Changes in the physical, mental, spiritual and social health of ukrainians under the influence of stress factors of wartime

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify, using a questionnaire survey, the impact of stress factors of martial law on various aspects of the health of the population of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The source of initial information was the data of an online survey of citizens in various cities of Ukraine and abroad. 1290 people aged 17 to 86 years participated in the survey. The methods used were: theoretical (analysis and generalization of literary sources; empirical (questionnaire survey) and methods of mathematical statistics (correlation analysis, Student and Pearson test; data rescaling method). The results were considered reliable at a significance level of p<0.05. Results. A questionnaire was developed to study changes in the health of Ukrainians since the beginning of the full-scale invasion under the influence of the stress factors of martial law and taking into account living conditions at the beginning of the war. Factors affecting health were considered in comparison with the present time with the beginning of the full-scale war and were determined by three possible answers, indicating a negative, neutral or positive effect of the factor. Changes in the health of respondents are also determined by three possible answers, indicating a deterioration in the health of respondents, the absence of changes in health or its improvement. Functional disorders of the body of respondents compared to the beginning of the war were determined by questions about deterioration of well-being, headache, pressure changes, tachycardia, breathing difficulties, nervous tremor, panic attacks, sleep disorders, etc. Exacerbation of diagnosed diseases (if any) was also taken into account. Emotional disorders were revealed by questions about anxiety, fear, nervousness, reaction to the siren or the work of the air defense system, aggressiveness, mood swings, etc. Cognitive changes were also noted regarding concentration of attention, memory, ability to analyze the situation and make decisions. The social component of health was determined by questions about communication with family, friends, social activities, leisure activities. An analysis of the obtained questionnaire data was conducted. The primary analysis of the study results revealed changes in various aspects of the health of Ukrainians. Conclusions. Functional disorders were manifested primarily by deterioration in general well-being, sleep disorders, increased headache, pressure changes, and tachycardia. The most noticeable reaction to the stress factors of wartime was the manifestations of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. At the emotional level, the vast majority of respondents noted an increase in feelings of anxiety, fear, and nervousness. At the level of cognitive functions, most respondents had decreased concentration and memory. The social component of health was affected by a decrease in working capacity in almost half of the respondents. Further research into changes in all aspects of health, depending on the initial conditions in which the respondents were, and depending on the effects of wartime stress factors, will help identify the most vulnerable segments of the population in order to provide them with appropriate medical, psychological, and social assistance.