The first comprehensive study of the lives of people displaced from Ukraine in Denmark finds that almost 1 in 3 (29.4%) shows signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The study was carried out by Copenhagen University with assistance from DIGNITY, the Danish Institute Against Torture. It is based on questionnaires given to 6 900 Ukrainians above the age of 18 and granted permission to stay in Denmark - under the special act, which roughly mirrors the EU Temporary Protection Directive - between 24 February 2022 and 1 February 2023. In total, approximately 40 000 people from Ukraine have been granted a permit in Denmark under this act.

The study also finds that the majority of those displaced from Ukraine in Denmark are well educated, employed, and appear to be high-functioning. Key everyday problems identified by survey respondents include:

• Concerns around not being able to secure treatment for their health issues (identified by 25% respondents)
• Worries about family still in Ukraine (22%)
• Concerns around securing employment (identified as the most significant problem by 12% respondents)
• Fear of being returned to Ukraine (9%)

The report also finds that just under half of respondents hope to stay in Denmark, even when the ongoing war no longer poses a threat to their hometown. This is likely to pose complications, as their permits will soon expire and applications for permanent residence in the country can usually only be made after 8 years of temporary stay.

According to the report's findings, those who want to remain in Denmark permanently are likely to exhibit fewer symptoms of PTSD and other mental health issues than others. The findings also show that they experience fewer everyday problems and have higher trust in Danish authorities and institutions.

Questions related to this research can be emailed to project leader Karen-Inge Karstoft via kik@psy.ku.dk.