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

Author

Listed:
  • Bukola Salami

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada)

  • Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada)

  • Christa Fouche

    (Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Catrin Evans

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Lindiwe Sibeko

    (Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 204 Chenoweth Laboratory, Amherst, MA 01003-9282, USA)

  • Mia Tulli

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada)

  • Ashley Bulaong

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada)

  • Stephen Owusu Kwankye

    (Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 96, Legon, Accra GA184, Ghana)

  • Mary Ani-Amponsah

    (School of Nursing, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 43, Legon, Accra GA184, Ghana)

  • Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika

    (Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E7, Canada)

  • Hayat Gommaa

    (Department of Nursing Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Sokoto Road, PMB 06, Zaria 810107, Nigeria)

  • Kafuli Agbemenu

    (School of Nursing, The State University of New York (SUNY), University at Buffalo, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Chizoma Millicent Ndikom

    (Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria)

  • Solina Richter

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z7, Canada)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bukola Salami & Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez & Christa Fouche & Catrin Evans & Lindiwe Sibeko & Mia Tulli & Ashley Bulaong & Stephen Owusu Kwankye & Mary Ani-Amponsah & Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika & Hayat , 2021. "A Scoping Review of the Health of African Immigrant and Refugee Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3514-:d:525676
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Meyer, Sarah R. & Meyer, Elizabeth & Bangirana, Clare & Mangen, Patrick Onyango & Stark, Lindsay, 2019. "Protection and well-being of adolescent refugees in the context of a humanitarian crisis: Perceptions from South Sudanese refugees in Uganda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 79-86.
    3. Geltman, P.L. & Radin, M. & Zhang, Z. & Cochran, J. & Meyers, A.F., 2001. "Growth status and related medical conditions among refugee children in Massachusetts, 1995-1998," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(11), pages 1800-1805.
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