Prevalence of otolaryngological disease in a refugee population compared to US-born patients

Abstract

Objective: Limited data exists regarding otolaryngological (ENT) disease in refugees and we aim to characterize its prevalence. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive chart review of adult US-born, immigrant, and refugee patients receiving care at a primary care clinic between 2014 and 2017. We report the prevalence of ENT disease by immigration status. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess differences in prevalence of ENT disease by immigration status. Results: Of 995 patients included, 202 US-born, 450 immigrants, and 343 were refugees. Immigrants were older (46 years vs. 34 years among refugees, 35.5 years among US-born, p