Trauma Exposure in Migrant Children: Implications for Mental and Physical Health

Global migration is a public health crisis of epidemic proportions. Migrants are at risk for a variety of physical and mental health concerns, while having limited access to healthcare. Migrant children are especially vulnerable to experiencing significant trauma, both physical and emotional. Children comprise less than one-third of the global population, yet nearly half of migrants are children less than 18 years of age. The United States is home to a significant number of migrant children. Migrant children have a unique set of educational, health, and emotional needs. Given the sheer number of migrant children living in the United States, pediatric nurse practitioners must understand their unique needs and provide evidence-based interventions to help meet these needs. This continuing education article will discuss migrant children in terms of understanding migration, trauma exposure and resultant impact on psychological and physical health, and implications for practice.