Prevalence of psychological distress among Ukrainian refugees in Germany-examination of gender differences

Background The war in Ukraine has increased the number of displaced people worldwide. Experiences of flight and trauma can lead to long-term mental health problems. The prevalence and severity of mental distress vary, given different demographic factors. Female refugees often experience particularly severe disadvantages and psychological distress due to their gender.Methods In a cross-sectional study, n = 389 participants aged 18 years and older who sought refuge in Germany after the outbreak of war in Ukraine were interviewed. A standardized questionnaire in Ukrainian was used to assess the general health status and psychological distress as well as the socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.Results Women respondents rated their mental health more negatively than men. About 52% of men and 69% of women slept worse or much worse than usual because of worries. Mild to severe depressive symptoms and anxiety were reported by 85% of all participants. Compared with men, women were more than twice as likely to report severe depressive or anxiety symptoms.Discussion A high proportion of refugees who fled from Ukraine show psychological distress. Among refugee women, psychological distress is significantly more pronounced than among men. Further gender-sensitive studies are needed to identify factors that can explain the vulnerability of women who have fled from Ukraine and provide starting points for preventive services.Conclusion In order to emphasize and sensitize (psychological) stress in Ukrainian women, interventions should be planned and offered, taking into account the interaction of (biological) vulnerability factors, gender-related post-migration stressors and intersectional discrimination.