The health impacts of displacement due to conflict on adolescents

Abstract

Globally, it is estimated there are a minimum of 9.8 million forcibly displaced adolescents (10–19 years old). Forcibly displaced adolescents face difficulties obtaining health services with conflict disrupting care, aggravating existing health concerns, and introducing new health issues. Displaced adolescents experience increased injury, psychological trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and physical and sexual violence. This chapter describes the health impact of conflict, and several factors that exacerbate the health of adolescents. It then describes the evidence base on the most effective interventions to address the health of adolescents. Lastly, it points to gaps within the literature suggesting how adolescent health can be mainstreamed in refugee health services.