Knowledge and preventive practices regarding COVID-19 disease among Ukrainian refugees in Poland

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) Vol. 103; no. 16; p. e37833
• Main Authors: Sobieraj, Ewa, Goławski, Jakub, Sikora, Anna, Duda-Duma, Łukasz, Korzeń, Marcin, Pasek, Oskar, Pyzio, Klaudia, Gańczak, Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 19.04.2024
• Subjects: Adult; COVID-19 - epidemiology; COVID-19 - prevention & control; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Poland - epidemiology; Refugees; SARS-CoV-2; Young Adult; Poland
• ISSN: 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037833

Russia's invasion of Ukraine contributed one of the largest migration movements in the 21st century. Refugees may become a source of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections for the residents of host countries. The study aim was to assess knowledge and preventive practices regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 among Ukrainian refugees registering consecutively in Zielona Góra, Poland. Knowledge and preventive practices were assessed by giving 1 point for each correct answer by anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 96%, 190 participated (mean age 37.8 ± 15.5 years; 57.9% females); 61.6% self-reported their socio-economic status (SES) as high, 38.9% reported high level of education. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 3.06 ± 1.95; 19.5% scored >50%. The knowledge level was higher among migrants with high SES (P = .003). The mean preventive practices score was 2.56 ± 1.38; 54.0% scored ≥ 60%. 40.5% declared social distancing, 62.6% followed coughing etiquette, 69.0% home isolate themselves during COVID-19. 57.9% always used masks in public space, however 74.2% wore masks with uncovered nose. Refugees with higher education, high SES and knowledge level had significantly greater preventive practices scores (P = .002; P = .02; P = .03, respectively). The knowledge and preventive practices level was insufficient. Educational campaigns oriented to raising knowledge and prevention behavior skills should be implemented, especially targeting high-risk groups to avoid spread of COVID-19.