Health of asylum seeker children in Finland: a total population health examination survey (TERTTU)

Abstract Background There is scarcity of representative population-based data on the health and wellbeing of asylum seekers in Europe, especially children and adolescents. The Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing Survey (TERTTU) was launched to inform evidence-based policy-making and development of services. Methods A sample of all first-time asylum applicants was drawn from the Finnish Immigration Services electronic asylum database. Data on 303 children aged 0-17 years was gathered with a standardised health examination (including a dental assessment for 7-17 year-olds) and face-to-face-interview including the Minimum European Health Module and somatic and behavioural symptoms over the past 30 days. Guardians of 0-12 year-olds were interviewed, 13-17 year-olds responded themselves. Participation rate was 72%. Results 62% (95% CI 49,4-73,0) of 13-17 year-olds have had their growth and development monitored compared with 91% (95% CI 83,6-95,6) of 7-12 year-old and 86% (95% CI 79,4-91,0) of 0-6 year-olds. Long-standing health problems were more common among 13-17 year-olds (28%, 95% CI 18,2-39,7) and 7-12 year-olds (25%, 95% CI 16,8-34,2) compared 0-6 year-olds (13%, 95% CI 8,2-19,5). Sleep disturbances were more common among 13-17 year-olds (35%, 95% CI 24,2-47,4) and 7-12 year-olds (28%, 95% CI 19,6-37,5) than 2-6 year-olds (18%, 95% CI 11,3-26,7). Approximately fifth of children aged 7-17 years and slightly more than tenth of younger children had fears and anxieties. Signs of dental caries were found in 46% (95% CI 35,4-55,9) of 7-12 year-olds and in 23% (95% CI 14,1-35,1) of 13-17 year-olds. Conclusions Timely and accurate assessment of healthcare needs is crucial to support and improve the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Survey data will be used for developing the national initial health assessment protocol for asylum seeking children and adolescents. Key messages The TERTTU Survey is the largest population-based health examination survey among newly-arrived asylum seeking adults, adolescents and children in Europe, allowing for examining family units. Health information on asylum seeking children and adolescents in Finland, is relevant for service development, also for other European countries.