Understanding Ukrainian refugees’ wellbeing and adaptation in Denmark

Abstract

Abstract Background Since the Russian invasion in Ukraine, nearly 8 million of Ukrainians have feld to EU countries. From the beginning of the crisis, local authorities in the Denmark have facilitated the resettlement of over 30,000 Ukrainian refugees. Denmark, has implemented a special law to speed up the asylum process, access to healthcare, and integration. Yet, there is limited knowledge about whether and how these efforts work in practice and how Ukrainian refugees experience adapting to the Nordic Country. Aims and methods Grounded in participatory research this study aimed to understand the health and psychosocial needs of Ukrainian refugees living in Denmark and to generate strategies for improving their psychosocial wellbeing. We have conducted two workshops (N = 11 participants) and 15 in depth interviews (in progress) with Ukrainian refugees living in Copenhagen. The workshop and interviews inquired about experiences of fleeing and settling in Denmark, living conditions, psychosocial needs, and experiences accessing healthcare and integration services, and actions to improve their adaptation. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results Informed by from Ryan's Resource Based model of refugee adaptation, preliminary results show three main aspects that challenge the adaptation of Ukrainians. Mismatch between the state's integration demands and refugees needs and goals, difficulties navigating healthcare system, housing conditions and mistreatment by housing staff. These challenges are particularly relevant for refugees that lack a network in Denmark, and contribute to experiences of accumulated daily stress and worry. Conclusions Results show how despite the increase efforts to support aces to healthcare, housings, and integration services; challenges remain. Findings will help to identify strategies in these three areas to improve the wellbeing and adaptation of Ukrainian refugees. Key messages • We identified several obstacles to Ukrainian refugees’ access to health care in a Danish context. • Obstacles in access to healthcare lead to re-stress and may have devastating consequences to Ukrainian refugeeś health.