Virtual triage reporting of mental health symptoms in Europe prior to and following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

Objective: Compare the reporting of 16 mental health symptoms (MHS) through AI-based virtual triage (VT) in three European countries/language user groups, including Ukrainians, Poles, and Italians, before and following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Methods: Frequencies of 16 MHS reported through VT were compared for 12 months prior to and after the onset of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict (i.e., February 24, 2021 to February 23, 2022 pre-war and from February 24, 2022 through February 23, 2023 post-war, respectively). Italian patient-users served as a quasi-control group relative to Ukrainian and Polish language users, given the lower perception of national risk from Russian military aggression.

Results: In 93,877 VT encounters, at least one MHS was reported. MHS reporting among Ukrainians and Poles increased 11.6% and 3.7%, respectively, after the first onset of the conflict (p<.05). Italian MHS reporting decreased 1.6%. Among Ukrainians, MHS reporting increased for 10 of 16 symptoms, the largest being suicidal thoughts/intent (158.7%), sleep disorder (45.7%), insomnia (32.9%), and irritability (20.7%) (all p<.05). Among Poles, reporting increased for 10 symptoms, including sleep disorder (52.2%), fear of dying (27.9%), insomnia (25.3%), and suicidal thoughts/intent (13.6%) (all p<.05).

Conclusions: Individuals in nations more directly exposed to and potentially impacted by the war reported higher levels of MHS to AI-based automated VT. Virtual triage offers a new vehicle for enhancing detection of MHS, and for potentially accelerating referral to in-person or virtual/telemedical mental healthcare services among displaced populations needing care in conflict areas.