A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children

Salami, Bukola; Fernandez-Sanchez, Higinio; Fouche, Christa; Evans, Catrin; Sibeko, Lindiwe; Tulli, Mia; Bulaong, Ashley; Kwankye, Stephen Owusu; Ani-Amponsah, Mary; Okeke-Ihejirika, Philomina; Gommaa, Hayat; Agbemenu, Kafuli; Ndikom, Chizoma Millicent; Richter, Solina

Abstract

Migration is a growing phenomenon around the world, including within the African continent. Many migrants, especially African children, face challenges related to health and social inclusion and can face increased health risks. A systematic scoping review of available literature on the health of African migrant children across the globe was conducted to offer insight into these health risks. The review was conducted over a 15-month period from January 2019 to April 2020, yielding 6602 articles once duplicates were removed. This search included electronic databases, reference lists of articles reviewed, and searches of libraries of relevant organisations. A total of 187 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 159 were quantitative, 22 were qualitative, and 6 used mixed methods. The findings reveal decreased health in this population in areas of nutrition, infectious diseases, mental health, birth outcomes, sexual and reproductive health, physical and developmental health, parasitic infections, oral health, respiratory health, preventative health, endocrine disorders, health care services, and haematological conditions. The findings offer insights into factors influencing the health of African immigrant and refugee children. Further studies, especially qualitative studies, are needed to determine barriers to service access after migration and to investigate other underexplored and overlooked health concerns of African migrant children, including pneumonia and child maltreatment.

Citation

Salami, B., Fernandez-Sanchez, H., Fouche, C., Evans, C., Sibeko, L., Tulli, M., …Richter, S. (2021). A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), Article 3514. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073514

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 28, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 28, 2021
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Print ISSN: 1661-7827
• Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 7
• Article Number: 3514
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073514
• Keywords: migration; health; child health; Africa
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5417272
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/7/3514
• Additional Information: Special Issue Health of Migrant Children