Ukrainian families’ transnational living and perception of Germany’s health care system in times of war

Abstract

Purpose During the Ukrainian war beginning in 2022, about 3.7 million children became refugees. When referring to pediatric wards in Germany, significant levels of frustration in their parents’ communication with health staff are noticed. This study aimed to analyze expectations and perceptions of the vulnerable Ukrainian families with underlying problem areas in their health care provision. Methods Embedded in a qualitative, participatory approach, eight narrative interviews and one focus group were performed in the Children’s and Adolescents’ University Hospital of Leipzig. The interviews were thematically analyzed by applying the perspective of qualitative research used in medical anthropology. Results We identified Ukrainian medical culture with a rather authoritarian communication and stricter medical treatment of infectious diseases influencing parents’ expectations. Prompt and quick appointments in Ukraine due to an income based on the number of patients treated oppose barriers and long waiting times when accessing pediatric care in Germany. Families return to Ukraine for medical appointments. Conclusions Discrepancies concerning the self-treatment of infections and unintended discrimination emphasize the necessity for health staff’s intercultural training. The high-quality care of chronically ill children in Germany is a relevant pull factor. However, the treatment of future refugee populations may benefit from a de-economization and digitalization.

(Re)producing HIV Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany and Poland: Trans-Local Community-Based Support in Action

“…The geographic proximity of Germany and Poland to Ukraine enables refugees to sustain transnational and trans-local care networks, facilitating healthcare continuity through cross-border movement, medication transfer, and remote peer support, embodying horizontal solidarity and mutual aid practices essential to survival amidst systemic disruptions (Adamson 2023; Ziegelasch et al 2023). Recognizing and incorporating these grassroots, community-led practices into formal healthcare planning is vital.…”

“…In this project, we use the terms “trans-local” (Adamson 2023; Agustín et al 2024) and “transnational” (Ziegelasch et al 2023) to capture the complex realities of communities affected by displacement. “Transnational” refers to cross-border activities and support systems operating beyond national boundaries, while “trans-local” emphasizes the interconnectedness of geographically dispersed communities striving to maintain HIV care networks despite disruptions caused by the war.…”

(Re)producing HIV Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany and Poland: Trans-Local Community-Based Support in Action

“…The geographic proximity of Germany and Poland to Ukraine enables refugees to sustain transnational and trans-local care networks, facilitating healthcare continuity through cross-border movement, medication transfer, and remote peer support, embodying horizontal solidarity and mutual aid practices essential to survival amidst systemic disruptions (Adamson 2023; Ziegelasch et al 2023). Recognizing and incorporating these grassroots, community-led practices into formal healthcare planning is vital.…”

“…In this project, we use the terms “trans-local” (Adamson 2023; Agustín et al 2024) and “transnational” (Ziegelasch et al 2023) to capture the complex realities of communities affected by displacement. “Transnational” refers to cross-border activities and support systems operating beyond national boundaries, while “trans-local” emphasizes the interconnectedness of geographically dispersed communities striving to maintain HIV care networks despite disruptions caused by the war.…”

(Re)producing HIV Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany and Poland: Trans-Local Community-Based Support in Action

“…The geographic proximity of Germany and Poland to Ukraine enables refugees to sustain transnational and trans-local care networks, facilitating healthcare continuity through cross-border movement, medication transfer, and remote peer support, embodying horizontal solidarity and mutual aid practices essential to survival amidst systemic disruptions (Adamson 2023; Ziegelasch et al 2023). Recognizing and incorporating these grassroots, community-led practices into formal healthcare planning is vital.…”

“…In this project, we use the terms “trans-local” (Adamson 2023; Agustín et al 2024) and “transnational” (Ziegelasch et al 2023) to capture the complex realities of communities affected by displacement. “Transnational” refers to cross-border activities and support systems operating beyond national boundaries, while “trans-local” emphasizes the interconnectedness of geographically dispersed communities striving to maintain HIV care networks despite disruptions caused by the war.…”

(Re)producing HIV Care for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany and Poland: Trans-Local Community-Based Support in Action

“…The geographic proximity of Germany and Poland to Ukraine enables refugees to sustain transnational and trans-local care networks, facilitating healthcare continuity through cross-border movement, medication transfer, and remote peer support, embodying horizontal solidarity and mutual aid practices essential to survival amidst systemic disruptions (Adamson 2023; Ziegelasch et al 2023). Recognizing and incorporating these grassroots, community-led practices into formal healthcare planning is vital.…”

“…In this project, we use the terms “trans-local” (Adamson 2023; Agustín et al 2024) and “transnational” (Ziegelasch et al 2023) to capture the complex realities of communities affected by displacement. “Transnational” refers to cross-border activities and support systems operating beyond national boundaries, while “trans-local” emphasizes the interconnectedness of geographically dispersed communities striving to maintain HIV care networks despite disruptions caused by the war.…”