Ukrainian refugees’ experiences with the Danish healthcare system: A survey-based study

Abstract

Aims:

Over 41,000 Ukrainian refugees are now living in Denmark. Targeted initiatives have been taken by Danish health authorities; however, it is unknown whether their health needs are met. This descriptive study explores Ukrainian refugees’ experiences with Danish healthcare.

Methods:

Adult Ukrainian refugees were invited to participate in an online survey through temporary housing units and language schools. The survey was developed and tested in collaboration with Ukrainian refugees, based on existing questionnaires. In May–August 2023, 803 individuals filled out the questionnaire, with 540 being fully completed. We described and measured associations between exposures (sociodemographic characteristics, language skills and war trauma experiences) and outcomes (experiences with the Danish healthcare system).

Results:

A minority (17%) felt knowledgeable about the Danish healthcare system. A third (36%) had needed but not received medical care within the past 12 months. This was associated with a language barrier (odds ratio (OR): 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.88) and having > 2 traumatic war exposures (OR: 8.57; 95% CI: 1.10–66.5). Thirty-seven per cent had contacted a Ukrainian doctor and 72% received medicine from Ukraine. A minority had been offered assessment at primary care for vaccination (22%), mental health (7%), infectious diseases (12%) or chronic disease (19%). Being offered an assessment was associated with being male for mental health (OR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.02–6.79) and being older (>70 years) for vaccinations (OR: 13.72; 95% CI: 3.83–49.12).

Conclusions:

Our results stress the need for interpreters and targeted interventions about healthcare in host countries from arrival, and in collaboration with refugees. Moreover, public health policies and guidelines must be supported by structural frameworks.