Health Status of Patients Identifying as Unaccompanied Minors and Those Not Recognized as Minors: A Retrospective Study at the Hôtel-Dieu Emergency Care Unit

Introduction - The number of unaccompanied minors (UAMs) has increased exponentially in recent years. Following an initial assessment of minors within the National System for the Shelter, Assessment, and Referral of Unaccompanied Foreign Minors (DEMIE), it is estimated that 57% of these young people have not been recognized as minors. The legal framework surrounding this status remains unclear, and access to healthcare is hindered. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the health status of this population. Materials and Methods - Data collection was performed retrospectively using the Orbis® medical record system. The patients included were those who identified as unaccompanied foreign minors but were not recognized as minors by the Demie during their consultation at the Hôtel-Dieu (Paris) Healthcare Access Clinic. The following data were collected: demographic information, consultation diagnoses, prevalence of target conditions, hospitalizations, and contacts with support organizations. Results - Between January 1, 2019, and October 9, 2019, 301 patients were included, and a total of 1,035 consultations were analyzed. The proportion of males was 95%, and the reported mean age was 16.2 years. The prevalence of psychotrauma was 27.7% and that of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was 12.8%. The main consultation diagnoses concerned the musculoskeletal system, dermatology, and gastroenterology. The hospitalization rate following consultation was 6%. Discussion - This is a vulnerable and isolated population. The prevalence of serious conditions and the hospitalization rate are higher than expected. Adherence to care within the facility is good. Conclusion - The population of unrecognized unaccompanied minors is a high-risk group for whom access to care must be facilitated and improved.

Author(s): Hourdet Anna, Rénier Marine, Van de Steeg Florette, Rieutord Guillaume, de Champs Léger Hélène

Publishing year: 2020

Pages: 531-537

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2020, n° 27, p. 531-537

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