Authors: Bukola Salami; Shirley Mogale; Folakemi Ojo; Michael Kariwo; Jill Thompson; Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika; Sophie Yohani · Research
How Does Migration Impact the Health of African Refugee Children Outside Africa?
A review of research on the physical and mental health challenges faced by African refugee children after resettlement.
Source: Salami, B., Mogale, S., Ojo, F., Kariwo, M., Thompson, J., Okeke-Ihejirika, P., & Yohani, S. (2021). Health of African refugee children outside Africa: a scoping review. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 61, 199-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2021.06.001
What you need to know
- African refugee children face significant physical and mental health challenges after resettlement, including infectious diseases, obesity, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Both pre-migration trauma and post-migration stressors contribute to poor health outcomes in this population.
- Interventions should address social factors like income, community belonging, and cultural adjustment to improve refugee children’s health.
The health impact of refugee experiences
Millions of children around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, and persecution. Africa is the largest source continent for refugee children globally. These children often face harrowing experiences before, during, and after their migration that can have profound impacts on their physical and mental health.
This article reviews research on the health of African refugee children who have resettled outside of Africa. Understanding the unique health challenges faced by this vulnerable population is crucial for providing appropriate care and support.
Physical health concerns
Infectious diseases
Several studies have found high rates of infectious diseases, particularly malaria, among African refugee children after resettlement. For example, one study in Canada found that 47% of African refugee children with malaria showed no symptoms. Similarly, research in the United States found 29% of children with malaria were asymptomatic.
These findings highlight the importance of thorough health screenings for newly arrived refugee children, even if they appear healthy. Undetected and untreated infectious diseases can have serious health consequences.
Obesity and metabolic health
While malnutrition is often a concern for refugees, studies have found increasing rates of obesity among African refugee children after resettlement in high-income countries. Research in Australia found obesity rates between 1-32% in this population.
Several factors may contribute to this trend:
- Sudden access to high-calorie, processed foods
- Decreased physical activity in new environments
- Stress and trauma impacting eating behaviors
- Cultural differences in perceptions of healthy body size
Obesity puts children at risk for other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Culturally-sensitive nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity are important for promoting healthy weights.
Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health concerns identified in studies of African refugee children. Research has found PTSD rates between 17-20% in this population.
Experiences that may contribute to PTSD include:
- Witnessing violence or death
- Separation from family members
- Dangerous journeys to safety
- Uncertainty about the future
Girls appear to be at higher risk for developing PTSD than boys. This gender difference may be due to different types of trauma exposures or coping strategies.
Depression and anxiety
In addition to PTSD, depression and anxiety are also prevalent among African refugee children. Factors associated with these mental health issues include:
- Social isolation
- Discrimination
- Family stress
- Difficulties adjusting to a new culture
One study found only 10% of parents reported seeking help for their children’s mental health concerns. This low rate of help-seeking may be due to stigma, lack of culturally appropriate services, or focusing on more immediate needs like housing and food.
Factors influencing health outcomes
Research shows that both pre-migration experiences and post-migration conditions impact the health of African refugee children. Understanding these factors can help in developing more effective interventions.
Pre-migration factors
- Exposure to violence and trauma
- Malnutrition and lack of healthcare
- Disrupted education
- Loss of family members
Post-migration factors
- Poverty and food insecurity
- Language barriers
- Cultural adjustment stress
- Discrimination
- Lack of social support
Supporting refugee children’s health
Studies have identified several protective factors that can promote better health outcomes for African refugee children:
- Strong family relationships
- Connection to cultural traditions
- Religious/spiritual involvement
- Educational support
- Social support networks
- Access to appropriate healthcare
Interventions that strengthen these protective factors while addressing barriers to health may be most effective. Some promising approaches include:
- Family-based mental health services
- School-based health promotion programs
- Peer support groups
- Cultural brokers to help navigate health systems
- Trauma-informed care training for providers
Conclusions
- African refugee children face complex health challenges stemming from both past traumas and current resettlement stressors.
- A holistic approach addressing physical, mental, and social factors is needed to support their wellbeing.
- More research is needed on culturally appropriate interventions and long-term health trajectories for this population.
While African refugee children have experienced significant adversity, they also demonstrate remarkable resilience. With proper support, many are able to overcome health challenges and thrive in their new homes. Continued research and targeted interventions are vital for promoting the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable yet resilient group of young people.