Priya George

Introduction: The low socioeconomic standing of Haiti has health implications for the country. To date, no research has studied the impact of the country’s low development index as it affects Haitian adoptees.

Aims: This project aims to determine whether Haitian adoptees face unique medical issues compared to the general international adoptee population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of Haitian adoptees age and sex matched with three international adoptees from East Asia, South Asia, and Latin America was conducted between January 2006 and November 2019. Risks were analyzed via logistic and multinomial regressions (n=348).

Results: Haitian adoptees were at higher risk for low hemoglobin (OR=5.55), increased lead levels (OR=6.35), and two or more parasites (OR=9.19). Haitian adoptees demonstrated lack of immunity to polio type 1 (OR=3.27), hepatitis A (OR=0.28), and hepatitis B (OR=5.52). Haitian adoptees also displayed more hepatitis B infections (OR=3.44).

Discussion: The significance of high lead and parasites may be attributed to water and soil contamination (ex: batteries), and poor sanitation. Gaps in Haiti’s vaccination program worsened after the earthquake which may explain the lack of viral immunity.

Implications: Haitian adoptees face unique medical challenges related to the country’s socioeconomic status and the earthquake's impact on public health infrastructure. Providers working with Haitian adoptees should be aware of their increased risk for medical issues and consider screening with vigilance to optimize the health of this vulnerable population.