Health Of Civilians Research Articles

Mental Health of Servicemen, POWs, and Civilians in Ukraine: A Comparative Study

This study aims to investigate the mental health differences among servicemen, POWs, and civilians affected by the war in Ukraine. Data were collected from three samples: (1) 149 servicemen from an elite combat troop of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (all men aged 22–59 years); (2) 217 POWs (209 men and 8 women aged 19–64 years); and (3) 330 civilian men aged 19–60 years. Participants completed self-report scales assessing three positive aspects of mental health (resilience, self-efficacy, and post-traumatic growth) and two negative aspects (PTSD symptoms and physical complaints). We observed significant differences between the three samples. POWs had the highest post-traumatic growth scores and reported the most physical complaints, reflecting the long-term effects of captivity. Civilians exhibited the highest levels of PTSD symptoms, likely due to continuous exposure to war-related stressors, while servicemen displayed the lowest negative mental health indicators. Contrary to expectations, resilience levels were similar between POWs and servicemen. This study expands current knowledge on the impact of modern war on mental health and suggests that targeted interventions should address both the unique challenges faced by POWs and the pervasive psychological distress experienced by civilians. These findings may inform the development of training programs for military personnel, healthcare specialists, and social service professionals to support those affected by war.

The Impact of War on Mental Health in Cameroon's North-west and South-west Regions: A Psycho-traumatology Perspective

Background: The war is a major poly-traumatic event, which leads to massive population displacements. The question of the evaluation and psychological care of psychotraumatised people is an urgent matter.
 Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the ongoing war in North-west & South-West (NOSO) on the mental health of soldiers and civilians, focusing on war-induced trauma.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different settings in the NOSO. Data was collected from 203 participants, two years after the war began, using a structured questionnaire that included sections on sociodemographic information, trauma-related issues, and mental health.
 Results: The study found that levels of depression and anxiety were relatively average. However, those who were directly exposed to military actions, physical violence, or severe human suffering had higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. The war experience varied by gender, age, involved actors (soldiers vs civilians), and living conditions.
 Conclusion: The results imply that the degree of exposure to violence and living circumstances had distinct effects on the mental health of those afflicted by the war. The study also found a number of stresses, including physical and sexual assault, kidnapping, and abuses committed by military personnel. Subsequent investigations ought to devise efficacious measures to bolster the welfare of residents amidst this arduous period.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022; community based cross-sectional study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is marked by increased stress and anxiety following exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Events of conflict and war-related traumas were commonly reported situations and people who have undergone through have a higher tendency to develop PTSD Woldia town had been under a serious military surge and a five-month encroachment, so the expected destruction in property, impact on physical, social and mental health of civilians was potentially high. More importantly, there is no study that investigated the significance of association between war-related traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in the area. so this study aims to assess prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed by using a multi-stage systematic random sampling technique from May-15 to June-15/2022. A total of 609 participants were enrolled. PTSD was measured by the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Data were entered by Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors to PTSD and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 56.28%. Destruction/looting of property (AOR = 1.6,95%CI,1.11-2.47), murder/injury of family member (AOR = 2.1,95% CI,1.37-3.22), witness of murder of family member/others (AOR = 1.6,95% CI,1.01-2.71), unlawful imprisonment (AOR = 1.7, 95%CI, 1.06-2.74), depression (AOR = 2, 95%CI, 1.37-2.93), anxiety (AOR = 3.3, 95%CI,2.26-4.97), experience trauma on themselves (AOR = 2.0,95%CI,1.22-3.58), poor (AOR = 3.1,95%CI,1.60-6.04) and moderate (AOR = 3.0, 95%CI, 1.56-5.87) social support were statistically associated with PTSD at a p-value < 0.05. The study reveals that the prevalence of PTSD was high in Woldia town following an armed conflict between Federal Government and Tigray forces. Destruction/looting of property, murder/injury of family, witness murder of family/others, unlawful imprisonment, depression, anxiety, experience on themselves, poor and moderate social support were statistically associated with PTSD. Hence, encourage organization working on mental health, routine patient assessment with a history of trauma, facilitating means to support affected residents is recommended.

Civilian and Military Mental Health Concerns in Ukraine

The intense warfare within the borders of Ukraine has caused severe disruption to the lives of refugees, the citizens remaining in the country and the military engaged in the fighting. The invader’s targeting of residential areas and supporting infrastructure is negatively impacting the mental health of civilians and military personnel. The international efforts to rebuild the nation at the conclusion of the hostilities must include a focus on rebuilding mental health diagnostic and treatment capability.

Effects of foot intensive rehabilitation (FIRE) on clinical outcomes for patients with chronic ankle instability: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundLateral ankle sprains account for a large proportion of musculoskeletal injuries among civilians and military service members, with up to 40% of patients developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). Although foot function is compromised in patients with CAI, these impairments are not routinely addressed by current standard of care (SOC) rehabilitation protocols, potentially limiting their effectiveness. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine if a Foot Intensive REhabilitation (FIRE) protocol is more effective compared to SOC rehabilitation for patients with CAI.MethodsThis study will use a three-site, single-blind, randomized controlled trial design with data collected over four data collection points (baseline and post-intervention with 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups) to assess variables related to recurrent injury, sensorimotor function, and self-reported function. A total of 150 CAI patients (50 per site) will be randomly assigned to one of two rehabilitation groups (FIRE or SOC). Rehabilitation will consist of a 6-week intervention composed of supervised and home exercises. Patients assigned to SOC will complete exercises focused on ankle strengthening, balance training, and range of motion, while patients assigned to FIRE will complete a modified SOC program along with additional exercises focused on intrinsic foot muscle activation, dynamic foot stability, and plantar cutaneous stimulation.DiscussionThe overall goal of this trial is to compare the effectiveness of a FIRE program versus a SOC program on near- and long-term functional outcomes in patients with CAI. We hypothesize the FIRE program will reduce the occurrence of future ankle sprains and ankle giving way episodes while creating clinically relevant improvements in sensorimotor function and self-reported disability beyond the SOC program alone. This study will also provide longitudinal outcome findings for both FIRE and SOC for up to two years. Enhancing the current SOC for CAI will improve the ability of rehabilitation to reduce subsequent ankle injuries, diminish CAI-related impairments, and improve patient-oriented measures of health, which are critical for the immediate and long-term health of civilians and service members with this condition.Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Registry: NCT #NCT04493645 (7/29/20).

Life and mental health in limbo of the Ukraine war: How can helpers assist civilians, asylum seekers and refugees affected by the war?

The terror spread by the war disrupts lives and severs families, leaving individuals and communities devastated. People are left to fend for themselves on multiple levels, especially psychologically. It is well documented that war adversely affects non-combatant civilians, both physically and psychologically. However, how the war puts civilians' lives in a limbo is an under-researched area. This paper focuses on three aspects: (1) how the mental health and well-being of Ukrainian civilians, asylum seekers, and refugees are affected by the war caused limbo; (2) what factors affect this process of being stuck in the limbo of war; and (3) how psychologists and helpers in the war-ridden and host countries can provide meaningful support. Based on the authors' own practical work with Ukrainian civilians, refugees, and professional helpers during the war, this paper provides an overview of multi-level factors that impact human psyches in a war, and possible ways to help those who are living in the war limbo. In this research and experiential learning-based review, we offer some helpful strategies, action plans, and resources for the helpers including psychologists, counselors, volunteers, and relief workers. We emphasize that the effects of war are neither linear nor equal for all civilians and refugees. Some will recover and return to a routine life while others will experience panic attacks, trauma, depression, and even PTSD, which can also surface much later and can prolong over the years. Hence, we provide experience-based ways of dealing with short-term and prolonged trauma of living with war and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health professionals and other helpers in Ukraine and in host countries can use these helping strategies and resources to provide effective support for Ukrainians and for war refugees in general.

Protecting the Health and Safety of Civilians in the Future Space Workforce

On September 9, Vice President Kamala Harris announced the U.S. Administration's initiative to prepare Americans for the “Future Space Workforce.” Anticipating the creation of thousands of new jobs for average Americans in the space industry in the coming decades, the Vice President emphasized the need for career training in the sciences and technology. The new and evolving space industry will need engineers, manufacturing personnel, physicians, allied health professionals, lab technicians, educators, tourists and hospitality workers, miners, space scientists, and many other categories of workers. And, she added that the future workforce must be diverse and inclusive. But in order for the preparation to be a holistic and effective endeavor, it is essential that we begin now to invest in a robust human research program to protect the health and safety of average civilians in commercial space. We know very little about the impact of the hazards of space on the bodily systems of average civilians, especially those with underlying health problems and disabilities. Before we send civilians into space as workers, we need to reduce the risks by identifying effective countermeasures against space hazards. This article proposes the first step in implementing a Human Research Program for Civilians in Commercial Space.

Social and Healthcare Impacts of the Russian-Led Hybrid War in Ukraine - A Conflict With Unique Global Consequences.

Russia's fear of Ukraine becoming a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization catalyzed the current conflict in Ukraine. The invasion also alarmed other countries, such as Finland and Sweden, who have themselves considered a formal partnership with NATO. Russia's actions to date have created massive instability and political tensions that uniquely influence the health and socio-political life of civilians in Ukraine and the entire region. The direct and indirect threats of war "gone regional," "global", or "nuclear" have energized these countries and their historical alliances to reassess their own socio-political, environmental, and health-care consequences. All countries of the region have clear histories of forced occupation and decades of threats resulting from World War II and its aftermath. The purpose of this rapid communication is 2-fold. First, it discusses the socio-political and health-care consequences of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict in Finland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, and Ukraine. Second, it clarifies the most essential elements of the Hybrid War which cause uniquely distinctive violations of humanitarian laws, treaties, and conventions.

Mental Health of Incarcerated Veterans and Civilians: Latent Class Analysis of the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates

Using data from the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, this study used latent class analysis to examine patterns of mental health comorbidity within a large, nationally-representative sample of incarcerated adults ( N = 24,848), including 7.6% with prior military service. Classes were compared on Veteran status, military service-related variables, and treatment-related variables. Results suggest four latent mental health patterns—“Low Psychopathology” (70% of the total sample), “Internalizing + Thought Disorder” (8%), “Internalizing” (14%), and “High Psychopathology” (8%). The High Psychopathology class had the highest rates of prior psychiatric/psychological treatment. Incarcerated Veterans were more likely to be in the Internalizing class, and rates of combat exposure, military service-related injury, and less-than-honorable military discharge were highest in Internalizing and High Psychopathology classes. Results attest to the importance of person-centered mental health care within correctional settings and suggest a “treatment track” or “step-based” approach may best address the needs of individuals in these settings.

Sustenance and Health of Civilians in the Donbas Should Not be Sacrificed to Political Games

This paper introduces the past life of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the impact it has had on all parties.Through &#x0D; the evolution and review of the domestic situation in Ukraine,it analyzes the reasons for the outbreak of war and the ultimate &#x0D; conclusion that the sustenance and health of civilians should not be sacrificed to political games

Therapy as a vocation. To the 55&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; anniversary of professor V.V. Tyrenko

March 11, 2022 was the 55th birthday of the Head of the S.P. Botkin Faculty Therapy Department, chief cardiologist of the Ministry of Defense of Russian Federation, chief therapist-pulmonologist of the Health Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg, Honored Doctor of Russian Federation, Colonel of the Medical Service Professor V.V. Tyrenko. After graduation from the II faculty of the Military Medical Academy in 1989 he was sent to serve in the military unit of the Turkestan Military District. Since 1995, after graduating from residency, he worked successively as a senior resident, a lecturer, and a senior lecturer. After defending his doctoral dissertation in 2004, which was dedicated to Cardiac Syndrome X, in 2005 he was appointed Deputy Head of the Faculty Therapy Department for clinical work, and in 2009 he became a Head of this department. Professor Tyrenko is a well-known scientist in the field of medical problems of therapy and, in particular, rheumatology and hematology, he created his own scientific school. Scientific developments of Professor Tyrenko found practical reflection in military-medical organizations. Under his supervision, departmental standards for the use of various diagnostic and treatment techniques and methods in providing specialized medical care to rheumatologic, hematologic, and therapeutic patients were developed, which are also successfully used in medical institutions in Saint Petersburg and the North-West region. For his great merits in protecting the health of military personnel and civilians, organizing the therapeutic and diagnostic process and providing medical care, implementing modern methods of complex treatment of therapeutic patients, based, among other things, on his own scientific achievements, he was awarded with the Order of Honor 2008. He also received the honorary title Honored Physician of Russian Federation in 2013 and a commendation of the President of the Russian Federation in 2019 (1 figure).

Solid Waste Management and Challenges under War Situation Case Study lataki City- Syria

Wars have a particularly dangerous impact on solid waste management. Given the relatively long period of conflict in Syria, the collapse of environmental infrastructure and services has caused serious damage to the health of civilians. This conflict has caused some kind of environmental threat due to environmental pollution caused by debris, solid waste, and pollution from damaged industries and remnants of munitions that cause immediate and long-term threats to civilians and the environment. Solid waste treatment and disposal in Syria are not in the first place in importance, because the collection and transport of solid waste devour most of the city municipality’s budget. Because of the internal migration during the war in Syria, increases the populations in latakia city which increase solid waste amount. This leads the need to increase containers numbers in city regions and re-manage its spatial distribution by using geographic information systems (GIS). Therefore it was important to conduct this study to analyze the existing solid waste management regarding the collection system situation in Latakia city. The main purpose of this study is to improve the solid waste collection system (2018-2020) by covering all city-areas. The disposal of solid waste of the most important environmental issues of contemporary, as a result of increasing population and what has been associated with the change in the patterns and lifestyles and increased consumption, this increases the amount of waste produced, especially in cities, where the estimated amount of solid waste produced daily in the city of Latakia, is 840 tons. Thus became an urgent need to follow the techniques in the management of solid waste in all stages to public health and environmental protection. This study summarized the estimation of the amount and characteristics of solid waste and the methods used to collect and analyze the spatial distribution of the waste collection containers in all areas of the Latakia city and better planning commensurate with its population and the amount of waste produced using GIS technology.

Preparing Civilians to Travel, Live, and Work in Space: A Human Research Agenda

The prospect of thousands—perhaps even millions—of civilians traveling, living, and working in space in the coming decades requires a collaborative human research program (HRP) to ensure their health and safety. After a substantial review of the literature on the health of civilians in space, it was found that little is known about the impact of the space environment on health and safety of civilians, many with underlying health conditions and disabilities. To address this gap, the author and the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) decided to conduct a workshop on developing an HRP to study the impact of the space environment on the health and safety of average civilians in the commercialization of space. With the cooperation of experts in health research in space, a Workshop Planning Committee was created. The committee included experts from CSF, the space industry, government, and academia to develop the first ever HRP for civilians in the commercialization of space. The CSF/MITRE workshop was conducted on May 11–12, 2021, with ∼100 participants. Recommendations were made to conduct specific research projects to understand and prevent/mitigate any adverse impact of the space environment on average civilians in suborbital space and in space travel and habitation in low Earth orbit and beyond. The summary report of the workshop's recommendations was written, vetted, and completed for public dissemination in November 2021. The summary concludes with recommendations for implementation of the HRP for civilians in commercial space.

Verdant Persuasion: The Use of Landscape as a Warfighting Tool during Operation Enduring Freedom

This paper documents the United States military’s use of landscape as an active warfighting tool during Operation Enduring Freedom. A selection of declassified projects that outline plans for tree plantings, which range in scale and design intensity from individual tree replacement to urban park improvements and large-scale reforestation efforts, demonstrate a consistent weaponization of the physical and mental health benefits that result from exposure to green space. Together, the examples show how landscape design tactics can subdue counterinsurgency by promoting stability through social control and improving the mental health of local civilians. Finally, the paper offers a lens to understand the associations between health and landscape as a matter of military interest and political concern and, ultimately, as subject to control and resistance.

Preventing the Worst, Recovering with Resilience.

On July 8, 2022, Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister of Japan, passed away. This tragedy may turn out to have a deep impact on public health throughout the world, not limited to Japan. According to the most recent Japanese government reports, Mr. Abe was murdered with a firearm. This could spark a new debate in the current global debate over gun control, with far-reaching consequences for public health around the world. Furthermore, extensive media coverage may harm the mental health of Japanese civilians, and such issues should be addressed in a fair manner. The Japanese have been strong against previous disasters and tragedies. It is hoped that Japan can build back a safe and resilient society for all.

Broń autonomiczna w świetle międzynarodowego prawa humanitarnego

Along the rapid development and proliferation of autonomous robotic weapons, machines begin to replace people on the battlefields. The use by the USA of Predators or Reapers and other unmanned aerial vehicles (so called drones) in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other places in the world clearly signals distancing of the soldiers from their targets. Some military and robotics experts have predicted that “killer robots” – fully autonomous weapons that could select and engage targets without human intervention – could be developed within 20 to 30 years. At present, military officials generally say that humans will retain some level of supervision over decisions to use lethal force, but their statements often leave open the possibility that robots could one day have the ability to make such choices on their own power. In this paper I will concentrate on the last kind of autonomous weapons, namely fully autonomous ones. It should however be noted that so far such a weapon does not yet exist. Nonetheless, lawyers should already be anticipating the effect of these technologies on international humanitarian law and the conduct of warfare. The thesis of the paper goes as follows: the use of autonomous weapons would be contrary to the basic and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law such as the principle of distinction, proportionality and military necessity and thus illegal. Such weapons are not capable of meeting the conditions enshrined in these principles. As such their use would threaten the well-being, life and health of civilians and civilian populations. On the other hand, there are scholars who are of the opinion that prohibiting the use of autonomous weapons would make no sense at all and that the development of such weapons is inevitable and will take place gradually. Moreover, autonomy in weapon systems might positively promote the aims of the laws of war in some technological configurations and operational circumstances – but not in others. As I will try to demonstrate below, the drawbacks of the use of autonomous weapons are of such magnitude that they exclude its legality. In my opinion, it is legal to use autonomous devices aimed at target identification but not autonomous weapons capable of attacking the target without human interference.

PERSONAL PROTECTION OF PEOPLE DURING A PANDEMIC

The article focuses on the general principles regarding personal protection of people during a pandemic. The author indicates the difference between the concepts of an epidemic and a pandemic, characterizes civil protection, and specifies classification and possibilities of incorporating personal means of protection against biological infection. The text also highlights measures that contribute to protection of health and life of civilians as well as personal means of protection in the armed forces.The publication is based on the analysis of available literature on the subject. In the research process, the author used his many years of experience in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland (the chemical troops), including data gathered from simulation of conduct in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) contaminated environment.

Piezoelelectric Nanogenerators for energy harvesting at traffic lights

The existing traffic lights systems as it is, still have many problems which can directly expose to danger the health of civilians and can even endanger their lives. The aim of the work was to suggest a solution to these problems and to show what potential might hold the piezoelectric nanogenerator technology and piezoelectric nanogenerator road pads in particular that are being developed by the Collective Usage Centre for Scientific Research “Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology” of the Grozny State Oil Technical University after acad. M.D. Millionshchikov. In order to so a new piece of nanogenerator technology in the form of road pads was presented in the work. The mini generators are being designed to harvest the mechanical energy of the moving cars at traffic lights and convert it to the electrical power using piezoelectric nanogenerators. The research is still in its initial phase, but the results gained already show promising power output of 6kW per cubic metre of the piezoelectric nanogenerator area. The output power currently is not enough to create traffic lights system independent from the electrical public network, however the integration of the two power sources is considered possible.

On the activities of the Kazan Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945

The article was prepared for the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 120th anniversary of the Kazan Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. The paper presents the contributions of the Kazan Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology staff in the sacred cause of victory over fascism to protect the health of soldiers and civilians of our homeland during the Great Patriotic War. The scientific research data and production activities of the institute are presented. The institute turned out to be practically the closest microbiological institution to the front, having the necessary laboratory equipment and a production base. The institute launched the production of medications, including 4 types of anti-gangrenous serums, anti-dysenteric tablets, tetanus toxoid, anti-typhoid tablets, dysenteric dry bacteriophage, dysenteric subcutaneous vaccine, pentavacine, typhoid vaccine, antibiotic gramicidin and others.

Anti-epidemic measures during the First World War: a regional aspect (case of Arkhangelsk province)

Relevance. Anti-epidemic support of the rear in the wartime is an important component of the health of civilians and military personnel, as well as a guarantee of the implementation of defense measures, since the risk of emergence and rapid spread of infectious diseases in such circumstances increases.Intention – to analyze the efforts of the authorities and medical community regarding the anti-epidemic prevention (based on a concrete example of the Arkhangelsk province during the First World War).Methodology. The article is based on original archival sources kept in the State Archive of the Arkhangelsk region, in the funds of the medical department of the Arkhangelsk provincial board of the Arkhangelsk province and the health department of the Arkhangelsk town executive committee, which are correspondence on issues of sanitary and medical nature, reports of medical inspectors, reports on the epidemic situation in the province in 1914–1917.Results and Discussion. A system of interaction between central and regional authorities is presented. Specific practical measures aimed at preventing the spread of epidemics are analyzed. This work was carried out in several directions. A strict sanitary and epidemiological control was carried out regarding vulnerable groups of the population (first of all, numerous workers engaged in construction of defense facilities). Outbreak response measures were developed. For the same purposes, preventive measures were taken in Arkhangelsk and in all counties of the province, preparatory work was carried out to deploy quarantine barracks, if necessary.Conclusion. The material presented in the article shows that during the First World War the efforts of the state apparatus, local authorities, public and community initiative managed to keep under control the sanitary and medical situation and prevent its negative scenario. The epidemiological disadvantage of the following years is explained by the destruction of the state apparatus and aggravation of social problems due to the Revolution and the Civil War.