The nature and impact of chronic stressors on refugee children in Ban Mai Nai Soi camp, Thailand

Abstract

Refugee camps are replete with risk factors for mental health problems among children, including poverty, disruption of family structure, family violence and food insecurity. This study, focused on refugee children from Burma, in Ban Mai Nai Soi camp in Thailand, sought to identify the particular risks children are exposed to in this context, and the impacts on their mental health and psychosocial well-being. This study employed two qualitative methods – free list interviews and key informant interviews – to identify the main problems impacting children in Ban Mai Nai Soi camp and to explore the causes of these problems and their impact on children's well-being. Respondents in free list interviews identified a number of problems that impact children in this context, including fighting between adults, alcohol use by adults and children, and child abuse and neglect. Across the issues, the causes included economic and social conditions associated with living in the camp and changes in family structures. Children are chronically exposed to stressors during their growth and development in the camp environment. Policies and interventions in areas of protracted displacement in camp-based settings should work to address these stressors and their impacts at community, household and individual levels.

Keywords:

• refugees
• mental health
• Burma
• Thailand
• children

Acknowledgements

This research was funded through the Caring for Child Survivors grant, provided from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the International Rescue Committee. The preparation of this article was supported in part by a NIMH K23 Grant.

Notes

1. This reference to a ‘third country’ is a reference to the resettlement process, meaning that individuals in the camp do not know whether or not they have been accepted to resettle in a third country, such as the USA or Australia. Key informants in this study identified disagreements within households about whether or not to seek resettlement as causes of arguments and fighting.