Experiences of refugee children living with disabilities: A systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose: Refugees living with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, isolated and marginalized populations, and, of this group, children are particularly vulnerable. The purpose of this study is to identify current knowledge and research gaps specific to the experiences of refugee families who have children with disabilities. The authors assess the quality of evidence and describe the theoretical underpinnings of research that focuses on refugee families who have children with disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The authors searched nine electronic databases from database inception for English language, peer-reviewed publications. The authors identified themes from the included studies. Findings: The authors identified 10 studies that fit their inclusion criteria and shown key findings in the form of six themes. Families who have children with disabilities experience structural barriers; their experiences are impacted by family factors and the degree and kind of support received, as well as the knowledge of parents about their rights. Gender differences made visible the precarious situations experienced by girls with disabilities. Gaps in educational standards and the capacity of schools, particularly in refugee camps, were highlighted. Research limitations/implications: The authors show that there is a lack of evidence-based research focusing on refugee children’s own experiences of living with disabilities. Children’s experiences that were visible were, for the most part, attended to through other’s accounts of their experiences. Many studies that the authors found (the current knowledge to date) describe children with disabilities through third-party accounts, including parents, caregivers and those who provided services to this population. There is an urgent need to explore the experiences of children who have disabilities and are displaced from their home country. Originality/value: This systematic review focuses on refugee children experiences that has not been conducted before and identifies the research gaps for this group. Attention to how disabilities are understood philosophically and who are defined as refugees are needed in order for the research to accrue in ways that build a consistent body of literature. Without some consistency, it is not possible for studies to build on one another.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What Works to Support Newcomers With Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses?

This research summary describes the state of available evidence regarding the impacts of interventions with newcomers with a disability or chronic illness. The summary highlights that cultural adaptations and connections can significantly benefit newcomers with chronic illnesses by improving self-efficacy, health knowledge, and access to healthcare. Studies on community health navigators and cultural case workers…

About this study

AGE: Children

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

OUTCOME AREA: Health

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2023

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