Health-Related Quality of Life Among Ukrainian War Refugees Compared to the General Population in Estonia

Objectives: The study aimed to provide a comparative analysis of HRQoL and its health-related and socio-demographic correlates among Ukrainian refugees and general population in Estonia. Methods: Study used age and sex matched data (1249 pairs) from two representative cross-sectional surveys covering Ukrainian refugees aged 18-64 years residing in Estonia (n = 1,430), and the general population (n = 2007) of Estonia in 2024. Tobit-regression was used to compare the EQ-5D-3L index values in both groups while controlling for wide range of socio-demographic and health indicators. Results: Refugees reported less restrictions in mobility, self-care or in performing usual activities, whereas higher prevalence of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression was found for refugees compared to control group. Refugees had slightly lower EQ-5D index score (estimate -0.017, p = 0.029) compared to population controls after adjustment for socio-demographic and health-related covariates. Conclusion: Variations in EQ-5D-3L dimensions and index scores between refugees and population controls contribute to the literature on refugee HRQoL and extend the knowledge on HRQoL of Ukrainian refugees in the context of ongoing refugee crisis in Europe while also improving knowledge for support provision to this refugee group in Estonia.