Health-related quality of life among refugees from Nagorno Karabagh resided in Kotayk, Armenia

Abstract Background In September 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were displaced from Nagorno Karabakh (NK). This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among NK refugees who settled in Kotayk province of Armenia. Methods We surveyed 197 refugees using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which collected information about socio-demographics, chronic diseases, smoking status, HRQoL, utilization of healthcare services, living conditions and food access. The SF-36 Health Survey assessed HRQoL. Ophthalmic examination was conducted. Eyeglasses and medications were provided at no cost to those requiring them. Results The participants’ mean age was 64.8 years and 59.4% were retired. The most commonly reported chronic diseases were bone/joint diseases (67.5%), hypertension (55.3%) and heart diseases (24.9%). Around 48.7% of participants experienced sleeping disorders often/ very often. The mean total SF-36 score was 57.42±23.12; the mean physical (PHC) and mental health component (MHC) scores were 63.57±26.28 and 59.37±20.04, respectively. Only 28% of the participants utilized healthcare services after displacement. Most participants had consistent access to an adequate food supply. In the adjusted analysis age (B/PHC=-0.94, p < 0.001; B/MHC=-0.61, p < 0.001), sleeping disorder (B/PHC=-21.86, p = 0.011; B/MHC=-17.44, p = 0.001), use of medical service (B/PHC=-8.63, p = 0.022; B/MHC=-6.95; p = 0.015) and having more than one chronic disease (B/PHC=-17.35, p < 0.001; B/MHC=-10.90, p = 0.001) were associated with both PHC and MHC. Conclusions This study marks the first assessment of HRQoL among NK refugees. Governmental support and interventions targeting individuals with ophthalmic, sleeping, and chronic diseases might be beneficial. Follow-up assessments should track changes in both physical and mental health scores in this population, as they may fluctuate over time in response to displacement challenges. Key messages • Age, sleeping disorder, use of medical service, and the number of chronic diseases were significantly associated with decreased PHC and MHC of HRQoL • Interventions targeting individuals with restricted access to healthcare services, as well as those affected by eye diseases and chronic health issues might be beneficial.