Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway in 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background The full-scale invasion in Ukraine has led to a sharp increase in the number of refugees coming to Norway, and a rapid upscaling of the asylum system, including temporary solutions, which may have led to poorer information and access to services. This study assesses self-reported health status among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway during 2022. Methods Data were collected via a digital questionnaire 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. Results were weighted by age and sex against all Ukrainian refugees registered with collective protection in Norway. Linear regression assessed association of age, sex and having higher education with estimated EQ-5D-5L values using a Romanian EQ-5D-5L value set. Results Results are preliminary and may be altered. Respondents (n = 731) were 83% female, 65% aged 30-49 years, 69% with higher education. Mean EQVAS score weighted for age and sex was 69.5 (95% CI 67.9, 71.1). The ten most commonly reported EQ-5D-5L health states, reported by 425 respondents, had a mean estimated value of 0.94; mean value for all reported health states was 0.87. The most severe levels were most often reported for anxiety and depression. Regression models showed higher estimated EQ-5D-5L state values for men compared to women (male: +0.026, p < 0.05) and for those with higher education (+0.026, p < 0.05), and lower estimated valued health states for the oldest age groups compared to the youngest (age 50-59: -0.066, p < 0.01, age 70+: -0.096, p < 0.01). Conclusions Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L differed by sex, age group and educational level. Whilst most respondents reported relatively mild health states, when severe levels were reported these were most often for anxiety and depression. Key messages • Self-reported health status using EQ-5D-5L among refugees from Ukraine arriving in Norway differed by sex, age group and educational level. • Whilst most refugees from Ukraine responding to the survey reported relatively mild health states, when severe levels were reported these were most often for anxiety and depression.