Att ha lämnat allt : En litteraturstudie om ensamkommande barns erfarenheter av att vara asylsökande

Sammanfattning: Background: During the recent years a great amount of unaccompanied children have arrived to Sweden. They constitute a vulnerable group since they lack the protection of an adult. Previous research shows that they often have traumatic experiences and suffer from mental health problems. Nurses need to be aware of these issues to be able to provide good care for the asylum seeking children. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of unaccompanied children seeking asylum. Method: A literature review based on the content of six qualitative studies, four quantitative studies and two studies of mixed method. Results: The findings revealed four main themes; Being a survivor, Almost in safety, Mental vulnerability and Creating a new life. The results show that the children have survived war and persecution and have had to leave their families to search for safety. They have a great fear of being sent back and express a need for support and encouragement. It also appears that many of the children feel lonely and isolated and that a significant part suffer from mental health problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety. The children strive to create a new network and to succeed. Conclusion: To be able to help unaccompanied children with traumatic experiences and consequences thereof, it is important for the nurse to build a relation based on trust. It is useful for nurses to engage a life-world perspective, since it includes a holistic view of the children and their lived reality.