[Health status and degree of traumatisation among newly arrived asylum seeker--secondary publication].

An unknown number of asylum seekers arriving in Denmark have been exposed to torture. Amnesty International's Danish Medical Group examined 142 asylum seekers, of whom 45% had been exposed to torture. Physical and psychological symptoms were 2-3 times as frequent among torture survivors as among non-tortured asylum seekers.

Asylum seekers in Denmark--a study of health status and grade of traumatization of newly arrived asylum seekers.

Background: An unknown number of asylum seekers arriving in Denmark have been exposed to torture or have experienced other traumatising events in their country of origin. The health of traumatised asylum seekers, both physically and mentally, is affected upon arrival to Denmark, and time in asylum centres leads to further deterioration in health.

Methods: One hundred forty-two (N=142) newly arrived asylum seekers were examined at Center Sandholm by Amnesty International Danish Medical Group from the 1st of September until the 31st of December 2007.