Effect of forced migration on electrolyte profile of refugees

Abstract

Forced migration, whether internally or outside the national borders do come with problems and challenges. These challenges are common irrespective of migratory status (Refugee or Internally displaced persons).Some of the challenges are those of electrolytes imbalance and literature contains limited materials in this important group of people. Therefore, this paper assessed some electrolytes (sodium and potassium) level among refugees at Oru refugee camp, Nigeria. Subjects were adult (18-55yrs) males and females, 100 in two groups: local residents and refugees that just moved into camp within last 6months. Venous blood was collected from each volunteer, centrifuged and stored at -20⁰C until analysis at the chemical pathology departmental laboratory of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Mean values of Sodium and Potassium in refugees and residents are respectively; 136±2.4, 3.9±0.3 mmol/L, Vs 137±2.6, 3.7±0.2 mmol/L. There is no significant difference in electrolyte levels of both groups. This may be because the refugee population is settled. The electrolyte levels should be checked routinely in migrating populations and as soon as they are settled in a camp.

Keywords: Electrolytes, Sodium, Potassium, IDPs, Refugee.