BMJ 2001;322:544-547 ( 3 March )

Education and debate

Asylum seekers and refugees in Britain

Health needs of asylum seekers and refugees

This is the second in a series of three articles

Angela Burnett, senior medical examiner, Michael Peel, senior medical examiner. 

Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, London NW5 3EJ

Correspondence to: A Burnett a.c.burnett@qmw.ac.uk

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

People who are seeking asylum are not a homogeneous population. Coming from different countries and cultures, they have had, in their own and other countries, a wide range of experiences that may affect their health and nutritional state. In the United Kingdom they face the effects of poverty, dependence, and lack of cohesive social support.¹ All these factors undermine both physical and mental health. Additionally, racial discrimination can result in inequalities in health and have an impact on opportunities in and quality of life.²

Refugees' experiences also shape their acceptance and expectations of health care in the United Kingdom.³ Those from countries with no well developed primary healthcare system may expect hospital referral for conditions that in Britain are treated in primary care. This can lead to disappointment for refugees and irritation for health workers, who may also feel overwhelmed by the many and varying needs of asylum seekers, some . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

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Can there be a hidden agenda?

Varuni Ganepola
bmj.com, 4 Mar 2001 [Full text]

Carpet Baggers

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