Experiences and challenges of refugees from Ukraine in accessing healthcare and social services during their integration in Lithuania
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22069650 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rita Urbanavičė (Vilnius University, corresponding author), Rabie Adel El Arab (0000-0002-3822-9236, Universitat de Lleida), Vaiva Hendrixson (0000-0003-2585-3782, Vilnius University), Donatas Austys (0000-0002-2374-5481, Vilnius University), Agnė Jakavonytė-Akstinienė (0000-0001-9758-9090, Vilnius University), Marija Skvarčevskaja (Vilnius University), Natalja Istomina (Vilnius University), Natalja Fatkulina (0000-0002-6562-053X) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Pages | 1411738-1411738 |
| Publication date | 2024-10-21 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411738 |
| PMID | 39498110 |
| OpenAlex | W4403617124 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 18 |
Background: The influx of Ukrainian refugees to Lithuania due to the ongoing conflict has created substantial challenges in healthcare and social services. Objective: To identify the key challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in accessing healthcare and social services in Lithuania. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 Russian-speaking female Ukrainian refugees residing in various regions of Lithuania. Data were collected between July and October 2022 and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis to identify key themes related to healthcare access, social services, and integration. Findings: Refugees reported significant barriers, including language difficulties, long waiting times for healthcare services, and inconsistent access to social services, particularly in smaller municipalities. Despite access to free healthcare, the quality and timeliness of services were often inadequate, exacerbating challenges for those with pre-existing health conditions. Psychological support services were underutilized, and language barriers impeded access to both healthcare and employment opportunities. Coordination between social and healthcare services was lacking, creating further difficulties for refugees in navigating essential services. Conclusion: While Lithuanian authorities have provided critical support, significant gaps remain in healthcare access and social service coordination. Urgent improvements are needed in language support, psychological care, and healthcare accessibility, particularly in smaller municipalities. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to services for all refugees. Future research should include more diverse refugee populations to guide comprehensive policy development
Business · Economic growth · Health care · Language barrier · Lithuanian · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Refugee · Sociology · Ukrainian · Global Healthcare and Medical Tourism · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Nursing
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Qualitative Content Analysis
| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 6 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 6 |