is required: (A) mental health concerns, (B) vaccinations, (C) obesity, and (D) dental hygiene. Direct linkage with the “Roadmap and Toolbox” section of the project’s website gave the respondents access to many sources and tools, while through the use of the interactive map, specific referral points of healthcare delivery in their area were identified. IT-based intervention in migrant and refugee populations in Greece are effective in increasing health literacy levels and identifying areas for health promotion interventions in these groups. Through linkage with the project’s database, access to healthcare provision points and action to seek appropriate healthcare when necessary are encouraged. Given the attenuated vulnerability profile of people living in temporary settlements, this algorithm can be easily used in primary care settings to improve migrant and refugee health.
Highlights
Migration has been present in the world as people have always tried to secure favourable and safe living conditions
The algorithm uses the questions on mental health based on the short version of the Medical Outcomes Study: SF-36 [16], which is standardised for use in vulnerable populations such as migrants and refugees
Our study has indicated the potential of a digital application in increasing the health literacy level and the health awareness in a sample of a vulnerable population
Summary
Migration has been present in the world as people have always tried to secure favourable and safe living conditions. According to the IOM, the UN-related intergovernmental organization for the support of migrants and refugees, migration is defined as “the movement of a person or a group of people, either across an international border, or within a state. It is a population movement, encompassing any kind of movement of people, whatever its length, composition and causes; it includes the migration of refugees, displaced persons, economic migrants, and persons moving for other purposes, including family reunification” [2]. It exposes migrants to several health risks (e.g., extreme weather conditions, exploitation, physical and mental trauma) that may create health issues through accidents, fear, or extreme distress and may worsen pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and cancer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
