\^Etre mineur non accompagn\'e \`a Paris: exploration des facteurs d\'eterminants des besoins en sant\'e physique et mentale par une \'etude qualitative

TL;DR

This qualitative study investigates how institutional barriers and social factors influence the physical and mental health needs of unaccompanied minors in Paris, highlighting their unstable living conditions and limited access to care.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the health determinants of unprotected unaccompanied minors, emphasizing the impact of institutional barriers on their well-being.

Findings

Institutional barriers limit access to care

Living conditions are unstable and precarious

Negative impact on mental and physical health

Abstract

In France, government protection of unaccompanied minors (UMs) depends upon the recognition of their minority status and often result in a rejection. A significant proportion of UMs therefore find themselves unprotected. This qualitative study explores the contextual and individual factors that shape the physical and mental health needs of unprotected UMs in Paris. Interviews were conducted with UMs (n=12) and those working with them (n=36). A deductive-inductive thematic analysis was carried out. The study contributes to the analysis of the health determinants of unprotected UMs. It shows that institutional barriers limit the scope for action by civil society in the palliative care they receive. The consequence for them is living in conditions of instability and precariousness, with very little prospects for the future, which has a negative impact on their physical and mental health.