PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Background Children and adolescents with a history of migration have particular mental health needs and resources, as their psychosocial development phases interact with various pre-, peri- and postmigration factors. This systematic review examines the mental health situation of children and adolescents with personal or parental migration experience in Germany, focusing on reported mental health problems, as well as data collection approaches and systems. Methods We searched in Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Psychinfo, and Web of Science for relevant quantitative studies (between 2000 and 2024). We included studies evaluating children’s or parental migration experience as an independent variable or reporting prevalence differences among groups, as well as prevalence studies without non-migrant comparison group. Results Of 3256 identified studies, 103 met inclusion criteria. The identified studies focused on the mental health domains of PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, self-harm and suicide attempts, health-related quality of life, and resilience. Most studies relied on non-representative samples (>60%) and self- or parent-reported assessment tools (>70%). High prevalence of mental health problems, especially PTSD, were reported among refugee minors. Non-refugee parental migration experience tended to have no or small negative influence on children’s mental health, with some studies highlighting protective factors such as personal resources or better health-related quality of life for children with migration experience. Significant interaction effects were reported for socio-economic?status, gender, region of origin, one- vs. both-sided?parental migration, and first- vs. second-generation migrant status. Conclusions The emerging complex and nuanced picture of the mental health situation of children and adolescents with personal or parental migration experience in Germany highlights the need for targeted monitoring, as well as tailored prevention and intervention strategies. The review results will serve as a foundation for policy recommendations to improve health and migration data systems supporting responsive and equitable care in Germany and beyond.