Search

Background The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused millions of Ukrainian refugees to flee to other nations. To provide the most appropriate assistance, host nations necessitate up-to-date information regarding Ukrainian refugee's demographic and epidemiological conditions. We aim to investigate the demographic composition, the COVID-19 vaccinations performed, specialist care provided and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in refugees assisted by an Italian Local Health Authority (LHA). Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from March to June 2022, analyzing the demographic and epidemiological status of Ukrainians. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess possible associations between NCDs distribution, age and gender. Results LHA Roma 1 assisted 9349 Ukrainian refugees. Of these, 2784 (29.8%) were males and 6565 (70.2%) were females, with a median age of 25 years. Two thousand four hundred and eighty-five Ukrainian refugees were vaccinated against COVID-19. Among them, 401 (16.1%) had at least one NCD. The most frequent groups of diseases were related to the circulatory system (50.6%), the endocrine system (24.9%), and mental and behavioral disorders (6.5%). Conclusion Refugees need healthcare services targeted mainly towards minors and females. It is essential to analyze and monitor the demographic and epidemiological conditions to provide evidence about patient management and the best care integrated into the health service of host countries.

RiassuntoIn molti Paesi il fenomeno delle migrazioni forzate o volontarie, pone in evidenza le difficoltà di accoglienza e gestione della presa in carico socio-sanitaria dei migranti. A Roma il Centro SAMIFO da anni si occupa della Salute dei Migranti Forzati, ossia di coloro che a causa di guerre, torture, genocidi, carestie e altre violenze fisiche e psicologiche, hanno diritto alla protezione internazionale. Al SAMIFO, oltre all’assistenza medica, particolare attenzione e cure vengono rivolte alle problematiche psicologiche e alla salute mentale dei rifugiati.Parole chiave: migranti forzati; accoglienza; diritti; assistenza sanitaria; salute mentale.AbstractIn many countries the phenomenon of voluntary or forced migration, highlights the difficulties of reception and management of social and health care for migrants. In Rome the SAMIFO Centre for years dealing with the health of forced migrants, i.e. those who because of war, torture, genocide, famine and other physical and psychological violence, are entitled to international protection. To SAMIFO, in addition to medical care, special care and attention are directed at psychological problems and mental health of refugees.Keywords: forced migrants; hospitality; rights; health care; mental health.