Mental health conditions and help-seeking among Ukrainian war refugees in Czechia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: We aimed to screen Ukrainian war refugees (UWR) in Czechia for depression and anxiety, and to assess their recognition of personal mental health problems and related help-seeking.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample of UWR in Czechia. We used PHQ-8 and GAD-7 to screen for depression and anxiety, SELF-I to assess the recognition of respondents' own mental health problems, and a set of questions regarding mental health-related help-seeking.

Findings: Our sample consisted of 1,347 UWR. More than 41 % of respondents screened positively for moderate or severe depression and more than 23 % for moderate or severe anxiety. Self-recognition of mental health as well as help-seeking was very low among those who screened positively for moderate or severe depression or anxiety.

Interpretation: Even those UWR who report severe symptoms do not identify themselves as potentially having mental health issues and are not seeking help.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Help-seeking; Mental health; Ukraine; War.