School performance of children whose parents suffered torture and war—a register-based study in Denmark

Abstract Background Young refugees and descendants of have different preconditions for learning than their peers without refugee background. Children growing up in families where parents suffered torture war trauma may represent a particularly vulnerable group. This study investigates whether children survivors living Denmark achieved test scores throughout primary secondary school compared to non-traumatized parents. Methods Using data from national programme, tests Grades 2–8 were whose had been treated as peers. Referral specialized rehabilitation clinics was used identify the traumatized parent The mean score difference estimated using multilevel linear regression, outcomes measured within groups parental region origin allow region-specific effects. odds missing also with logistic regression. Results included 854 467 [median age (interquartile range) =12 (3.3)] which 7809 trauma-exposed analysis revealed that between −6% (95% CI: −0.13, 0.00) −38% −0.44, −0.32) standard deviation parents, adjusted main effect origin. They more likely miss [OR=4.95 4.30, 5.71)]. Conclusions findings indicate risk factors poorer performance cluster reveal possible adverse educational effects across generations.