MORBIDITY PATTERN AMONG REFUGEES IN EASTERN ETHIOPIA

The population of refugees in eastern Africa and the health problems a ffecting them are enormous. This study was conducted to document the m orbidity pattern among refugees in eastern Ethiopia. The study utilize d a descriptive cross sectional design. Data were collected using a un iform format from all refugee camps in the eastern Ethiopia. Respirato ry tract infection and diarrhoeal diseases were identified to he the m ajor causes of morbidity, accounting for 31.8% and 27.3% respectively in children under five years, and for 34.9% and 8.5% respectively in t he other age groups. The findings were consistent with other studies d one in refugee populations elsewhere. Universality of the problems was noted and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach is recommended to alleviate the health problems of refugees.