Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

Nutritional status of displaced children including unaccompanied minors on Lesvos, Greece

H Benjeddi1, M P Gruppen2, S A Post1

  • 1Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Child Health, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Journal of Migration and Health
|July 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Displaced children in Greece face significant nutritional challenges, including stunting and overweight. Unaccompanied minors are particularly vulnerable, with nearly one-third experiencing stunting.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • The global refugee crisis impacts over 120 million individuals, with children comprising 40%.
  • Limited data exists on the health and nutritional status of children in refugee camps.
  • This study focuses on displaced children in the Mavrovouni Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) on Lesvos, Greece.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the nutritional status of 304 displaced children (0-18 years) residing in CCAC Mavrovouni.
  • To identify the prevalence of wasting, stunting, and overweight within this population.
  • To analyze nutritional status in unaccompanied minors (UAMs) and explore factors like breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study conducted from February to August 2023 at CCAC Mavrovouni.
  • Data collected included demographics, dietary habits, and health indicators.
  • Nutritional status assessed using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for wasting, stunting, and overweight.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence: 11% stunting, 10% wasting (under-five), 5% underweight, 13% overweight.
  • Nutritional status showed no significant change during camp stay.
  • Unaccompanied minors exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of stunting (31%).
  • Breastfeeding showed an association with weight-for-height Z-scores in children up to five years old.

Conclusions:

  • Poor nutritional status is prevalent among displaced children in Lesvos, indicating vulnerability.
  • Unaccompanied minors are a particularly vulnerable subgroup, with high rates of stunting.
  • The co-existence of undernutrition and overweight presents complex nutritional challenges in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Asylum seekersDisplaced childrenGrowth statusNutritional statusRefugeeRefugee campsUAMsUnaccompanied minors

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...