Description
Introduction-Objectives. Migration is a major global health challenge both for the migrants themselves and host communities. In the last decades, adolescents and young adult migrants from North Africa (NA) arrived in Europe in large numbers. Field observations reported features not previously described in other similar groups including high mobility across borders, precarious living conditions, use of psychotropic substances and high-risk behaviours such as prostitution and illegal activities. In order to adapt health service delivery, we aimed at better understanding NA adolescents and young adult migrants’ health status, access and use of healthcare.
Methodology. Considering the limited and fragmented existing documentation, we designed a scoping review. We used the Arksey and O´Malley process, refined with recommendations by Joanna Briggs Institute. Six databases were consulted: CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles and non-index reports were included. Reference lists of the records included were checked.
Results and Discussion. 5319 articles were identified. After removing the duplicates, 2988 were screened by title and abstract, of which 727 full texts were reviewed. 16 reports fulfilling inclusion criteria were eligible. Studies included were conducted in Spain (9), France (5), Germany (1) and The Netherlands (1). Most considered migrants from Morocco (12) and Algeria (7). The health status covered were mental health including substance use (6), infectious diseases (4), nutrition (4), general health (4), and oral health (1). Cannabis, solvents, and benzodiazepines were the most used substances mentioned, as was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conditions such as iron deficiency and latent tuberculosis also emerged. Five studies covered various aspects related to health service provision, highlighting on the relevance of considering transcultural approaches in mental health services. Studies focusing on or mentioning explicitly vulnerable groups (i.e., undocumented, unaccompanied minors) were scarce and presented a low level of scientific evidence.
Conclusions. This scoping review assesses current knowledge on the emerging issue of health status of highly mobile adolescents and young adults from North Africa in Europe and their use of health services. Mental health, including substance use and PTSD are commonly mentioned in this group as well as latent tuberculosis. Documentation however is scarce and justifies a call for additional research, notably targeting vulnerable groups to understand their health status and needs. It should also provide data to adjust and adapt current health services and interventions. International collaboration and initiatives at European level are likely necessary.
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