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Objective: Asylum‐seeking children are most vulnerable to health problems and non‐utilization of health amenities. The aim of the study was to compare adherence with referrals for further diagnostic tests among asylum‐seeking children and native Israeli children. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Sample: The study was conducted among 3508 children born in 2016–2017, with two randomized sample groups: Israeli children (n = 243) and asylum‐seeking children (n = 271). Data were retrieved from the children's medical files. Measurements: Referrals for further diagnostic tests were defined as written referrals by a public health nurse or pediatrician. Data collected included the child's and mother's details, as well as data on referrals. A multiple logistic regression test was performed to detect risk variables for non‐adherence to referrals. Results: No differences were found between the groups regarding adherence to referrals for further diagnosis. Having medical insurance did not explain adherence to referrals. Asylum‐seeking children have more need for further follow‐up than do Israeli children. Conclusion: Asylum‐seeking children and Israeli children respond similarly to the preventive health services offered with equal accessibility. Public health nurses have an essential role in encouraging adherence to screening tests and to referrals for further diagnostic tests and in mitigating health disparities among asylum‐seeking children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the risk factors associated with having a very low birth weight ( VLBW) infant as a follow-up to the first phase of a Perinatal Periods of Risk approach. Design and Sample Retrospective cohort analysis of birth certificates. Population-based sample of 53,427 birth certificates for the city under study during the years 1999-2006. Measures The relationship of selected maternal characteristics as predictors of VLBW using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The maternal characteristics associated with VLBW were as follows: no prenatal care (OR = 4.04), inadequate weight gain (OR = 3.97), Black, non-Hispanic race (OR = 1.50), less than 20 years old (OR = 1.42) and more than 35 years old (OR = 1.43). After analyzing age and race/ethnicity together, Black non-Hispanic women less than 20 years of age (OR = 2.70) or over 35 years of age (OR = 2.45) still had an increased odds for having a VLBW infant whereas Black non-Hispanic women between the ages of 20 and 35 did not. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest educating women on the importance of preconception care, prenatal care, and adequate pregnancy weight gain to reduce the odds of having a VLBW infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]