Conflict driven displacement and child health: Evidence based on mother’s nationality from Jordan Population and Family Health Survey

Abstract

Introduction Armed conflicts result in greater vulnerability and socioeconomic inequality of populations besides risking their health and well-being. Conflict intensifies the health needs and risks the life and well-being of individuals at large through displacement. Therefore, our study aims to apprise the interventions to which children under-five living in Jordan are especially at risk for acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and fever in the conflict circumstances. Materials and methods Secondary data analysis is used in the present study. We used a weighted sample of around 9650 children from Jordan Population and Family Health Survey (JPFHS), 2017–18. Bivariate analysis including prevalence rates were used to examine the distribution of socio-demographic characteristics of children. The study has also used multinomial logistic regression model, in order to evaluate the variations in the probability of nationality of under-five children living in Jordan. Results “Syrian nationalist” children have a higher relative risk of ARI (RRR = 1.19, [1.08, 1.32]), and “Other-nationalist” children have two times greater risk of ARI compared to “Jordanian children.” The relative risk of diarrhea is lower among “Syrian nationalist” and “Other-nationalist” children compared to “Jordanian children.” Children belong “Other-nationalist” are found to be less relative risk of fever (RRR = 0.9, [0.80, 1.01]) than “Jordanian children.” Conclusions Our study concludes that conflict-driven displacement has an immediate effect on child health through access, availability, and affordability of health care services, resulting in more significant health care risks. However, sufficient investment is required to address such adversities that affect the health care system due to uneven demand as experienced by the Jordanian health care system. Thus, collaborative efforts through global partners can play a significant role in the countries facing the challenges of managing these health care emergencies.

The impact of conflict on infectious disease: a systematic literature review

“…The current review identified and analysed six studies on multiple infectious diseases published between January 2000 and October 2023 [ 56 – 61 ] (Table 8 ). Higher incidence rates of several infectious diseases were reported in Iraq [ 56 ], in the Southwest region of Cameroon [ 57 ], in Syria and neighbouring countries [ 61 ], in Jordan [ 59 ], in Ukraine [ 58 ], and in DRC [ 60 ]. During the peak years of the war in Iraq, particularly during the US military surge (2007–2009), the incidence of infectious diseases increased significantly [ 56 ].…”

“… Implemented : • Vaccine rollouts were made in a targeted fashion to displaced children • Engagement of community health workers in providing a continuity of care Suggested : Local, national, regional, and global authorities must work together to develop risk-mitigating interventions in settings with armed conflicts to preserve the delivery and utilisation of health servicesservices. Tarnas et al, 2021 [ 61 ] Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, 2003–2018 Population of Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq • Disruption of WASH infrastructure • Mass displacement • Overcrowding in health systems that were not equipped to handle an influx of forcibly displaced people • Interruption of standard health services including routine childhood vaccination Implemented : Not mentioned Suggested : Not mentioned Malik et al, 2021 [ 59 ] Jordan, early October 2017 to January 2018 Children under-five living in Jordan • A massive influx of Syrian refugees in Jordan placed immense pressure on the country’s over-stretched resources and affected the country’s health care system with exerted demand. • People coming through conflict-driven displacement had no or low access to healthcare and lack basic healthcare facilities.…”

“…In Jordan, the Syrian conflict led to the influx of Syrian refugees that placed further pressure on the country’s over-stretched resources [ 59 ]. People arriving as a result of conflict-driven displacement had no or low access to healthcare and thus were at a greater risk of exposure to diseases [ 59 ].…”

Enhancement of anti-bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities of silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant enteric pathogens isolated from children with diarrhea

“…Children's health in Iraq, as well as in other countries with high rates of poverty, is a serious issue due to the prevalence of diarrheal infections. It is vital to have knowledge of the circulating enteropathogenic in order to conduct suitable public health strategies to reduce diarrheal illnesses (12).…”

‘I lost over 700 tubers of yam but am glad I am still alive’: Implications of victimhood and displacement on conflict management – Insights from displaced farmers in North Central Nigeria

“…In the absence of timely and quality healthcare services, displaced farmers may develop a sense of neglect and frustration, leading to increased grievances and dissatisfaction (Malik et al, 2021). Also, the absence of mental health support and counselling services exacerbates the psychological burdens associated with displacement (Zilic, 2018).…”