Effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments for refugee children : a systematic review and meta-analyses

Background: Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees is higher compared to the general population, and barriers in accessing mental health care are often experienced. With staggering numbers of people seeking refuge around the world, and 40% being 18 years or younger, effective trauma-focused therapies for refugee children with PTSD are highly needed.

Objective: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted to provide an overview of, and to analyse, intervention studies using PTSD measures in young refugees, assessing treatment effectiveness and addressing efforts to mitigate barriers to mental health care.

Method: Eleven databases were searched for studies evaluating trauma-focused treatments (TFT) for refugee children (0–18). Meta-analyses were conducted for all included studies grouped together; and second, per intervention type, using posttreatment measures and follow-up measures. Pooled between-group effect sizes (ESs) and pre–post ESs, using a random-effects model were calculated.

Results: A total of 47 studies was retrieved, with 32 included in the meta-analyses. The narrative review highlighted positive outcomes in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms for CBT-based interventions, EMDR therapy, KIDNET, and other treatments such as art therapy. Meta-analyses revealed medium pooled pre–post ESs for CBT-based interventions (ES = −.55) and large for EMDR therapy (ES = −1.63). RCT and CT studies using follow-up measures showed promising outcomes for KIDNET (ES = −.49). High heterogeneity of the included studies limited interpretation of several other combined effects. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the generally low quality of the included studies. All studies addressed efforts to minimize treatment barriers.

Conclusion: More high-quality studies are urgently needed to inform treatment recommendations. Evidence-based therapies, such as CBT-based interventions, EMDR therapy, and KIDNET, demonstrate promising findings but need further replication. Strategies to overcome barriers to treatment may be necessary to reach this population.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated intervention studies targeting PTSD in young refugees, analysing treatment effectiveness and barriers to mental health care.
• Meta-analyses revealed medium to large pre–post effect sizes for CBT-based interventions and EMDR therapy. Medium between-group effect sizes where shown for KIDNET when using follow-up measures, suggesting effectiveness over time. All studies addressed efforts to minimize treatment barriers.
• Due to high heterogeneity and generally low study quality, additional high-quality research is needed to inform treatment recommendations. Implementing strategies to overcome treatment barriers may be essential for effectively reaching this population.