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Perceived Stress Levels among Ukrainian Migrant and LGBT+ Minorities in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Tomasz Michalski

    (Department of Regional Development, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Maciej Brosz

    (Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Joanna Stepien

    (Department of Socio-Economic Geography, Faculty of Social Science, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Karolina Biernacka

    (Adult Psychiatry Scientific Circle, Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Michal Blaszczyk

    (Adult Psychiatry Scientific Circle, Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Jakub Grabowski

    (Division of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland)

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, immigrant status and being a member of the LGBT+ community are all independent factors associated with increased stress levels. Few studies provide more complex analysis on this issue, and there has been no research on the cumulative burden of perceived stress that people belonging to both minorities experience in the current epidemiological situation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability to deal with an external situation during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in the following groups with different stress levels (total sample n = 370): Polish heterosexual men ( n = 202), heterosexual men from Ukraine ( n = 131) and homo- and bisexual men (men who have sex with men—MSM) from Ukraine ( n = 37). A Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used. The analysis of the survey did not show statistically significant differences between the three study groups in the general level of perceived stress (24.71, 24.77 and 26.49 points, respectively, p = 0.551), but it revealed numerous differences in coping with various aspects of everyday functioning between these groups. Negative assessment of one’s own health proved to be the main factor negatively affecting the level of perceived stress, however specific health risks, medical history or the participants’ previous experience have not been taken into account in the study. Our research shows differences in the needs, resources and methods of coping with stress between men who are Polish citizens and migrants from Ukraine, both heterosexual and belonging to the MSM group. Proper identification and addressing of these needs, taking into account different availability of health services, could be the responsibility of NGOs or insurance providers. This should result in the reduction of mental health burdens and the risk of developing serious mental disorders, and consequently in better functioning of persons belonging to minorities and in a reduced burden on the health care system.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomasz Michalski & Maciej Brosz & Joanna Stepien & Karolina Biernacka & Michal Blaszczyk & Jakub Grabowski, 2021. "Perceived Stress Levels among Ukrainian Migrant and LGBT+ Minorities in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12838-:d:695822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hatzenbuehler, M.L. & McLaughlin, K.A. & Keyes, K.M. & Hasin, D.S., 2010. "The impact of institutional discrimination on psychiatric disorders in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: A prospective study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 452-459.
    2. Eva Spiritus-Beerden & An Verelst & Ines Devlieger & Nina Langer Primdahl & Fábio Botelho Guedes & Antonio Chiarenza & Stephanie De Maesschalck & Natalie Durbeej & Rocío Garrido & Margarida Gaspar de , 2021. "Mental Health of Refugees and Migrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Experienced Discrimination and Daily Stressors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-14, June.
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