The meaning of activity for unaccompanied refugee children

Previous studies have shown that activity loss in unaccompanied refugee children is common. During the asylum process, inactivity, uncertainty and anxiety disorders, which may occur after trauma, can result in passivity. Unaccompanied refugee children are, according to the UN, children and young people under 18 years of age who have fled from their home country without an accompanying parent or guardian. The purpose of this study was to describe different activities and their significance for unaccompanied refugee children. The method used was a literature review. Data collection was done through literature searches in different databases PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar and a manual search through reference lists. The search resulted in 18 relevant scientific articles, and was limited to articles that were no more than 11 years old and written in English or Swedish. The result from the analysis gave three main categories which are: 'Structure in everyday life gives a good feeling', 'Activities for pleasure can increase participation', 'School as support for finding new roles'. The result showed the importance of activities for unaccompanied refugee children, as they were perceived to have a positive impact on health and to give more energy and recovery. It also emerged that activities contributed to participation, balance and better health. The results showed the importance of activity for unaccompanied refugee children. Conclusions to be drawn from this study is to make the needed support visible for the refugee children in terms of activity training and that the creation of meaningful activities and that these may prevent or reduce loss of activity. Further research on activity needs for unaccompanied refugee children is needed, to highlight and develop what occupational therapists can contribute with in form of using the activity as a goal and means to facilitate the unaccompanied refugee children in their situation