KEY FACTORS OF THE POPULATION’S ADAPTATION TO WARTIME CONDITIONS: LIVING, MENTAL STATE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the adaptation of the Ukrainian population during the war, taking into account their location and previous displacements. Objective: To determine the impact of stress-related factors (e.g. living conditions, mental state, level of physical activity and availability of support) on the level of adaptation in four groups: persons who have not been displaced (NDP); internally displaced persons (IDP); externally displaced persons (EDP); and persons who have returned to their usual place of residence (RDP). Material: The study was conducted in 2023 using a quantitative approach and an online survey on the RedCap platform. The sample included 311 women and 83 men (average age 35.2±13.0 years). The analysis of socio-demographic data allowed us to take into account age, gender ratio, marital status and the level of support from family and friends. The subjects were divided into 4 groups depending on the place of residence. Results: The results show significant differences between the groups. NDPs, IDPs and RDPs demonstrate a higher level of adaptation due to more stable living conditions, active participation in additional activities and more effective social support. On the contrary, IDPs report increased anxiety due to difficulties in integrating into a new socio-cultural environment, problems with legalising their stay and insufficient support, which negatively affects their psycho-emotional state. Positive perception of the future, activity in volunteer initiatives and preservation of family ties proved to be important resource factors for reducing stress. For all categories of the population, the feeling of uncertainty, insecurity and anxiety associated with the events in Ukraine is relevant. A positive perception of the future, inherent in IDPs, EDPs, RDPs, is a factor in successful adaptation to adverse living conditions during the war. Conclusions: The data presented will contribute to understanding the causes of stress in different categories of the population, which, in addition to the greatest stressor (hostilities), are exposed to other equally important factors; optimisation of assistance programmes and strategies to overcome the consequences of hostilities to preserve the mental health of the population of Ukraine.