The Mental Health of Young Refugees: Social Vulnerability and Mental Health Disorders Among Patients Treated at Comede Between 2015 and 2025
Introduction – The objective of this study is to characterize the population of exiled children and young adults who sought care at the Committee for the Health of Exiles (Comede). It aims to assess and describe the mental health disorders diagnosed in these patients and to identify the factors associated with these conditions.Methods – The medical records of patients aged 0 to 25 who sought care at Comede between 2015 and 2025 were analyzed. A descriptive analysis was conducted on demographic data, social vulnerability criteria, mental health disorders, and history of violence. Associations between the presence of a mental disorder and the other variables were examined. Results – Among the 5,000 young people seen at Comede’s care centers over 10 years, 2,274 patients received medical and psychological follow-up; of these, 45% were in precarious housing, 31% did not have enough to eat, 52% suffered from social isolation, and 37% were in a situation of social distress. The prevalence rate of mental disorders was 32%, the main ones being post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and major depressive episodes. Factors significantly associated with these disorders were: being male, being older, having housing problems, being socially isolated, being in a situation of social distress, and having experienced violence.Conclusion – This study highlights the prevalence of mental health disorders among young exiles who have recently arrived in France. It supports the existence of associations between exile, a history of violence, social vulnerability, and mental health conditions among young people. Upon their arrival in France, it is therefore necessary to address their living and reception conditions and improve their access to medical and psychological care.
Author(s): Petit Mathilde, Marseglia Maila, Rey Sylvie, Roux Louise, Veïsse Arnaud
Publishing year: 2026
Pages: 230-238
Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2026, n° 11, p. 230-238
In relation to
Our latest news
news
Launch of the “Heating, Health, Buildings, and Urban Planning” Network:...
news
2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men
news