Mapping Psychosocial Challenges, Mental Health Difficulties, and MHPSS Services for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in Greece: Insights from Service Providers
2024

Mental Health Needs of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in Greece

Sample size: 79 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Giannopoulou Ioanna, Papanastasatos Gerasimos, Vathakou Eugenia, Bellali Thalia, Tselepi Konstantia, Papadopoulos Paraskevas, Kazakou Myrsini, Papadatou Danai, Wang Liang-Jen

Primary Institution: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Hypothesis

What are the psychosocial and mental health needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Greece as perceived by service providers?

Conclusion

The study highlights significant mental health needs among unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Greece and the challenges faced by service providers in addressing these needs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Almost 59% of unaccompanied minors showed signs of behavioral or emotional disturbance.
  • Over half of the minors referred for psychiatric assessment needed inpatient care.
  • 42.1% of unaccompanied minors required emergency psychiatric evaluation.

Takeaway

Unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Greece have many mental health problems, and the people helping them face a lot of challenges.

Methodology

An exploratory, predominantly quantitative design was used, involving an online survey with service providers.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on service providers' perceptions rather than direct input from the children.

Limitations

The study did not gather data directly from the unaccompanied minors themselves, limiting the understanding of their needs.

Participant Demographics

The sample included facility coordinators, field psychologists, and CAMHS directors, primarily working with unaccompanied minors.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.023

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/children11121413

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