Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/43805
Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Hiding from the sun - Vitamin D deficiency in refugees |
Author: | Benson, J. Skull, S. |
Citation: | Australian Family Physician, 2007; 36(5):355-357 |
Publisher: | Royal Australian College of General Practitioners |
Issue Date: | 2007 |
ISSN: | 0300-8495 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Jill Benson; Sue Skull |
Abstract: | BACKGROUND It has been well established that women who wear a veil for cultural reasons and dark skinned migrants from Africa have an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Many refugee patients also come from countries where their skin is covered or they are indoors for most of the day. OBJECTIVE This article explores the risk, diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency in the Australian refugee population. DISCUSSION In 2004–2005, 75% of the 7000 refugees settling in Australia were from African countries and 20% were from the Middle East. Refugees may be exposed to less sunlight in Australia than in their country of origin because of an indoor lifestyle or an increased latitude. Refugee health centres confirm that vitamin D deficiency is present in 40–80% of refugee patients. Importantly, this is often asymptomatic. General practitioners are encouraged to test for vitamin D deficiency in refugees, especially as part of the initial health assessment. |
Keywords: | Humans Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D Prevalence Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Family Practice Sunlight Cultural Characteristics Refugees Africa Middle East Australia Female Male |
Description: | Copyright © 2007 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Copyright to Australian Family Physician. Reproduced with permission. Permission to reproduce must be sought from the publisher, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. |
Published version: | http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/200705/16451 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 6 General Practice publications |
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File | Description | Size | Format | |
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hdl_43805.pdf | 201.5 kB | Publisher's PDF | View/Open |
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