Link between housing and community factors and mental health and psychological well-being of refugee parents and children in high-income countries: A systematic review.
Teisi Tamming, Isabelle Hume, Glorianne Said et al.
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In 30 seconds
This PRISMA-guided systematic review examined links between housing and community factors and mental health or psychological well-being among refugee parents and children in high-income countries. Searches identified 11,588 studies, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. Across the included research, more favourable mental health outcomes were particularly associated with living with family or relatives, or in foster care, rather than in reception centres, and with social support. Perceived discrimination was consistently associated with poorer mental health outcomes. The review also identified limited evidence focused on parents and on education- and school-related factors.
Key findings
- Thirty studies were included from 11,588 identified records.
- Living with family or relatives, or in foster care, was linked to more favourable mental health outcomes than living in reception centres.
- Social support was associated with more favourable mental health outcomes.
- Perceived discrimination was consistently associated with negative mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
The review highlights that mental health among refugee families may be linked not only to forced migration but also to modifiable post-migration conditions. Housing arrangements, opportunities for social support, and experiences of discrimination are relevant considerations for services and policy. The limited evidence on parents and school-related factors also points to areas where understanding remains incomplete.
What to keep in mind
The review reports gaps in evidence focused on parents and education- or school-related factors, and notes that further subgroup analyses would be useful.