Behavioural insights on health service needs and access: results of a qualitative study among refugees from Ukraine in Slovakia: September 2022–January 2023

Overview

The Russian military offensive in Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022 led to the largest population movement in Europe since the Second World War. Neighbouring countries such as Slovakia immediately opened their borders and offered a wide range of services to those fleeing war. Data about perceived health service needs and the experience of accessing services from the refugee perspective are urgently needed to appropriately tailor policies, programmes and communication activities.

In response, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the WHO Country Office in Slovakia and
key partners conducted a rapid qualitative study in September and October 2022, with follow-up interviews in January 2023, to identify perceived health service needs and gaps and the barriers and drivers of uptake of health services among refugees from Ukraine. This report provides a comprehensive description of the study, its findings and considerations for action.