title: Methods for a longitudinal cohort of refugee children in a regional community in Australia.
abstract: Few studies explore the long-term health and well-being of refugee children. A longitudinal cohort of refugee children was created to determine health and well-being outcomes over time. This article describes the methodology used to conduct this study, including sample characteristics and effectiveness of recruitment and retention strategies.
  
  
  
  Newly arrived refugee children settling in a regional part of Australia aged 6 months to 15 years were recruited between 2009 and 2013 and 85% were followed for an average of 31 months.
  
  
  
  General practitioners conducted health and pathology examinations shortly after arrival. Additional follow-up assessments were conducted by the research team at an average of 13 months after arrival for the first (year 2) and 31 months for the second (year 3) assessment. Children under 5 years had developmental and children aged 4-17 years had social-emotional screening. Families were assessed for risk and protective factors using a structured interview and the Social Readjustment Ratings Scale. Parent experience of the research was explored.
  
  
  
  Eligibility criteria were met by 158 of 228 (69%) newly arrived children, 61 of whom (39%) were enrolled. Retention was 100% (n=61) at year 2 and 85% at year 3. The study sample was younger than and had an over-representation of African refugees as compared to the eligible population. Parents reported that the research was respectful.
  
  
  
  This study demonstrates that a longitudinal cohort study in refugee children is feasible and acceptable, and retention rates can be high. The establishment of this cohort provides the opportunity to analyse valuable data about the early settlement experience, risk and protective factors and long-term health and well-being outcomes in refugee children. These are necessary to identify refugee children in need of additional support and to guide future service delivery.
authors: Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Zwi
authors: Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Santuri
authors: S
authors: Rungan
authors: Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Woolfenden
authors: Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Katrina
authors: K
authors: Williams
authors: District Executive Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Woodland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D065840:Protective Factors; D012036:Refugees; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D064890:Social Determinants of Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires