A systematic review of the mental health impacts of sport and physical activity programmes for adolescents in post-conflict settings
Despite the international furore surrounding the use of sport for assisting conflict-affected populations, there is not yet convincing evidence of its efficacy as a mental health intervention.
Children and adolescents exposed to violent conflict are at high risk of developing mental health problems. Sport and physical activity is increasingly incorporated in post-conflict assistance for young people. Implementing agencies make a broad array of health claims for which there is currently a fragmented evidence base. The purpose of this review was to summarise the impact evidence for sport and physical activity based programmes on the mental health of adolescents in post-conflict settings, and highlight the limitations of current practice. There is a shortage of high-quality and available information, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn; future evaluation and research should aim to identify the mechanisms and processes behind the intended impact of interventions, as well as further programme testing, investment in innovation and impact evaluation.
Adolescents, Both sexes (for groups of both male and female persons), Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Child health, Conflict, Disability, Displaced population, Extreme violence/Accidents, Health, Internally displaced population, Mental health, Non-communicable diseases (all), Population displacement, Protection