HIAS and NGO Girls collaborated on a nation-wide mental health and psychosocial needs assessment “18 months later: A mental health and psychosocial needs assessment across Ukraine” undertaken between July and August 2023.
HIAS and NGO GIRLS’ experience in providing community-based psychosocial support to affected populations since the onset of the conflict led to the elaboration of this nation-wide qualitative and quantitative needs assessment, which primary aim is to gain insights into the current mental and psychosocial condition of the Ukrainian people, and their specific needs regarding MHPSS service delivery.
This understanding is built on their current perception of mental health in general and MHPSS services, the stressors that most significantly impact them, the coping mechanisms they employ both individually and as a community, the obstacles they face to access mental health and psychosocial services, and their preferred modalities for accessing support.
To conduct this needs assessment, the following methodology tools were used:
Desk review and analysis of existing data and information regarding mental health and psychosocial needs of the Ukrainian population, before and since the invasion, and the broader humanitarian situation faced by Ukrainians throughout the country.
Focus group discussion (FGD) - 96 participants, with semi-structured questions covering all topics displayed in the assessment, and conducted separately for women (18-60 years old), men (18-60 years old), girls (13-17 years old) and boys (13-17 years old).
Key informants interviews (KII) - 16 participants, using the same semi-structured interview as for focus group discussions. Participants' profiles include family doctors or medical professionals of public hospitals, professionals working in IDP shelters, employees of government and administrative services at local level, volunteers, psychosocial workers, and school employees.
Online Survey - 2026 respondents, using technology Touchpoll® including men and women (18-60 years old) respondents, as well as girls and boys (13-17 years old) respondents. The questionnaire was designed directly from the semi-structured interview’s questions, conducted with FGD participants and key informants, by incorporating their most common answers as options for the survey respondents.
The results of this assessment can also support local and international organizations, as well as local stakeholders and communities, to adjust or design well-informed mental health and psychosocial programs that will address the current needs of the affected people, promote long-term resilience, and prevent further psychological harm for Ukrainian people.
The assessment was conducted by the NGO Girls within the framework of the project "Localized social protection and winterization assistance for vulnerable Ukrainians" with the support of HIAS Ukraine.
