Health & healthcare needs among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway during 2022

Abstract

Abstract The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in refugees coming to Norway. Systematic information about the health and healthcare needs of the group, which may differ significantly from that of other refugees, is lacking. This study aimed to measure self-reported health and healthcare needs in a sample of adult refugees from Ukraine. Data were collected via a digital questionnaire (UKR-R survey, n = 731) in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22-31.01.23, via multiple physical contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, as well as Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. Several survey items were from existing Norwegian population surveys, such as a short version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-5). Data from these surveys (NOR surveys, n = 256 920) formed a comparison group. Results were weighted by age and sex against all Ukrainian refugees registered with collective protection in Norway. Respondents were 83% female, 65% aged 30-49 years, and 69% with higher education. Fewer in UKR-R survey rated their overall health as good or very good compared to NOR surveys (48% vs. 73%, p < 0.001). Fewer in UKR-R survey rated their dental health as good or very good compared to NOR surveys (31% vs. 74%, p < 0.001). More UKR-R survey respondents reported long-term illnesses or health problems compared to NOR surveys (58% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). UKR-R respondents had a mean weighted HSCL-5 score of 2.24 (95% CI: 2.18, 2.29), compared to 1.60 (95% CI: 1.595, 1.601) in NOR surveys, indicating psychological distress. Refugees from Ukraine arrived thus far, compared to the Norwegian general population, rate their overall health and dental health poorer, and report higher levels of psychological distress. These findings may help to inform planning of health services and information to refugees from Ukraine, especially in municipalities and areas receiving large numbers of refugees.