The health of displaced children Studies on the nutritional status and quality of life in Mavrovouni refugee camp, Lesbos

This thesis describes the nutritional status and Quality of Life of displaced children living in Mavrovouni Refugee Camp, Lesbos. Chapter 2 summarizes evidence from 12 studies (7009 children in 14 camps), showing a pooled stunting prevalence of 16% and wasting of 4.2%, indicating substantial chronic but limited acute malnutrition. Chapter 3 describes our observation study in which we looked at 304 children (0–18 years) in the Mavrovouni camp (Lesvos, Greece), finding 11% stunted, 10% wasted (under-fives), 5% underweight, and 13% overweight. Unaccompanied minors (UAMs) are particularly vulnerable, with 31% stunting, and no nutritional improvement is observed over time in camp. Breastfeeding is linked to better weight-for-height in young children despite these circumstances. Chapter 4 describes Quality of Life (QoL) in 111 children (94 with caregivers, 17 UAMs) using PROMIS measures.
Displaced children report high levels of anger, anxiety, pain behavior, and depressive symptoms. Our study also showed that a longer duration in camp was associated with higher scores on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Chapter 5 explores moral distress among paediatric humanitarian researchers in Mavrovouni through qualitative ethics workshops. Seven themes emerge: community and system challenges, moral responsibility, conflicting duties, misconceptions about benefits, coping strategies, cultural factors, and theories of change. Without structured support, researchers face significant moral distress, highlighting the need for dedicated ethical and psychosocial support systems in humanitarian research settings.