Adaptation of Ukrainian Higher Education Students to the Wartime Stress Factor

Abstract

The wartime stress factor is a significant challenge for mental health. Ukrainian higher education students have been studying under martial law for over two years. Therefore, investigating their adaptation to these conditions is crucial. Aim: To examine how Ukrainian higher education students adapt to the wartime stressor. Methods: Analysis of scientific literature, surveys, and statistical analysis. The three-wave study spanned from April 20, 2022, to December 19, 2023. It involved 1901 students from various regions of Ukraine. Results: No significant changes were found in students' experiences of psychological problems or harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption (p>0.05) during the wartime stressor period. This may suggest that students are struggling to adapt to the war. However, the use of calming medications increased by 0.4% compared to the first stage of the study and by 6.3% compared to the second (p<0.05). Gender and the number of stressful experiences emerged as factors influencing students' use of calming medications. Female students showed greater difficulty adapting to the wartime stressor compared to male students. Additionally, the more stressful experiences students reported, the more likely they were to use calming medications. While being in the center of hostilities can be highly traumatic, it did not significantly affect the use of calming medications. Similarly, the field of study did not show a significant influence (p>0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that students have not yet adapted to the war. Developing and implementing psychological and pedagogical support measures for this youth group through physical activity interventions is a relevant area for further research.