174 Mental health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany: results of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey

Abstract

OP 19: Mental Health 2, B302 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 13:30 - 14:30

Aims

Although Ukrainian refugees currently represent the largest group of asylum seekers living in Germany, little is known about their mental health. This contribution aims to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders among Ukrainian refugees as well as to examine the determinants of mental health outcomes.

Methods

The analyses are based on representative data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of refugees in Germany (07/2023-01/2024; n = 3,403) conducted among Ukrainians who moved to Germany between 24.2.-31.8.2022. Prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regressions to investigate associations between mental health and sociodemographic as well as post-migration factors. Results were weighted to account for survey design and non-response bias.

Results

Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2) were reported by 19% of Ukrainian refugees; the prevalence of anxiety disorders (GAD-2) was 14%. While social contacts (PHQ-2: PR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.40-0.71; GAD-2: PR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.28-0.52) and higher income satisfaction (PHQ-2: PR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51-0.83; GAD-2: PR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.51-0.96) were associated with lower prevalence of mental health disorders, self-reported experiences of discrimination in everyday life were associated with higher prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder (PHQ-2: PR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25-1.90; GAD-2: PR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.54-2.46). In addition, the prevalence of anxiety disorders was higher for females, younger participants (18-29 years) and individuals living alone. Respondents without children are more likely to report depressive symptoms than those with children in the household.

Conclusions

The findings highlight mental health disorders faced by Ukrainian refugees as a result of social inequalities, with discrimination in particular contributing to health inequalities. Targeted interventions must address the mechanisms of social exclusion and offer diversity-sensitive psychotherapeutic care services in order to combat heath inequalities.