Mental Health and Well-Being in Adolescent and Young Adult Refugees in Sweden: A cross-sectional study of accompanied and unaccompanied individuals

This study investigates the mental health and well-being of adolescent and young adult refugees in Sweden, focusing on differences between accompanied and unaccompanied individuals. The cross-sectional study included 291 participants aged 12-25 years, recruited nationwide between 2019 and 2022. Data on sociodemographic factors, mental health, well-being, and functional ability were collected through semi-structured interviews. Key findings  showed a high exposure to violence, low prevelance of psychiatric diagnoses, generally high self-reported well-being and observer-rate funcational ability, Unaccompanied refugees had higher risks of suicidal thoughts, PTSD symptoms, lower mental well-being, and lower functional ability compared to accompanied refugees.

The study highlights the heterogeneous needs of newly arrived refugees and suggests that unaccompanied refugees are at higher risk for adverse mental health outcomes. Future research should confirm these findings and explore tailored support strategies for this vulnerable population.