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A Denver Refugee Clinic Blood Lead Level Analysis in Refugee Females of Reproductive Age, 13–45 years, 2014–2019

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Abstract

The objective was to determine if refugee females of reproductive age (FRA) are at risk of having elevated blood lead levels (BLL). A retrospective quality improvement project conducted at a Denver community health center (9/2014–3/2019) evaluated BLLs from initial domestic medical examinations (DME) in 312 FRA refugees (13–45 years). Associations between elevated BLL and demographic factors were explored using multivariable regression analysis. Of 312 FRA refugees, BLLs ranged from < 2.0 to 26.2 mcg/dL, 5% had elevated BLLs. Of pregnant refugees (49), 4% had elevated BLLs. Afghani country of origin was positively associated with elevated BLLs, adjusting for age (FRA: Prevalence Ratio 6.90 [2.68–17.77], p < 0.0001). Afghani FRA refugees, irrespective of pregnancy and breast-feeding status, should have BLL testing at DME. Nationally representative evaluations of FRA refugees are needed to determine if BLL screening should be expanded to all FRA refugees, irrespective of pregnancy or breast-feeding status.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA

    Melissa K. Tran & Molly Lamb

  2. Center for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA

    Molly Lamb & Janine Young

  3. Denver Health Refugee Clinic, Lowry Family Health Center, Denver Health and Hospitals, 1001 Yosemite St., Denver, CO, 80230, USA

    Janine Young

  4. Department of General Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Janine Young

Authors
  1. Melissa K. Tran
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  2. Molly Lamb
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  3. Janine Young
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Correspondence to Janine Young.

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Ethical Approval

Ethics approval and consent to participate as QI from the Denver Health and Hospitals Quality Improvement Committee. DME was performed under contract with the Colorado Department of Human Services/Colorado Refugee Services Program.

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Tran, M.K., Lamb, M. & Young, J. A Denver Refugee Clinic Blood Lead Level Analysis in Refugee Females of Reproductive Age, 13–45 years, 2014–2019. J Immigrant Minority Health 23, 175–178 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-020-01067-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-020-01067-6

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