Demographics and disease prevalence of two new refugee groups in San Francisco. The Ethiopian and Afghan refugees.

Of all the Ethiopian (N=110) and Afghan (N=59)refugees seen at the Refugee Screening Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center between May 1982 and July 1983, most were young men and more than 80% of each group were unable to speak English. The most frequently noted medical conditions in both groups were pathogenic parasites, dental caries and skin disorders. Most had positive PPD tests, but only a few cases of class A or class B tuberculosis were found. Among the Ethiopians two active cases each of Plasmodium vivax malaria and trachoma were diagnosed. Although a wide range of diseases were seen, most were common rather than exotic. In addition to the need for translators, traditional beliefs and customs must be sensitively considered when providing health care to these groups.