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Social and political sentiments of residents of Kyiv (April 4–7)
13.04.2020
- The results of a survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of April 4–7, 2020 among residents of Kyiv demonstrated that 53% of respondents see coronavirus as a real threat for themselves and their families, while 40% hold the opposite opinion.
- 59% stated that they had a job before the introduction of quarantine. Among them, 21% noted that they continue to work in the usual mode after the introduction of restrictions. 22% work remotely, 13% are on unpaid leave, and only 3% lost their job.
- 92% support the introduction of a mandatory requirement to wear masks in public places. 71% support the decision of the Kyiv city authorities to close the metro during quarantine (21% are against), and 65% do not object to restrictions on visiting parks, forest areas, and coastal zones during quarantine (31% are against).
- 59% of respondents consider the actions of the Mayor of Kyiv, V. Klitschko, in responding to the coronavirus threat to be effective, while 26% hold the opposite opinion. Regarding Kyiv medical institutions, 35% consider their actions effective, 29% ineffective, and 35% were unable to answer.
- 47% of respondents consider the reaction of President V. Zelenskyy to the threat of the spread of coronavirus in Ukraine to be effective, while 35% give opposite assessments. As for the Ministry of Health, 38% consider the actions of the institution effective, 42% ineffective, and 20% were unable to answer. Regarding the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 38% consider the actions of this institution effective, 35% ineffective, and 27% were unable to assess them. As for the effectiveness of the actions of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 40% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question. 28% assessed his actions as effective, and 32% as ineffective.
- 54% are satisfied with the activities of the Mayor of Kyiv, Klitschko, 32% are dissatisfied, and 14% were unable to answer. 35% are satisfied with the work of the Kyiv City Council, 35% are dissatisfied, and 28% were unable to assess it.
- 43% of respondents are rather satisfied with the activities of President Zelenskyy, while 44% gave opposite assessments. 21% are satisfied with the activities of Prime Minister Shmyhal, while 37% are dissatisfied. At the same time, 43% have not yet been able to assess his work. 18% are satisfied with the activities of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, 63% are dissatisfied, and 19% were unable to assess it.
- 46% believe that the situation in Kyiv has improved during the mayoralty of V. Klitschko, 32% state that it has not changed, and only 14% saw a deterioration during this period.
- The leader among candidates for the position of Mayor of Kyiv is Vitalii Klitschko. If elections were held in the near future, 38.7% of those who have decided and intend to participate in voting would support him. 9.1% of such respondents would support S. Prytula, 8.8% S. Tkachenko, 8.2% A. Palchevskyi, 6.4% O. Omelchenko, 5.2% O. Popov, and 4.4% B. Bereza. The ratings of other candidates are below 4%. About one quarter of respondents have not decided on their choice.
- Modeling of the second round of the mayoral election produced the following results: if V. Klitschko and other leading candidates advanced to the second round, the incumbent mayor would win in all combinations. In a pair with O. Tkachenko, 47% of respondents are ready to support V. Klitschko, compared to 18% for the candidate from the party “Servant of the People”. In a pair with S. Prytula, the result would be 48% versus 20%, and in a pair with A. Palchevskyi, 49% versus 19% in favor of the head of Kyiv.
- The leader of electoral sympathies in elections to the city council is the party “Servant of the People”. It is supported by 22.3% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. 18.6% of such respondents would vote for the party “European Solidarity”, 13.5% for the party “UDAR”, 9.4% for the party “Batkivshchyna”, 7.2% for the party “Opposition Platform – For Life”, 5.9% for the party “Holos”, 3.8% for the Sharii Party, and 3.2% for the party “Strength and Honor”. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. About one quarter of respondents have not decided on their choice.
Social and political sentiments of residents of Chernihiv
09.04.2020
- The results of a survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of April 3–7, 2020 among residents of Chernihiv demonstrated that an absolute majority of respondents (83%) see the spread of coronavirus in Ukraine as a real threat.
- 59% of respondents see the spread of coronavirus in Chernihiv as a real threat, while 27% do not. 44% consider coronavirus to be a real threat personally for themselves and their families, while 45% hold the opposite view.
- 59% stated that they had a job before the introduction of quarantine. Among them, 28% noted that they continue to work in the usual mode after the introduction of restrictions. 16% work remotely, 13% are on unpaid leave, and only 2% lost their job.
- Despite quarantine, 20% of respondents stated that they leave home several times a day, and 32% once a day. At the same time, 42% stated that they leave home only once every few days, and 6% try not to leave home at all. Women and the oldest respondents more often reported a high level of restrictions on leaving home.
- 53% stated that they have protective masks in sufficient quantity, 40% have them but not enough, and 7% do not have them at all. Among those who have masks in sufficient quantity, 70% wear them often, 19% sometimes, and 11% do not wear them at all. Among those who have an insufficient number of masks, 58% wear them often, 29% sometimes, and 14% do not use them. Protective equipment is more often used by women, younger respondents, and the oldest respondents.
- 91% support the introduction of a mandatory requirement to wear masks in public places. 82% support the Government’s decision to extend quarantine until April 24 (14% are against). 70% do not object to restrictions on visiting parks, forest areas, and coastal zones during quarantine (26% are against).
- 58% of respondents consider the measures introduced by the authorities to combat coronavirus to be optimal. 21% state that they are too mild, and 12% are convinced that the measures are too strict.
- 47% of respondents consider the reaction of President V. Zelenskyy to the threat of the spread of coronavirus in Ukraine to be effective, while 30% give opposite assessments. Regarding the effectiveness of the actions of Prime Minister D. Shmyhal, 48% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question. 28% assessed his actions as effective, and 26% as ineffective. Regarding the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 35% consider the actions of this institution to be effective, 26% ineffective, and 38% were unable to assess them. As for the Ministry of Health, 33% consider the actions of the ministry to be effective, 41% ineffective, and 26% were unable to answer.
- 73% of respondents consider the actions of the Mayor of Chernihiv, V. Atroshenko, in responding to the coronavirus threat to be effective, while only 10% hold the opposite opinion.
- 73% of respondents stated that they know nothing about the activities of the Member of Parliament elected from their constituency. 13% are satisfied with his work, while 10% are dissatisfied.
- The leader of electoral sympathies in elections to the city council is V. Atroshenko’s party “Ridnyi Dim”. It is supported by 40.3% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. 19% of such respondents would vote for the party “Servant of the People”, 8.6% each for the parties “Batkivshchyna” and “European Solidarity”, and 7.8% for the party “Opposition Platform – For Life”. The ratings of other political forces are below 4%. About 40% of respondents have not decided on their choice.
- The absolute leader among candidates for the position of Mayor of Chernihiv is Vladyslav Atroshenko. If elections were held in the near future, more than 90% of those who have decided and intend to participate in voting would support him. The ratings of other candidates are below 2%. About 15% of respondents have not decided on their choice.
Psycho-emotional state of Ukrainians during quarantine
08.04.2020
- The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group recorded the presence among respondents of signs of depression, anxiety, panic, fatigue, and sleep disorders. Comparing the results of the two waves of the survey (Wave I – March 27–28, Wave II – April 3–4), a slight increase in anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia is noticeable. The levels of depression and panic remained at the same level.
- Overall, the level of negative emotional states of Ukrainians during quarantine and their dynamics do not currently cause concern. No significant growth was detected, and disorders with a clinical profile (panic, depression) remained at the initial level.
- Age: The level of anxiety is relatively high among all age groups except the oldest. In older age (50+), depressive moods are less common. At the same time, sleep disorders are more frequently observed among representatives of the older and oldest age groups. An increase in negative emotional states was recorded among respondents aged 18–29 and 30–39. Thus, among the youngest, signs of depression appear in the current situation. Among other age groups, changes are insignificant, and among the oldest, a decrease in the level of panic is recorded.
- Age differences in psycho-emotional states are likely related to changes in lifestyles. Young people show more depressive states due to a sharp change in lifestyle, forced narrowing of the social circle, reduced activity, and a decrease in impressions and events. At the same time, at the age of 50+, the lifestyle becomes more and more quarantine-like every year (more time spent at home, a smaller social interaction circle, retirement, etc.), therefore, apart from sleep disorders, which are normative at this age, older people experience other negative states better and adapt better to the situation (panic decreases).
- Gender: Women demonstrate higher levels of all emotional indicators than men. At the same time, no significant shifts were recorded among women during this period. In contrast, indicators increased among men, especially in terms of anxiety and sleep disorders. The identified gender differences correspond to the norm: women typically have a higher level of reflection on their own emotional states and a wider range of manifestations at the behavioral level, as according to gender norms women are “allowed” to be emotional. Men, by contrast, are expected not to feel and to hide emotions. However, due to their behavioral styles, men adapt worse to stressors and are not able to suppress their negative experiences for a long time; therefore, it is likely that the level does not increase, but rather becomes more evident in men’s awareness.
- Respondents mostly communicate frequently with their relatives and friends. Thus, 27% constantly spend time or communicate with relatives, 51% do so often, 10% sometimes, 11% rarely, and 1% never. Men and older people communicate with their relatives relatively less. 15% constantly spend time or communicate with friends/colleagues, 43% do so often, 21% sometimes, 19% rarely, and 2% never. Men and respondents aged 40–49 communicate with friends/colleagues more often.
- Very few seek help from psychologists: 91% never do so, 5% do so rarely, and 3% sometimes. Only about 2% of respondents do so often or constantly. The vast majority also do not seek help from healers or psychics. However, they turn to them somewhat more often than to psychologists. Thus, 88% never seek advice from them, 7% do so rarely, 4% sometimes, and 2% often or constantly. Younger people turn to psychologists somewhat more often, while older people more often turn to healers; women turn to both categories somewhat more often.
- For Ukrainians in general, despite the increase in обращения to psychologists in recent years, seeking help from a specialist in the case of psychological problems or interaction disorders remains unusual. The same applies to visits to a doctor before serious symptoms appear. Demand for psychological assistance is formed by psychological education and the growth of psychological culture, which are still at a low level in our society. While young people are more progressive in their views, older groups prefer healers.
- Level of trust: 54% believe that one must be very careful with people. 30%, on the contrary, believe that most people can be trusted. 16% were unable to answer. In the issue of social trust, a clear age and gender dependence is observed: the younger the respondents, the more inclined they are to distrust others. Men are more cautious toward other people than women. Trust in people as a universal basic value has fallen outside the psychological norm. Normally, we a priori assume that people can generally be trusted, which allows us to build strong social ties not only with a close circle but also in a broader social environment. This is the basis of civil society, the level of responsibility, and mutual assistance. Such a level of distrust is shaped both by personal life experience and by social processes in general. Moreover, distrust of people as a whole requires much more psychological effort than the basic assumption that people can be trusted, which leads to significant differences in the psychological states of those who trust (they feel better) and those who do not trust (they feel worse).
- Most of the population consider themselves rather happy than unhappy: 19% consider themselves very happy (this indicator has decreased; in 2018 it was 36%), 57% rather happy, 16% not very happy, and only 2% absolutely unhappy. The younger the age, the happier respondents feel.
- 70% believe that a person’s happiness primarily depends on their internal state. At the same time, 21% are convinced that whether a person is happy or not depends on external circumstances. Women are more inclined to believe that happiness is primarily the result of a person’s internal state. In general, the happier a person is, the more they agree with this opinion. At least one third of unhappy respondents are convinced that happiness depends on external circumstances.
- The feeling of happiness inversely affects the experience of negative emotions: the happier a person is, the less pronounced are indicators of depressive and anxious states, sleep disorders, panic, and fatigue. People who consider themselves unhappy experience all these negative emotions the most, with the most pronounced difference observed in the indicator of depression. The same applies to the assessment of the source of happiness: people who believe that happiness depends on external circumstances experience more negative emotions, while those who believe that happiness is an internal state experience fewer such emotions.
- Negative feelings are also significantly influenced by interpersonal communication: the less time respondents spend or communicate with their close ones (friends, family), the more pronounced their negative psycho-emotional states are. For example, all indicators (anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, depression, panic) are highest among those who communicate with their relatives rarely.
- A similar relationship is observed between social trust and psycho-emotional states: those who are more inclined to trust others have noticeably lower indicators of negative emotions than those who treat people with caution and distrust.
- Thus, respondents generally feel quite happy. According to the results of the study, the feeling of happiness is supported by an internal locus of control (my life, mood, emotions, and behavior primarily depend on me – I am responsible for my states), strong interpersonal ties and intensity of communication (with relatives and friends), mutual assistance, and basic trust in people. While the level of basic trust is not easy to address quickly, everything else represents resources that help maintain emotional stability during quarantine and endure it without serious psychological consequences for the individual.
Emotions and behavior of Ukrainians during quarantine: a special project
06.04.2020
- The results of the survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of April 1–2, 2020, showed that during the quarantine period the frequency of news consumption among respondents increased significantly, with almost half stating that they began following the news more often.
- One third of respondents reported that they started watching films and TV series more often, cleaning their homes, and cooking food. About one quarter indicated that they increased the amount of time devoted to self-development, communication with relatives and close ones, sleep, food, and listening to music. One in five respondents began spending more time on their hobbies, reading books, or engaging in sports.
- At the same time, quarantine significantly affected time spent outdoors: almost half of respondents stated that they now go for walks less often than usual. Restrictions also had a substantial impact on communication with friends, with about 40% reporting that they communicate with them less frequently than before quarantine. One in five respondents was forced to limit communication with relatives and close ones as well as sports activities.
- Certain gender differences in behavioral patterns during quarantine are observed. Women tend to follow the news and cook food somewhat more often. Men more often began engaging in sports and spend more time than usual sleeping, consuming alcohol, and having sex, especially those men who are currently in quarantine and not going to work.
- In terms of age, representatives of the youngest age group (18–29 years) more often than others watch films, engage in self-development, sports, hobbies, communicate with friends and close ones, sleep, eat, listen to music, and have sex. As a result of quarantine, cooking has become more frequent not among older people but among representatives of the youngest and young age groups (under 40 years). Even men are doing this much more actively than before quarantine. It is also noteworthy that respondents under 40 more often than others reported restrictions on outdoor walks.
- An interesting analysis concerns changes in respondents’ behavior depending on their employment status during quarantine. Respondents who do not go to work, either because they are unemployed or working remotely, began devoting significantly more time to sleep, cooking and eating, sports, hobbies, communication with close ones, learning and self-development, books, films, and TV series. Even those who continue going to work began watching more films, following the news more actively, and increasing time spent sleeping and eating, although to a lesser extent than those staying at home during quarantine. Employment status had almost no effect on the frequency of sexual activity.
- Data analysis made it possible to group respondents’ answers into five different models of behavior during quarantine using factor analysis. The first group tries to devote more time to self-development, including sports, hobbies, reading, and learning. Representatives of the second group began resting more, watching films and TV series, eating, sleeping, and listening to music. A separate group during quarantine, referred to as “hedonism,” spends more time on online shopping for goods and food, alcohol consumption, and sex. Representatives of the remaining two groups devote more time either to communication or to household chores.
- Among basic emotions, respondents most often experience joy and interest/excitement. Less pronounced are surprise, anger, sadness, and fear. Even less pronounced are disgust, feelings of guilt, shame, and indifference. Emotions represent the current background of mood and psychological well-being and reflect what a person is experiencing at the moment, unlike feelings, which are usually long-term and stable and do not change significantly under the influence of mood. Emotions are situational and easier to manage, allowing changes in emotional background through simple actions.
- Age differences are also evident in emotional experiences. Representatives of the youngest age group (18–29 years) more often than others experience joy and indifference. Young adults aged 30–39 more often feel anger. Middle-aged respondents more frequently experience surprise. The oldest respondents are less likely than others to feel indifference, hostility, and surprise. Traditionally, at older ages people tend to worry more about others, such as children and grandchildren, and about their own physical condition and health. At the same time, sadness is more often observed among older respondents. It is also notable that the older group experiences fear less often, despite being the main risk group.
- Gender differences in emotions are also observed. Women more often than men experience joy, surprise, interest/excitement, feelings of guilt, and sadness. Men more often experience indifference, hostility/disgust, and anger. Thus, the male emotional spectrum is more concentrated on the negative pole, while the female spectrum is bipolar. This corresponds to a traditional gender distribution of emotions, as women are culturally allowed to express emotions more openly, whereas men are expected to hide them, with the exception of emotions associated with masculinity.
- Interesting relationships are observed between changes in activity frequency during quarantine and emotional state. Activity can influence emotional states, just as emotional states can lead to changes in activity and behavior. Emotional background also depends on a person’s physical condition and environmental factors such as comfortable temperature, sunlight, fresh air, sufficient distance from others, and personal space, all of which help maintain psychological boundaries and improve well-being.
- Those who began following the news more often were also more likely to experience fear and surprise, which is linked to the emotional framing of news content designed to attract attention, often through negative emotions. Those who consume more alcohol more often experience fear, hostility, anger, surprise, and sadness, indicating that alcohol does not improve emotional state but rather deepens destructive experiences.
- Respondents who began communicating less with friends and close ones more often experience sadness and anger, while those who communicate more frequently more often experience joy. Social isolation is an unusual and uncomfortable state, as people are social beings who seek affiliation and social facilitation.
- Those who began engaging more often in sex and online shopping experience more joy and surprise and significantly less sadness. Conversely, respondents who reduced sports, hobbies, or listening to music more often experience negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear.
- Those who began sleeping more experience higher levels of indifference, disgust, and anger. Sleep can temporarily reduce stress by switching off emotional experiences but cannot resolve them on its own. Respondents who spend more time outdoors more often experience joy due to positive environmental factors, although they also report increased feelings of guilt related to quarantine restrictions.
- Overall, people can influence their emotional background through simple actions, such as limiting news consumption to reduce anxiety and fear, increasing communication with relatives and friends to experience joy, and engaging in constructive activities such as sex, hobbies, sports, fresh air, and favorite music, while avoiding destructive behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sleep, overexposure to news, and social isolation.
Ukraine in quarantine: monitoring of public sentiment
01.04.2020
- The results of the surveys conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of Wave I (March 25–27) and Wave II (March 28–30) showed that an absolute majority of respondents perceive the spread of coronavirus in Ukraine as a real threat. Compared to the beginning of quarantine, the share of those who see such a threat increased from 73% to 87%.
- Fifty-one percent of respondents consider coronavirus a real threat personally for themselves and their families, while 41% hold the opposite view. Over the past two weeks, opinions on this issue have changed only slightly. Residents of the western and central regions of the country and urban residents more often spoke about the existence of such a threat.
- When assessing the level of coronavirus incidence in Ukraine on a five-point scale, 28% of respondents rated it as very high or high, 34% as medium, and 32% as low or minimal. Higher assessments of incidence were more often given by residents of the South, urban residents, and representatives of the older age group.
- Assessing the situation with incidence in their own region, respondents perceive it as less threatening than at the national level. Only 13% of respondents stated that the level of incidence in their locality is high, while 65% consider it low or minimal. This opinion prevails among residents of eastern regions and rural areas.
- Opinions regarding the possible introduction of a state of emergency in Ukraine are divided: 49% would support such an initiative, while 43% would not.
- At the same time, 83% support a possible ban on mass events, strikes, and rallies under a state of emergency. Seventy-one percent do not object to possible restrictions on entry to and exit from certain cities and regions, 65% support possible restrictions on vehicle movement and inspections, and 58% support the possible introduction of a curfew in cities. At the same time, regarding the possible granting of the state the right to forcibly seize property from legal entities and individuals under a state of emergency, an absolute majority of respondents, 80%, are opposed to such measures, while only 14% support them.
- Seventy-four percent believe that fines should be introduced for people who violate quarantine restrictions, while 19% are against such an initiative.
- Fifty-eight percent of respondents consider the measures introduced by the authorities to combat coronavirus to be optimal. Twenty-eight percent believe that they are too lenient, and only 6% are convinced that the measures are too strict.
- Thirty-four percent believe that the authorities should return all citizens home after the closure of borders, 24% believe that returns should take place selectively, while another 34% believe that no one should be returned at all after border closure.
- Fifty-three percent are convinced that the authorities downplay the situation when providing information about the spread of coronavirus, 21% believe that the information is objective, and 11% think that it is exaggerated.
- When assessing the information presented by Ukrainian mass media, 38% believe that they downplay the situation, 23% consider the coverage objective, and 19% believe that the information is exaggerated. Twenty-one percent were unable to answer this question.
- Fifty-six percent of respondents consider the reaction of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the threat of coronavirus spread in Ukraine to be effective, while 30% give opposite assessments. Regarding the Ministry of Health, 38% consider its actions effective and 46% ineffective. As for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 37% consider its actions effective, 33% ineffective, and 30% were unable to assess them. Regarding the effectiveness of the actions of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, 44% of respondents found it difficult to answer this question, 30% assessed his actions as effective, and 26% as ineffective. Over the past two weeks, assessments of the effectiveness of the actions of these institutions in responding to the coronavirus threat have increased.
- Almost 70% consider the introduced quarantine to be effective, while one quarter give opposite assessments. Residents of the South and East, younger respondents, and men somewhat more often consider quarantine measures ineffective. At the same time, almost 80% of respondents support the Government’s decision to extend quarantine until April 24, 2020.
- Two thirds reported that they had a job before the introduction of quarantine. Among them, 35% stated that they continue working in the usual mode after restrictions were introduced, 29% work remotely, 32% are on unpaid leave, and only 4% lost their jobs.
- More than half of respondents stated that they limited leaving their homes due to quarantine. One third reported partial restrictions, and only one in ten stated that they do not comply with quarantine. Residents of the Center, women, and representatives of the oldest age group more often reported complete self-isolation.
- Despite quarantine, 18% of respondents reported leaving home several times a day and 31% once a day. At the same time, 43% stated that they leave home only once every few days, and 7% try not to leave at all. Higher levels of restriction on leaving home were more often reported by urban residents, women, and the oldest respondents.
- The main reason for going outside cited by respondents was going to the store for groceries, mentioned by 73%. Twenty-eight percent go out due to work, and the same share due to visiting a pharmacy. About 5–7% reported going outside to walk with children, engage in sports, or walk pets. About 3–4% leave home to meet friends and acquaintances or to visit a doctor.
- Fifty-two percent stated that they are ready to stay at home without going outside for more than five days if a ban on leaving home is introduced. Twelve percent said they could stay at home for four to five days, 20% for two to three days, and 10% for no more than one day. The latter group is most common among men, poorer and wealthier respondents. At the same time, among the wealthier group there is also the largest share of those ready to remain in home quarantine for more than five days.
- Almost 60% of respondents stated that their savings would last less than one month if income stopped. Sixteen percent said their savings would last up to two months, 7% up to three months, 6% up to six months, and 3% up to one year or more.
- Forty-two percent stated that they have protective masks in sufficient quantity, 39% have them but in insufficient quantity, and 19% do not have them at all. Fifty-seven percent reported having disinfectants at home in sufficient quantity, 29% have them but insufficiently, and 14% do not have them. Protective gloves in sufficient quantity are available to 40% of respondents, insufficiently to 23%, and not available at all to 37%. Protective and disinfecting products are more often used by residents of western and central regions, urban residents, women, and younger respondents. Those who have them in sufficient quantity use them more frequently.
- Three quarters of respondents worry that someone close to them may become ill with coronavirus, while concern for their own health is lower, with 58% worrying and 42% not worried.
- Almost 80% are concerned that Ukraine will face a prolonged economic crisis. More than two thirds worry that they will not be able to purchase necessary medicines. Almost half worry that they will not be able to buy necessary food, while 52% do not worry about this. Only 25% are concerned that they will have to cancel important events or trips, while three quarters are not worried about this.
- Forty-four percent rated their emotional state over the past week as calm, while 23% described it as tense. Higher levels of anxiety are recorded among women and older people. Eighty percent of respondents assessed their relationships with people they live with over the past week as calm, and only 8% as tense.
The role of women in Ukrainian society
04.03.2020
- The results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during February 21–25, 2020, demonstrated that a relative majority of Ukrainians believe that women are sufficiently represented in various spheres of public life. At the same time, almost 40% of respondents are convinced that women are underrepresented in politics; 30–35% believe that women are insufficiently represented in law enforcement agencies and in science; 26% — in the army; and 19% — in business. Conversely, about one third of respondents believe that women are overrepresented in such spheres as healthcare and education. Notably, it was women rather than men who more often pointed to the insufficient representation of women in security structures, politics, science, and business.
- About half of respondents agree with the statements that Ukraine today lacks a party that represents women’s interests. The same share believe that women are insufficiently represented in the Government, the Verkhovna Rada, and local authorities. Older respondents and women agreed with these theses more often.
- 36% of respondents believe that their vote does not decide anything in elections. 58% hold the opposite opinion. Residents of the West, younger respondents, and men disagreed with this statement relatively more often.
- 82% support women entering politics. 12% hold the opposite view. At the same time, on issues of leadership and making balanced decisions, responses were distributed as follows: more than 40% of respondents predominantly chose a neutral answer as to who is better — men or women — at occupying leadership positions and making decisions. However, when comparing direct answers, respondents nevertheless tended to give preference to men, especially when it came to politics. Moreover, while opinions of men and women differed somewhat regarding leadership in a team and decision-making, with respect to political leadership and making balanced political decisions both genders more often favored men.
- When assessing the effectiveness of representatives of both genders in political and elected positions, respondents most often agreed that gender does not play a significant role in effective performance as a member of parliament or a local councilor. At the same time, despite the fact that a relative majority agreed that both men and women can effectively perform the duties of a city or village mayor, head of a regional state administration, government minister, Prime Minister, and President of Ukraine, respondents still somewhat more often stated that men would be more effective in these roles. Meanwhile, in positions such as Commissioner for Peacebuilding in Donbas (a position invented for the survey) and Minister of Defense, respondents see men as more effective. Notably, no significant gender differences were recorded in responses to these questions.
- Among the most recognizable female members of parliament are Yuliia Tymoshenko (recognized by 97% of respondents) and Nataliia Korolevska (recognized by 76%). At the same time, 28% trust Yuliia Tymoshenko, and 20% trust Nataliia Korolevska. Iryna Herashchenko is recognized by 66%, and trusted by 21%. Other female MPs are recognized by less than 60% of respondents.
- In the regional breakdown, the highest trust ratings are for Yuliia Tymoshenko in the Center (31%), Nataliia Korolevska in the East (30%) and South (28%), and Iryna Herashchenko in the West (30%). According to respondents, among the listed politicians Yuliia Tymoshenko has the greatest political prospects (29%), followed by Nataliia Korolevska (10%) and Iryna Herashchenko (7%).
- The question on the distribution of gender roles produced the following results: according to respondents, in their family (couple) women more often cook food (64%). Only about a quarter stated that this role is shared equally. Responsibilities for childrearing and household chores are also, in respondents’ opinion, more often assigned to women (52% and 43%, respectively). At the same time, regarding childrearing, respondents somewhat more often stated that this role is shared equally than in the case of household chores. As for free time, responses were distributed as follows: women — 33%, men — 30%, both genders equally — 28%. Leadership in the family (couple) is somewhat more often attributed to men — 39% hold this view; 29% believe women play this role; and 29% believe it is shared equally. More than half of respondents believe that in their family (couple) the man earns more money; 23% think this applies to women; and 17% believe both earn approximately equally.
- In dynamics since 2015, there has been a gradual decrease in the share of those who believe that cooking, household chores, and childrearing are more often performed by women. At the same time, the number of those who believe that women have more free time, are heads of the family, and earn more money is increasing. Notably, men’s and women’s opinions on the distribution of roles such as cooking, household chores, and childrearing do not differ significantly. However, regarding family leadership and earning money, there is a clearly opposite perception of these roles between the two genders.
- An absolute majority of respondents agree with the statements that the most important task of a woman is to take care of the home and family (83%), and that the most important task of a man is to earn money (75%). 78% agree that women more often than men make decisions based on emotions. 67% agree that it is acceptable for men to cry (25% disagree). 68% agree that women have less freedom due to family obligations (27% disagree). 51% agree with the statement that women are less interested than men in holding responsible political positions (34% disagree). At the same time, nearly two thirds of respondents disagree with the statement that women lack the necessary knowledge and skills to hold responsible political positions, while a quarter agree. Notably, women more often than men agreed with statements about women making decisions under emotional influence, the acceptability of men crying, women having less freedom due to family responsibilities, and women being less interested in holding responsible positions.
Attitudes of Ukrainians toward the March 8 holiday
04.03.2020
- According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group during the fieldwork dates of February 21–25, 2020, 77% of respondents intend to celebrate March 8 this year. At the same time, 19% stated that they do not plan to celebrate. Compared to a similar survey conducted in 2012, the share of those who do not celebrate this day has slightly increased. Relatively more such respondents are found in the western region of the country, as well as among the youngest and the oldest age groups. Notably, among men there are slightly more respondents who intend to celebrate March 8 than among women.
- For the majority of respondents (68%), March 8 is a good occasion to do something pleasant for close women. This interpretation is relatively more common among young people and residents of the eastern and southern regions.
- Eleven percent consider March 8 to be an ordinary day, and since 2013 the share of such respondents has doubled. This view is more common among residents of the western region. Notably, women (13%) describe this day as ordinary more often than men (8%).
- Only 9% perceive this holiday as a symbol of women’s struggle for their rights, while 8% describe it as a holiday rooted in the Soviet past. The latter perception is more characteristic of older respondents.
- The majority of respondents (87%) do not support the idea of abolishing the March 8 holiday, compared to 91% in 2012. Only 9% support this idea, more often in the western region (18%); however, even there, the majority (73%) do not support such an initiative.
Electoral Attitudes: Constituency No. 179
26.02.2020
- According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group among residents of constituency No. 179, respondents assess local conditions significantly more positively than the overall situation in the country. Only 19% believe the country is moving in the right direction, while 63% think otherwise. Regarding the situation in the region, 24% say things are moving in the right direction, 51% in the wrong direction, and about a quarter could not assess. At the local level, nearly a third believe things are developing in the right direction, while 56% say the opposite. Urban residents, younger people, and more affluent respondents are more optimistic than other groups.
- 43% of respondents are satisfied with the performance of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while 45% are dissatisfied. Urban residents, younger respondents, and those with higher incomes rate the President’s work more positively. Among party supporters, the highest share of positive evaluations comes from supporters of Servant of the People, while the most critical views are held by voters of European Solidarity and Opposition Platform – For Life.
- Yuliia Svitlychna leads the trust ratings among local politicians: 70% trust her and 21% do not. S. Chernov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, is trusted by 24%, distrusted by 22%, and 45% do not know him. O. Kucher, Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, is trusted by 24%, distrusted by 29%, 28% do not know him, and 19% were undecided. V. Alekseychuk is largely unknown (84%); 3% trust her and 11% do not.
- 67% of respondents are aware that by-elections for a Member of Parliament in their constituency will take place on March 15, 2020. 64% expressed definite readiness to participate. Pre-election mobilization is somewhat higher among older and less affluent residents.
- Yuliia Svitlychna leads electoral preferences among candidates: 62.3% of decided voters who intend to vote are ready to support her. 12.5% support V. Alekseychuk (candidate of Servant of the People), and 8.5% support O. Didenko (representing Opposition Platform – For Life). Other candidates each receive less than 2%. About one in five voters remains undecided.
- In party ratings, Servant of the People leads with 42.8% among decided voters intending to participate. Opposition Platform – For Life follows with 30.4%. Other parties trail significantly: Batkivshchyna (4.8%), Radical Party (4.2%), European Solidarity (3.6%), Shariy Party (2.6%), and Strength and Honor (2.3%). Others are below 1%. About 11–12% are undecided.
- 55% do not know who represented the constituency before the by-election, while 42% do. Only 21% believe the previous MP paid sufficient attention to local issues; 51% disagree, and 28% could not answer.
- The most pressing regional problems, according to respondents, are lack of jobs (67%) and low wage levels. Other key issues include industrial decline (38%), poor road conditions (36%), poor-quality medical services (34%), poverty (33%), decline of agriculture (26%), drug addiction and alcoholism (23%), and depopulation of villages (20%).
Attitudes toward protests against hosting Ukrainians evacuated from China
24.02.2020
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group on February 22–23, 2020, 74% of respondents do not support the protests against the placement of Ukrainians evacuated from China that took place shortly before the survey. Only 15% support such actions, while 11% were undecided.
- The higher the level of education and income, the stronger the rejection of the protests against evacuation. In regional terms, the highest share of those who did not support such actions was recorded in the South of the country (80%).
Social and political sentiments of residents of Ternopil (February 5–11, 2020)
17.02.2020
- The results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group during February 5–11, 2020, in Ternopil demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the overall situation in the country. Thus, only 18% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 59% hold the opposite opinion. At the same time, almost half say that affairs in Ternopil are developing in the right direction, while 35% say the opposite.
- Among local politicians, residents of Ternopil have the most positive attitude toward the city mayor S. Nadal: 59% positive, 16% negative, 24% neutral. Attitudes toward S. Barna are positive among 21%, negative among 31%, neutral among 35%, and 13% do not know him. Attitudes toward R. Pastukh are positive among 16%, negative among 13%, neutral among 26%, and 44% do not know him. Attitudes toward M. Ratushniak are positive among 14%, negative among 12%, neutral among 21%, and 53% do not know him. Attitudes toward P. Landiak are positive among 14%, negative among 10%, neutral among 21%, and 56% do not know him. Attitudes toward V. Hevko are positive among 10%, negative among 11%, neutral among 20%, and 59% do not know him. More than 60% of respondents do not know other politicians.
- The leader in trust among national politicians among residents of Ternopil is Volodymyr Zelenskyi: 42% trust him, while 50% do not. A. Hrytsenko is trusted by 30% and not trusted by 52%; S. Vakarchuk by 28% and 56% respectively; P. Poroshenko by 22% and 71%; I. Smeshko by 22% and 51%, while 16% do not know him; Y. Tymoshenko by 14% and 77%; O. Tiahnybok by 14% and 75%; O. Liashko by 11% and 82%; Y. Boiko by 6% and 68%, while 15% do not know him.
- Residents of Ternopil are rather dissatisfied with the activities of the central authorities. Thus, 49% are dissatisfied with the activities of President V. Zelenskyi, 39% are satisfied, and 13% could not assess. 61% are dissatisfied with the activities of Prime Minister O. Honcharuk, 19% are satisfied, and 21% could not assess. 70% are dissatisfied with the activities of the Verkhovna Rada, while only 15% are satisfied and 15% could not assess.
- At the same time, residents of Ternopil are more satisfied with the local authorities. Thus, 68% are satisfied with the activities of Mayor S. Nadal, while 23% are dissatisfied. 52% are satisfied with the activities of the city council, 29% are dissatisfied, and 19% could not assess.
- 55% are satisfied with the operation of public transport in Ternopil, while 33% are dissatisfied and 12% could not assess. 45% are satisfied with educational institutions, 27% are dissatisfied, and 28% could not assess. Residents are rather dissatisfied with other areas of city life: 55% are dissatisfied with municipal services and 35% are satisfied; 56% are dissatisfied with medical institutions and 29% are satisfied.
- A high level of electoral mobilization is observed among residents of Ternopil. About 80% of respondents stated their definite readiness to participate in both parliamentary and local elections.
- The ranking of political parties in parliamentary elections is led by the Servant of the People party, with 29.9% among those who have decided and intend to vote. 19.0% are ready to vote for the European Solidarity party. The Strength and Honor party is supported by 7.9%, Svoboda by 7.3%, Holos by 6.7%, and Batkivshchyna by 6.1%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. Nearly one third are undecided.
- In the ranking of political parties in local elections, the Servant of the People party is also the leader, supported by 27.4% of those who have decided and intend to vote. 17.4% support the Svoboda party, 13.3% the European Solidarity party, 7.7% Strength and Honor, 7.1% Holos, 4.7% Batkivshchyna, 3.6% Civic Position, and 3.2% Samopomich. The ratings of other parties are below 3%. About one third are undecided.
- Among mayoral candidates, the leader in the ranking is S. Nadal, who would be supported by 60.8% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. 6.1% could support S. Barna or V. Hevko, 4.3% P. Landiak, and 3.4% M. Ratushniak. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%. About 20% are undecided.
- Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if S. Nadal were to face any of the other potential candidates, the incumbent mayor would win. In a pair with V. Hevko the result would be 59% versus 16%; with S. Barna 60% versus 12%; with M. Cherkashyn 60% versus 11%. At the same time, it should be taken into account that from a quarter to one third of respondents have not yet decided on their choice or do not want to participate in voting in these second-round combinations.
- 75% of respondents believe that during the current term of S. Nadal as mayor the situation in Ternopil has improved. 16% believe it has not changed, and only 3% state that it has worsened.
- 53% are convinced that as a result of local elections the situation in Ternopil will improve, 23% believe it will not change, and 23% could not answer. Only 1% expect deterioration.
- The military conflict in eastern Ukraine tops the ranking of nationwide problems among residents of Ternopil at 68%. One third are concerned about bribery and corruption in government, the lack of jobs, or low wages and pensions. At the level of personal problems, residents are most concerned about low wages and pensions at 43%, the war in the East at 36%, and rising utility tariffs at 32%. A quarter are worried about bribery and corruption, 20% about rising prices for basic goods, 18% about unemployment, and 15% about the inability to obtain quality medical care.
- Among city problems, respondents most often selected the cost of utility services at 42%. In addition, a significant share consider poor road conditions at 30%, chaotic construction of high-rise buildings at 22%, corruption in city authorities at 21%, traffic congestion at 19%, drug addiction and alcoholism at 16%, lack of parking spaces at 15%, the cost of public transport fares at 14%, the presence of stray animals on the streets at 13%, low professional qualifications of medical staff at 13%, the quality of public transport services at 11%, and poor condition of sidewalks and pedestrian paths at 11% to be problems.
- According to residents of Ternopil, the main priorities for the work of city authorities should be medical institutions at 41%, the quality of housing and utility services at 37%, road quality at 30%, job creation at 26%, combating corruption at 23%, the quality of public transport at 21%, attracting investment to the city at 18%, and educational institutions at 18%. 15% believe that city authorities should first address waste collection and disposal, while 10–11% point to social protection of the poor, city safety, or sidewalks and adjacent territories.
- Residents consider sidewalks and adjacent territories to be the main achievements of the current mayor S. Nadal at 58%. Other achievements include road quality at 31%, renovation of parks and squares at 24%, street lighting at 17%, the quality of public transport at 16%, and the availability of sports facilities at 16%.
- 91% of respondents consider the city comfortable for tourism, 82% for living, and 75% for recreation. 44% consider Ternopil comfortable for work, while almost the same share hold the opposite view. An absolute majority of residents at 94% are proud to live in Ternopil.
- 46% of respondents stated that among their close relatives there are those who are currently working abroad. One quarter stated that they themselves had worked abroad during the past five years. 14% plan to go abroad for work this year. The highest share of those who have relatives working abroad, who have worked abroad themselves, or who express a desire to do so is among the youngest age group.
- The main motive for labor migration, according to respondents, is the desire of migrant workers for a better life for themselves and their relatives at 58%. 12% state that labor migrants seek to realize their potential, while 27% believe that this group does not see a future in Ukraine.
- About 40% of respondents stated that they live with children of different ages.
- 41% stated that they have lived in Ternopil since birth, 43% have lived in the city for more than 10 years, 8% for 5 to 10 years, and 6% for less than 5 years.
- 87% of residents of Ternopil stated that they live in their own housing, while 13% live in rented accommodation. The latter are most common among the youngest age group and those who have lived in Ternopil for less than 10 years.
Social and political sentiments of the population (January 22–26, 2020)
04.02.2020
- The results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during January 22–26, 2020, demonstrated the predominance of expectations for change (50%) and hope (42%) among the population. At the same time, one third of respondents feel disappointment, one in five feel insecurity, tension, or indignation, and one in eight experience despair and confusion. Over the past two years, expectations for change and hope have increased in society, while disappointment, tension, and indignation have decreased. Positive emotions prevail among younger and more affluent respondents, while negative emotions are more common among older and poorer groups.
- The leader in terms of trust is President Volodymyr Zelenskyi: 59% trust him, while 32% do not. Trust in other key political figures has a negative balance: 26% trust Dmytro Razumkov and 44% do not; Yurii Boiko – 25% trust and 56% do not; Sviatoslav Vakarchuk – 22% trust and 62% do not; Oleksii Honcharuk – 20% trust and 53% do not; Yuliia Tymoshenko – 20% trust and 73% do not; Petro Poroshenko – 15% trust and 78% do not.
- The political party ratings are led by “Servant of the People,” supported by 42.2% of those who have decided and intend to vote. The “Opposition Platform – For Life” is supported by 13.5%, “European Solidarity” by 9.5%, and “Batkivshchyna” by 8.1%. Support for other parties is below 4%. About 16% of respondents remain undecided.
- Ending military hostilities in eastern Ukraine remains the key public demand addressed to the President (64%). Strengthening the fight against corruption is expected by 45%, revival of industry by 30%, raising social standards by 24%, and improving the quality of healthcare by 22%. In recent months, the importance of demands related to ending the war and reviving industry has increased.
- When choosing economic development priorities for allocating state resources, respondents tend to support the development of industry and investment (65%), while 28% favor increasing subsidies and social benefits.
- When choosing between raising salaries for medical workers and developing schools, hospitals, and introducing new technologies, 59% support the latter priority, while 29% favor increasing wages.
- Forty-five percent believe that the authorities should prioritize spending resources on supporting socially vulnerable groups, while almost the same share (46%) believe resources should be directed toward creating conditions that stimulate public activity.
- Forty-six percent believe the state should focus on identifying and punishing corrupt officials, while the same share argue that priority should be given to reducing opportunities for corruption.
- The main indicators of positive economic change, according to respondents, are the opening of new enterprises (54%) and the creation of new jobs (54%). One third believe improvement would be indicated by a reduction in labor migration abroad, one quarter by an increase in the minimum wage, and one in five by lower prices for basic goods.
- In the social sphere, key indicators of positive change include improved quality of healthcare (50%), increased pensions (41%), and greater support for socially vulnerable groups (36%). One quarter consider the construction of new schools, kindergartens, and hospitals an indicator of improvement, while one in five point to improved quality of education and increased life expectancy.
- Pensioners are considered the most vulnerable group requiring priority attention from the state (57%). Forty-two percent believe that people with disabilities or orphans should be prioritized, while 36% say low-income families should receive primary assistance. Around 22–24% mention large families and participants in military operations (ATO).
- Seventy-six percent of respondents watched President Zelenskyi’s New Year address. Among them, two thirds assessed it positively, 22% neutrally, and 13% negatively.
Energy sector of Ukraine: sociological dimensions
29.01.2020
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during December 18–23, 2019, among the main utility services respondents are most satisfied with the quality of electricity supply services (76%), while 22% are dissatisfied. More than half of respondents are satisfied with gas supply, waste collection, and cold water supply services, while about one quarter are dissatisfied. One third of respondents are satisfied with the cleaning of adjacent territories, one quarter are dissatisfied, and more than one third do not use these services. Thirty percent are satisfied with heating supply, 22% are dissatisfied, and 45% do not use it. Only 17% are satisfied with hot water supply, the same share are dissatisfied, and 63% do not use it.
- Regarding the assessment of the cost of utility services, the situation is as follows: among service users, the most critical relative to income are the costs of heating supply, gas supply, and hot water supply. At least two thirds of those who use these services consider their cost to be high. As for electricity supply, half of respondents consider the price high, while about 40% assess the electricity price for households as average. A similar situation applies to cold water supply. The assessment of the cost of cleaning adjacent territories and waste collection is less critical: about 40% consider the price average, and one third consider it high. Cost assessments correlate with income level and age of respondents: the worse the material situation and the older the respondents, the more negatively service costs affect the household budget. At the same time, those who are more satisfied with service quality assess their cost more loyally.
- Only 12% of respondents consider Ukraine to be a fully energy-independent country. Half of respondents believe that Ukraine is partially dependent on other states in this matter, while 23% consider it fully dependent. This latter opinion is most common among the least affluent respondents and those who support joining the Customs Union with Russia. Over the past one and a half years, the share of those who state that Ukraine is fully energy independent has decreased (in July 2018 this share was 20%).
- One quarter of respondents believe that over the past year Ukraine has become more dependent on energy resources from other states, while 17% hold the opposite view. Forty percent believe that nothing has changed. In July 2018, one quarter believed that Ukraine was becoming more autonomous in energy. Regarding energy dependence on Russia, respondents’ opinions are distributed as follows: one quarter state that Ukraine has become more independent from the Russian Federation in the energy sector over the year, 34% believe that nothing has changed, while 24% speak about an increase in dependence. Compared to 2018, the share of those who believe that Ukraine is moving toward energy independence from Russia has decreased (in July 2018 it was 45%).
- Forty percent of respondents believe that Ukraine produces electricity independently, while almost the same share believe that the country produces part of its electricity independently and purchases part abroad. The situation with gas and petroleum products differs significantly: only 3–4% believe that Ukraine produces or extracts them independently. Regarding gas, 57% are convinced that Ukraine produces part of this energy resource independently and purchases part. As for petroleum products, 41% believe that Ukraine imports them, while 36% are convinced that Ukraine has its own production of petroleum products but purchases part abroad.
- Two thirds of respondents hold a positive-neutral position regarding Ukraine’s import of gas and petroleum products from European countries and Belarus. At the same time, every fourth to fifth respondent expresses objections on this issue. Attitudes toward gas imports from Russia are more critical: about 40% view this negatively, while about one quarter view it positively or neutrally. Negative attitudes toward imports from European countries prevail among residents of the East, older respondents, and lower-income groups. Regarding imports from Russia, negative attitudes prevail in the West of the country.
- The issue of electricity imports from other countries is perceived more critically by respondents. Despite the fact that a positive-neutral position toward imports from Europe and Belarus prevails overall (26–29% positive, 27–30% neutral), the share of critics is higher compared to the issue of gas or petroleum product imports (35–37%). Regarding electricity imports from Russia, 55% view this negatively. Only 18% assess it positively and 21% neutrally. More critical attitudes toward electricity imports from Europe are observed among residents of the South and East, and toward imports from Russia among residents of the Center and West.
- Almost two thirds of respondents do not support the decision to resume electricity imports from Russia, while 29% support it. This decision faced the strongest criticism among respondents from the West and Center. Among residents of the South and East, the decision was also perceived ambiguously.
- Sixty-five percent believe that the decision to resume electricity imports from Russia primarily benefits oligarchs. Only 11% believe it will benefit the population of Ukraine, and 8% believe it will benefit industrial enterprises.
- The assessment of energy imports from Russia from the perspective of national security divides respondents to some extent: about 40% consider it a threat, while nearly the same share do not. Regarding the purchase of energy resources from European countries, this idea is not perceived as a threat by the majority of the population (64%). Residents of the South and East of the country are more loyal to the issue of importing energy resources from the Russian Federation.
- From half to two thirds of respondents know nothing about the activities of key officials in the energy sector. Thus, 58% know nothing about the work of the Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksii Orzhel. Twenty percent assess his work negatively, 14% neutrally, and 3% positively. Fifty percent do not know about the Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services Andrii Herus. Twenty-seven percent assess his work negatively, 14% neutrally, and 3% positively. Fifty-nine percent do not know about the Head of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NEURC) Valerii Tarasiuk. Twenty percent assess his activity negatively, 13% neutrally, and only 2% positively. Negative attitudes toward these officials prevail among representatives of the older age group.
Attitudes of Ukrainians toward rescheduling the celebration of Christmas
24.12.2019
- According to the results of a study conducted by the Rating Group, 25% of Ukrainian respondents support the idea of moving the celebration of Christmas from January 7 to December 25. Sixty-four percent of respondents oppose this idea. Another 7% stated that they are indifferent to this issue, and 4% were unable to answer.
- In dynamics, the share of those who support rescheduling the date of Christmas has increased. In 2016, only 15% supported this idea, while 69% were opposed.
- The highest level of support for moving Christmas is observed in the western region, where 43% support the idea and almost the same share do not support it. In other macro-regions, respondents are more likely to oppose the change: in the central region, 23% are in favor and 66% are against; in the southern region, 15% and 74%, respectively; in the eastern region, 14% and 74%. Slightly higher support for this initiative is observed among more affluent respondents and among those of middle and older age.
Politician and event of 2019
23.12.2019
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group during December 13–17, 2019, the majority of respondents (47%) consider Volodymyr Zelenskyi to be the politician of 2019 in Ukraine.
- Yurii Boiko, Dmytro Razumkov, and Yuliia Tymoshenko were named by 8–10% of respondents each, while Petro Poroshenko, Viktor Medvedchuk, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, and Volodymyr Groysman were mentioned by 5–7%.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyi as politician of the year received support across all age and regional groups. At the same time, Yurii Boiko, Viktor Medvedchuk, and Vadym Rabinovych were more often chosen by residents of the South and East, Yuliia Tymoshenko by residents of the Center and West, and Petro Poroshenko by residents of the West. Notably, among supporters of the European Solidarity, Batkivshchyna, and Opposition Platform – For Life parties, the leaders of these political forces were more often chosen as politicians of the year than Volodymyr Zelenskyi. At the same time, among supporters of the Holos party, the Head of State received a higher result than Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.
- Ukrainians consider the release of Ukrainian captured sailors and other political prisoners to be the event of the year (48%), as well as the Presidential elections in Ukraine (44%).
- One in five respondents considers the resumption of negotiations on the situation in Donbas in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France) to be the event of the year. Fifteen percent named the elections to the Verkhovna Rada, 13% the qualification of the Ukrainian national football team for the final stage of the UEFA European Championship 2020, and one in ten the strengthening of the hryvnia exchange rate.
Social and political sentiments of Irpin and Pryirpinnia (2-8 December 2019)
23.12.2019
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group on December 2–8, 2019, among residents of Irpin and the surrounding area (Priirpinia), 43% of respondents believe that affairs in the city are moving in the right direction, 28% think they are moving in the wrong direction, and 30% were undecided.
- Assessments of the situation in Ukraine as a whole are less optimistic. Only 31% of respondents believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 36% think it is moving in the wrong direction, and 32% were unable to provide an answer. Nevertheless, since March 2019, assessments of the situation both in Irpin and nationwide have shown a positive dynamic.
- Among perceived opportunities, residents rated the possibility of living close to nature with good environmental conditions, as well as opportunities for rest and leisure, the highest. Respondents see fewer opportunities in terms of achieving personal success, entrepreneurship, and especially finding employment.
- The most pressing local problems identified by respondents are the shortage of kindergartens (37%), insufficient capacity in schools (34%), and deforestation for construction purposes (30%). About a quarter of respondents consider drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as the cost of utility services, to be significant local problems. Other concerns—mentioned by 10–16% of respondents—include urban overdevelopment, corruption in local authorities, traffic congestion, lack of jobs, waste collection, and the quality of medical services. Around 9% pointed to poor road conditions, public transport fares, transport links with Kyiv, rising crime, and water supply issues.
- Among national political figures, Volodymyr Zelensky enjoys the highest level of trust (48% trust, 34% distrust). Other politicians are generally trusted less than they are distrusted. Sviatoslav Vakarchuk is trusted by 20% and distrusted by 58%; Petro Poroshenko by 13% and 70%, Yuriy Boyko by 12% and 56%, and Yulia Tymoshenko by 11% and 71%, respectively.
- 70% of respondents stated their firm intention to participate in parliamentary elections if they were held in the near future. Among political parties, the “Servant of the People” party leads electoral preferences, supported by 45.4% of decided voters. It is followed by European Solidarity (14.8%), Batkivshchyna (8.4%), Opposition Platform – For Life (5.3%), Voice (4.8%), and Strength and Honor (3.9%). Support for other parties does not exceed 3%, while approximately one quarter of respondents remain undecided.
- Two-thirds of respondents also expressed readiness to participate in upcoming local elections for the mayor and city council of Irpin. Among parties potentially participating in local elections, Servant of the People again leads with 38.5% support among decided voters, followed by European Solidarity (13.6%), New Faces (9.9%), Batkivshchyna (6.4%), Opposition Platform – For Life (5.9%), Voice (4.6%), and Strength and Honor (3.1%). About a quarter of respondents have not yet decided.
- 58% of respondents consider corruption in the city government to be a serious problem, while 17% believe it is insignificant, and 25% were unable to assess it. Compared to March 2019, the share of those who downplay the seriousness of corruption has decreased.
- When assessing the resignation of Irpin mayor Volodymyr Karpliuk, 37% of respondents believe it was an attempt to avoid responsibility for corruption-related abuses. In contrast, 25% view it as a response to political pressure from law enforcement agencies on him and his team. About one third were unable to provide an opinion. Over the past year, the proportion of respondents who believe Karpliuk resigned to avoid accountability for corruption has nearly doubled.
Social and political sentiments of the population (December 13–17, 2019)
19.12.2019
- According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during December 13–17, 2019, 40% of respondents believe that the country is moving in the right direction, 38% believe it is moving in the wrong direction, and 22% were unable to assess the situation. Over the past two weeks, there has been an increase in positive assessments (from 33% to 40%) and a decrease in negative ones (from 48% to 38%). As a result, the indicators returned to the level recorded in October. Relatively more optimism regarding the situation in the country is observed among residents of the South region, younger respondents, and voters of the Servant of the People party.
- Over the past two weeks, the level of satisfaction with the performance of President Zelenskyy increased from 53% to 62%, while dissatisfaction decreased from 33% to 25%.
- Regarding the performance of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Razumkov, 36% of respondents are satisfied and the same share are dissatisfied, while one quarter were unable to assess his work. At the same time, assessments of the Parliament’s performance are lower: 29% evaluated its work positively, 51% negatively, and 21% were unable to assess it.
- A similar trend is observed in the assessment of the Government’s performance: satisfaction with the activity of Prime Minister Honcharuk is relatively higher than with the work of the Cabinet of Ministers as a whole. Thirty-five percent expressed satisfaction with the Prime Minister’s performance, 35% were dissatisfied, and 30% were unable to assess it. Twenty-nine percent are satisfied with the work of the Cabinet of Ministers, 45% are dissatisfied, and one quarter did not answer this question. Over the past month, the level of satisfaction with the performance of the Prime Minister and the Verkhovna Rada has increased slightly.
- One third of Ukrainian respondents believe that, overall, President Zelenskyy’s actions during the year had more successes than failures. Forty-one percent said that successes and failures were balanced, and only 14% stated that failures prevailed in his work. This latter view is most common among voters of the European Solidarity party. At the same time, when assessing the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada, respondents were more critical: about one quarter believe that there were more failures, around 40% said that successes and failures were balanced, and only about 10% believe that successes prevailed. More critical assessments of these institutions were observed among voters of all parliamentary parties except Servant of the People, although even among its supporters neutral assessments dominated.
- As of mid-December, the leader of electoral sympathies is the Servant of the People party, supported by almost 48% of those who have decided and intend to participate in elections. The Opposition Platform – For Life party is supported by 11.4%, European Solidarity by 9.0%, Batkivshchyna by 7.8%, and Voice by 4.4%. Support for other political forces is below 3%. About 16% remain undecided.
- Trust ratings among Ukrainians are led by V. Zelenskyy, who is trusted by 67% of respondents and not trusted by 25%. He is followed by D. Razumkov (28% trust and 44% distrust) and S. Vakarchuk (28% and 59%). Further positions are held by Y. Boyko (23% and 58%), O. Honcharuk (22% and 44%), and Y. Tymoshenko (19% and 74%).
- Sixty-six percent of respondents stated that they are well informed about the Normandy Format summit held on December 9. Among them, about 40% consider the summit results rather a success of President Zelenskyy, half consider them neither a success nor a failure, and only 7% saw exclusively negative results. Twenty percent heard something about the summit, while 12% know nothing about it. Older respondents, voters of European Solidarity and the Opposition Platform – For Life are the most informed.
- After the Paris summit, Ukrainians improved their attitudes toward German Chancellor Merkel, with positive perceptions increasing from 60% to 69%, and toward French President Macron, from 39% to 52%. As a result, Merkel for the first time in the past five years topped the рейтинг of world leaders in assessments by Ukrainians, surpassing Belarusian President Lukashenka, who is viewed positively by 65% of respondents. Attitudes toward Russian President Putin remained unchanged: 16% positive and 72% negative.
- Assessments of Macron and Merkel are relatively evenly distributed across regions and electoral groups. In contrast, attitudes toward Lukashenka and Putin show clear differences: trust in the latter is significantly higher in the South and East regions. Supporters of European Solidarity and Voice trust Lukashenka somewhat less, while supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life trust him more; the latter are also the only supporters among parliamentary party voters who trust Putin.
- Over the past month, the share of respondents who consider Russia an aggressor country toward Ukraine increased from 64% to 70%. Twenty-one percent hold the opposite view, most commonly in the South and especially the East regions, as well as among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life.
- Almost two thirds of respondents support diplomatic ways of resolving the Donbas issue: 38% support ending hostilities and recognizing the territories as temporarily occupied and freezing the conflict, while 22% support granting these territories autonomous status within Ukraine. Only 8% support their complete separation. At the same time, 16% support continuing military actions until full restoration of Ukrainian control over Donbas. Over the past month, the number of supporters of a military solution has slightly decreased, being highest among supporters of European Solidarity and lowest among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life.
- One quarter of respondents believe that establishing peace in Donbas will take less than one year, one third believe it will take from one to five years, and 16% believe it will take more than five years. Only 7% believe that peace in the occupied Donbas is impossible. Regarding the full return of the occupied territories, opinions differ: 22% believe it will take more than five years, one third estimate one to five years, and only 14% believe it will take less than one year. Nine percent believe that the occupied territories in the East of Ukraine cannot be returned. Residents of the East region more often believe in a quick establishment of peace, while assessments of reintegration timelines are less optimistic.
- In December, support for the pro-European vector of the country’s development increased: 60% support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (57% in November), and 52% support accession to NATO (48% in November). Clear regional differences persist in foreign policy orientation: supporters of a pro-Western course are more prevalent in the West and Center regions, while opponents dominate in the South and East regions. Among residents of the south-eastern regions, support prevails for the idea of equidistance from Russia and the West, or for pro-Russian orientations.
Social and political sentiments of Kyiv residents (December 12–16, 2019)
17.12.2019
- According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group in Kyiv during December 12–16, 2019, 36% of Kyiv residents believe that affairs in the city are moving in the right direction, 38% believe they are moving in the wrong direction, and 27% were unable to decide on this issue.
- Parks and public gardens (70%), road conditions (45%), and public transport (30%) are the areas in which Kyiv residents relatively more often observed improvements over the past five years. At the same time, in the opinion of residents of the capital, the situation has significantly worsened with regard to combating illegal gambling businesses (38% believe it has worsened and only 7% believe it has improved), illegal construction (48% and 7%), parking (49% and 5%), and street congestion and traffic jams (55% and 5%).
- While a relative majority of respondents consider parks and public gardens (38%), road quality (22%), the arrangement of recreation areas (21%), and sports facilities (20%) to be achievements of the current Mayor V. Klychko, Kyiv residents see the priority areas for the city’s development primarily as medical institutions (59%), the quality of housing and communal services (55%), the development of educational institutions (36%), the quality and accessibility of public transport (32%), road quality (31%), waste collection and disposal (27%), combating corruption (24%), illegal construction (20%), and environmental issues (18%).
- Forty-two percent of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Kyiv Mayor Klychko, while 49% are dissatisfied. Thirty-one percent are satisfied with the work of the Kyiv City Council (53% dissatisfied), 43% with public transport (48% dissatisfied), 28% with educational institutions in the capital (47% dissatisfied), and 23% with municipal services and medical institutions in Kyiv (with dissatisfaction at 70% and 63% respectively).
- The trust rating of local politicians and public figures is led by S. Prytula (35% trust, 39% distrust), V. Klychko (35% trust, 55% distrust), D. Gordon (32% trust, 48% distrust), and O. Omelchenko (27% trust, 45% distrust). Other candidates on the list are mostly either unknown to Kyiv residents or are evaluated negatively.
- Sixty-eight percent of respondents expressed a definite readiness to participate in the Kyiv City Council elections. The leading party is Servant of the People, which would receive the votes of 32.2% of those who have decided and intend to participate. A total of 12.4% would vote for the UDAR party of V. Klychko, 8.9% for European Solidarity, 6.9% for Voice, 6.4% for Batkivshchyna, 4.8% for Opposition Platform – For Life, and 4.6% for the Svoboda party. Support for other political forces is below 4%. It is important to note that about one quarter of respondents remain undecided.
Ukrainians about New Year holidays (December 5–8, 2019)
17.12.2019
- According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group, 76% of Ukrainians have a tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day. Over the past year, the share of those who stated that they follow this tradition has increased (67% in 2018). The highest support for the tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day is observed in the West of the country (almost 90%). In other regions, a significant share also follows this tradition: 78% in the Center, 70% in the South, and 64% in the East. This tradition is more often supported by rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
- Half of Ukrainians believe in Saint Nicholas. At least that is what this share admitted to sociologists, and compared to last year, their number has increased (43% in 2018). Belief in Saint Nicholas is most widespread in the West (58%), while in other regions about half of respondents share this belief. As with the tradition of giving gifts on this holiday, belief in Saint Nicholas is more common among rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
- At the same time, fewer Ukrainians believe in Ded Moroz (31%), although the dynamics are positive compared to last year (25% in 2018). Overall, belief in Ded Moroz is relatively more common among residents of the South, urban residents, women, younger respondents, and more affluent Ukrainians.
- About 40% of respondents named New Year and Christmas as their favorite holidays. For another 7%, Saint Nicholas Day is their favorite, and for 3%, Old New Year. Only 3% do not like any of the listed holidays. In long-term dynamics since 2011, the share of those who like New Year has decreased (from 49% in 2011 to 43% in 2019).
- In the South, East, and Center, New Year is more often named as the favorite holiday, while in the West, Christmas is most often considered the favorite. Greater preference for New Year is observed among men, urban residents, and young people. Accordingly, Christmas is more often preferred in rural areas, among older respondents, and among women.
- Almost 80% of Ukrainians plan to set up a New Year tree at home: 40% a live tree and 38% an artificial one. Eleven percent of respondents stated that they will not set up a tree and will limit themselves to a New Year decoration, while the same share will not do anything at all. In dynamics over several years, the share of those who prefer an artificial tree has slightly increased. Supporters of a live New Year tree are more common in the South and East; in the Center the shares are almost equal, while in the West respondents are more inclined to set up an artificial tree. Overall, those who plan to set up a tree are more often found among younger and more affluent respondents.
State of the healthcare sector in Rivne region (November 27 – December 9, 2019)
16.12.2019
- According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group, the level of public optimism in the region has improved over the past year. Thus, 44% of respondents believe that affairs in Ukraine are moving in the right direction (17% in 2018), 40% speak positively about the situation in the region (20% in 2018), and 43% about the situation in their city or village (27% in 2018).
- About half of respondents (53%) are dissatisfied with public healthcare services over the past five years, while 35% report being satisfied with public healthcare services. Over the past year, the share of those satisfied with the state of public healthcare has slightly increased (23% in 2018). As in previous studies, the level of satisfaction with public healthcare services is somewhat higher among those who visit doctors more frequently.
- Almost a third of respondents (29%) believe that over the past two years the overall quality of public healthcare services in the region has improved, while 25% noted an improvement in the overall quality of medical services they personally received. Compared to last year, the share of those who observed positive changes in this sector has increased both at the national and personal levels. Frequency of visiting doctors correlates with a more positive assessment of services.
- Over the year, there has been a significant increase in the share of respondents who positively assessed the work of public medical institutions: 47% assess the quality of services positively, while 28% do so negatively. Younger and more affluent respondents, as well as those who visit doctors more often, provided better evaluations of these institutions.
- At the same time, as in previous studies, almost half of respondents were unable to assess the quality of medical care in private healthcare facilities at all; 42% assess it positively and 9% negatively. Younger respondents, more affluent individuals, urban residents, and those who visit doctors more often are more inclined to evaluate private healthcare positively.
- The share of those who stated that they had witnessed reconstruction or renovation of hospitals over the past two years increased (from 46% to 56%), while 31% stated the opposite. Reports of positive changes were equally frequent in cities and villages.
- As last year, a quarter of respondents reported changes in the quality of medical services received (37% said the quality had not changed). Changes in quality were more often reported in rural areas. When assessing various criteria of healthcare quality, 62% reported improvements in the conditions under which medical care is provided (44% in 2018). Attitudes toward patients by doctors, professionalism and competence of doctors, and treatment effectiveness were considered to have improved by 50–60% of respondents (34–39% in 2018).
- About 40% of respondents noticed changes in the cost of services received (27% believe prices did not change). Over the year, the number of negative assessments across various cost-related criteria decreased: more than 47% believe that the cost of consultations, examinations, and medical procedures worsened (71% in 2018), while 17% believe the situation improved (only 5% in 2018). Deterioration in the cost of medical services using specialized equipment and consultations was reported by 50% (72% in 2018), while 16% observed improvement (6% in 2018). Seventy-four percent reported worsening prices for prescribed medicines (88% in 2018), while 10% believe the situation improved (5% in 2018).
- For 19% of respondents, territorial and time accessibility to medical institutions changed (58% did not notice such changes). Urban residents and those who visit doctors more often reported changes more frequently. Fifty-eight percent noticed improvements in the ability to choose a doctor (54% in 2018). Fifty-five percent positively assessed changes in the possibility of making appointments in advance at a convenient time (35% in 2018). Forty-seven to forty-eight percent reported improvements in waiting times or doctors’ schedules (31–33% in 2018), and 43% in territorial accessibility of healthcare facilities (38% in 2018).
- Seven percent of respondents are well informed about the changes proposed by the healthcare reform, 42% have heard something about it, 29% know very little, and 20% know nothing about the essence of the reform. Awareness is higher among women and people with higher education. Over the year, the share of those who know something about the healthcare reform has not changed.
- Thirty-nine percent believe that the healthcare reform has brought improvements to the healthcare sector in the region. Thirty-seven percent reported no changes, and only 7% spoke of deterioration. Younger respondents and those better informed about the reform more often reported positive changes.
- Forty-nine percent are confident that the change of government in the country will positively affect the implementation of healthcare reform in Ukraine. Twenty-seven percent believe no changes will occur, and only 6% speak of possible deterioration. Younger respondents and those who believe the country is moving in the right direction are more optimistic.
- Support for the implementation of healthcare reform in Ukraine has increased sharply (from 35% to 65%). Seventeen percent expressed the opposite view, and 18% could not provide an assessment. Support is higher among young people, rural residents, those aware of the reform, and those who positively assess the country’s development trajectory.
- Unlike last year, when only 17% were confident that the healthcare system would improve as a result of the reform in the next two years, this year 51% spoke of possible improvement. Only 6% believe it will worsen, while 26% think it will not change. Optimism is higher among younger respondents, reform supporters, and those who view the country’s situation optimistically. The share of those who foresee improvements in the long term (5–10 years) has also increased: 62% believe the situation will improve (52% in 2018, 35% in 2017), 4% believe it will worsen, 14% expect no change, and 21% could not answer. As before, the greatest optimists are young people and those with higher education. Almost half of those who believe there will be no change in the next 1–2 years expect improvements in the longer term.
- Thirty-two percent of respondents consult a doctor or medical specialist about their health less than once a year, 17–18% once a year or every six months, 16% at least once every three months, and only 13% use such services monthly.
- The share of those who know who their family doctor is increased (from 75% to 85%). Awareness is slightly higher among women and those who use medical services more frequently. Eighty-four percent have already chosen a family doctor and signed a declaration; 16% have not.
- Seventy-five percent of all respondents fully or partially trust their family doctor (69% in 2018). Trust is higher among women, rural residents, and those who visit doctors more often. Importantly, almost 90% of those who have chosen a family doctor trust them.
- The vast majority of respondents (84%) trust medical recommendations from healthcare professionals, 62% trust pharmacists, and 58% trust relatives and acquaintances. Twenty-seven percent trust medical recommendations on the internet, 17–18% trust television and print media, and 13% trust information from folk healers. Only 12% trust such information from radio. Young people are more inclined to trust healthcare professionals, the internet, and close contacts, while older respondents trust television, print media, radio, and folk healers more often.
- When choosing a healthcare facility, 44% primarily consider trust in doctors at that facility, 41% professionalism and experience of doctors, 27% attitude of doctors and staff toward patients, 18% availability of modern medical equipment, 17% speed of service, 9% comfort of treatment conditions, and 6% availability of preferential services. Compared to last year, demand for better communication and faster service increased significantly, while demand for preferential services declined. Rural residents and younger respondents more often emphasize trust in doctors, attitude, equipment, and service speed, while urban residents and more affluent respondents place greater emphasis on professionalism.
- Sixty-two percent receive medical information from doctors, 21% from friends and family, 20% from the internet, 13% from television, and 6% from pharmacists. Four percent or less receive information from other sources.
- One-third of respondents reported never having problems with blood pressure, 24% experience such problems several times a month, 7–12% every 3–6 months, 8% less than once a year, and 10% daily. Blood pressure problems are more common among women and older people and are more frequent among poorer respondents and those experiencing stress.
- Twenty percent measure blood pressure daily, 28% several times a month, 8–10% every 3 or 6 months, 8% once a year, and 22% less than once a year.
- Nine percent measure body weight daily, 24% several times a month, 9–13% every 3 or 6 months, 16% once a year, and 21% less than once a year. Young people and women measure weight more often.
- More than 40% undergo electrocardiograms less than once a year, 32% annually, 9% every six months, and only 3–4% every three months or several times a month. Those who visit doctors frequently or have blood pressure problems undergo ECGs more often.
- Forty-two percent check blood sugar levels less than once a year, 20% annually, 8% every six months, 5% every three months, and 2–5% several times a month or daily.
- Forty-five percent check cholesterol levels less than once a year, 17% annually, 8% every six months, 4% at least every three months, and 3% several times a month. Those who visit doctors frequently or have blood pressure problems check sugar and cholesterol levels more often.
- Half of respondents reported normal blood pressure at last measurement, one-third higher than normal, and 13% lower. Sixty-two percent reported normal body weight, 24% higher than normal, and 4% lower. Nearly two-thirds reported normal blood sugar levels, 34% could not answer, and 6% reported elevated levels. Cholesterol was normal for 45%, unknown for 47%, and elevated for 7%.
- Forty-seven percent never sought medical care related to cardiovascular diseases, while others did so at varying times in the past. Recent care was more common among women, older respondents, and poorer individuals.
- Almost 60% do not take medication to normalize blood pressure, while 38% do. Eighty-seven percent do not take medication to regulate blood sugar or cholesterol. Among those with blood pressure problems at least once every six months, 66% take blood pressure medication, and 9% take medication for sugar and cholesterol respectively.
- When blood pressure problems occur, more than a quarter take medication based on personal experience, while a similar share follow doctors’ recommendations. Nine to ten percent use folk remedies or immediately consult a doctor, and 5% do nothing.
- Eighty-six percent walk outdoors daily, 8% several times a week, and 2–3% several times or once a month. Rural residents spend more time outdoors.
- Sixty-one percent consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily, 30% several times a week, and smaller shares less frequently.
- Forty-two percent eat meat daily, 41% several times a week, and fewer less often or never. Men and younger people consume meat more frequently.
- Almost 30% consume confectionery and baked goods daily, 39% several times a week, and fewer less often. Daily consumption is more common among young and middle-aged respondents.
- Twenty-two percent consume fried or fatty food daily, 39% several times a week, and fewer less often or never. Daily consumption is more common among men, younger and middle-aged respondents, and rural residents.
- Fifteen percent consume non-alcoholic carbonated drinks daily, 22% several times a week, and 31% never consume them. Non-consumption is more common among women and older respondents.
- Almost 40% consume alcohol once a month or less, 20% several times a month, 6% several times a week, and 3% daily. One-third do not consume alcohol at all, more often women, older people, and urban residents.
- Only 15% exercise daily, 22% several times a week, and 27% do not exercise at all. Non-participation is more common among middle-aged and older respondents, women, and rural residents.
- Twenty percent experience stress daily, 19% several times a week, 31% several times a month, and 30% never. Women, urban residents, and those with blood pressure problems experience stress more often.
- Seventy-four percent are aware of symptoms of high blood pressure, and 67% know treatment methods; awareness is similar for low blood pressure.
- Twenty-three percent recently received information on cardiovascular disease prevention from family doctors, while others cited media, the internet, or medical facilities. Fifty-five percent did not receive such information recently, more often young people.
- Thirty-one percent positively assess the quality of cardiovascular care in their locality, 11% negatively, while 48% have not used such services. Positive assessments increased slightly compared to last year.
- At the regional level, 26% positively assess cardiovascular treatment quality, 6% negatively, and 59% have not sought such care. Positive assessments increased compared to last year. Seventy-one percent did not seek such services in other Ukrainian cities.
- When cardiovascular problems arise, respondents most often turn to city or district hospitals, family doctors, or regional hospitals. Forty-five percent report no blood pressure problems. Compared to last year, more respondents turn to family doctors.
- The best quality assessments for cardiology services were given to family doctors, followed by city or district hospitals, regional hospitals, and other facilities.
- Thirty-seven percent believe there are enough cardiovascular care facilities in their locality, while 45% believe there are not enough, particularly among rural residents.
- As last year, most respondents (80%) know nothing about the World Bank and Ministry of Health project “Improving Health Care at the Service of People,” though 83% consider its implementation important.
- Despite low awareness of the project, many respondents encountered related information in the media, such as ambulance transfers, equipment purchases, and facility renovations.
- Seventy percent believe that implementation of this project will improve the situation with cardiovascular diseases in the region, 10% believe it will not change, and 4% expect deterioration.
Fifth Annual Ukrainian Municipal Survey
09.12.2019
The survey was conducted by Sociological Group “Rating” (Rating Group Ukraine) on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research.
This annual survey provides an extensive look at citizen attitudes about local governance and municipal services.
Polling was conducted in the 24 regional capitals of Ukraine not under the control of Russian or Russian-backed forces, including Mariupol and Severodonetsk in the Donbas region. The survey is based on a sample size of 19,200 respondents.
The margin of error for each city does not exceed ±3.5 points. Average response rate is 67.7%