Mental health of asylum-seeking children in Denmark
Author Information
Author(s): Signe S. Nielsen, Marie Norredam, Karen L. Christiansen, Carsten Obel, Jørgen Hilden, Allan Krasnik
Primary Institution: Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Does the length of stay and number of relocations in the asylum system affect the mental health of children seeking asylum in Denmark?
Conclusion
Protracted stays at asylum centres and multiple relocations negatively impact the mental health of asylum-seeking children.
Supporting Evidence
- Children who had been asylum-seeking for more than one year had a 5.5 times higher risk of mental difficulties.
- Four or more relocations were associated with a 3.0 times higher risk of mental difficulties.
- 31% of children showed mental difficulties based on teacher reports.
- 26% of children reported mental difficulties in their self-reports.
- Children aged 11-16 reported higher levels of emotional problems compared to younger children.
Takeaway
Kids who have to stay a long time in asylum centers and move around a lot can feel really sad and have a hard time.
Methodology
The study used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess mental health in a cross-sectional design with responses from teachers and self-reports from children.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include the influence of the researcher's presence during children's responses and possible misunderstandings due to language barriers.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and the children were not subject to individual psychiatric evaluations.
Participant Demographics
The sample consisted of 58% boys and 42% girls, aged 4-16, primarily from former Yugoslavia and Iraq.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.8–16.3 for length of stay; 95% CI 1.4–6.7 for number of relocations
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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