PSYCHOSOCIAL ADAPTATION OF CHILDREN WHILE HOUSED IN A SWEDISH REFUGEE CAMP - AFTERMATH OF THE COLLAPSE OF YUGOSLAVIA

This study examined the family functioning and the child's psychological adaptation while staying in a refugee camp in the Stockholm area. Data were collected by means of a structured interview from 66 children and their parents, mainly mothers, from the former Yugoslavia. Results showed that homesickness had the highest frequencies among the children followed by depression and somatic symptoms, which had increased after arrival. The average number of symptoms was two and was unchanged after arrival. The number of children with no symptoms was about double for girls compared to boys (18 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively) and 2.5 times more common among preschool children than school children (24 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively). Three-quarters were judged after the interview as mentally healthy, 20 per cent at risk and 5 per cent mentally unhealthy. The risk factors for mental ill-health among the children included experience of direct violence, apathetic or unstable mother, long time in Sweden, higher education level among fathers, lack of proper information about the flight, somatic symptoms, depression, homesickness, and reduced interest in school. The buffers were an optimistic mother and perception of social support. Although the sample was too small to generalize the results, it can be concluded that perception of the mother's health and well-being is very important in understanding the child's health. Family members should not be separated during the asylum and a follow-up is needed when they have obtained permission to stay.