Objective:

To examine evidence on modifiable factors associated with mental health in refugee children and inform preventive interventions, specifically focusing on factors that can be altered through interventions.

Key Findings:

• High prevalence rates of PTSD (53%), depression (33%), and anxiety (32%) among refugee children, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
• Identified modifiable factors include parenting practices, school support, stable housing, and community inclusion, which can be leveraged in preventive strategies.
• Existing preventive interventions often focus on single settings and lack coordination across intervention levels, indicating a need for integrated approaches.

Interpretation:

A public health approach is essential for preventing mental health issues in refugee children by addressing modifiable social and structural determinants, which can be targeted through coordinated interventions.

Limitations:

• Limited coordination across intervention levels, which may hinder the effectiveness of preventive measures.
• Insufficient attention to contextual diversity across host settings, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.
• Scarce investigation into the mechanisms underlying change, indicating a gap in understanding how interventions can be effectively implemented.

Conclusion:

The review emphasizes the need for a prevention-focused framework to translate theoretical models into effective public health strategies for refugee children's mental health, advocating for a multi-level approach.