Ukrainian Adolescents Research Articles

Growing Up Amidst Active Warfare: Understanding the Experiences of Ukrainian Adolescents Through Chat Data

Armed conflicts violate young people’s rights by exposing them to violence and trauma, disrupting their sense of safety. This study examines how Russia’s war against Ukraine affects Ukrainian adolescents’ lives. The study utilizes data from Let’s Chat, a free, low-threshold support service for Ukrainian-speaking children and youths. We analyzed 185 chat conversations between chat workers and Ukrainian adolescents using data-driven thematic analysis. The war emerged roughly every fourth conversation, affecting discussions on forced relocation, school disruptions, and social relationships. Although youths rarely initiate war-related conversations, its effects are evident. This study highlights the complex impact of war on youth development, adding to other stressors in their lives. War often emerges as an added burden, complicating their already delicate development. Digital channels like Let’s Chat can help adolescents cope with these challenges and plan their futures in a culturally sensitive manner across borders, providing crucial support in difficult times.

Risk factors associated with the incidence of asthma among adolescents in Ukraine

Background. Asthma is a common disease among children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the detailed characteristics of adolescents with asthma, identify risk factors associated with the development of asthma and to evaluate medical care for patients with asthma. Materials and methods. Asthma patients (n = 80) aged 12 to 18 years from the Allergology Department of the Kyiv City Children’s Clinical Hospital 2, the clinical base of the Department of Pediatrics 2 of the Bogomolets National Medical University, were included in the study. The control group consisted of 120 children without asthma. In the group of interviewed children, asthma was diagnosed based on clinical data and objective measurement of lung function. All children underwent spirometry and skin prick test with aeroallergens. During the clinical examination, weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. The survey was conducted by a research doctor using a Google form. Results. Parents of 80 children with asthma were involved in our survey between September 2023 and May 2024. Asthma occurred more often in boys than in girls: odds ratio (OR) = 7.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.84–14.16, P < 0.0001). 31.25 % respondents reported a history of atopic dermatitis, 26.25 % had atopic dermatitis at the time of the study. Food allergy was detected in 25 % children. 48.75 % children had concomitant allergic rhinitis, of which 33.75 % had seasonal, 15 % had perennial. We found that children living in the city had asthma more often: OR = 7.3 (95% CI 3.26–16.62, P < 0.0001). Having an older sibling was associated with a lower risk of asthma: OR = 3.6 (95% CI 1.86–6.92, P < 0.0001). Also, we found that cat owners were significantly more likely not to have asthma: OR = 7.7 (95% CI 3.96–14.99, P < 0.0001). Such data are most likely related to the refusal to own a cat due to the prevalence of cat allergy among children with asthma or at risk of cat allergy. We have not found a statistically significant difference in the group of children with asthma and in the control group in relation to the exposure to tobacco smoke in the atmosphere (passive smoking): OR = 1.4 (95% CI 0.79–2.59, P > 0.05). Conclusions. Treatment of allergies and atopic conditions should be considered an important component of asthma treatment, which may affect the frequency and severity of the disease. In adolescents and adults, smoking cessation, in particular, as a factor in the impact of passive smoking on a sick child can also significantly reduce the number of hospitalizations. Confirming the diagnosis of asthma, demonstrating good inhaler technique, and emphasizing adherence to preventive therapies such as inhaled glucocorticosteroids can improve asthma control and reduce overreliance on short-acting bronchodilators.

Food habits of Ukrainian adolescents with obesity

Introduction and objective: There is currently a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity among children worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyse the diet and eating habits of adolescents depending on the presence of obesity and demonstrate the impact of incorrect eating habits on lipid and mineral metabolism disorders. Materials and methods: The study involved 133 adolescents aged 12–17 years: 101 adolescents with obesity and 32 healthy children in the control group. The study plan provided for a combination of standard clinical and anamnestic evaluations, including a study of eating habits, and laboratory-instrumental research. Results: In adolescents with obesity, violations of the regularity of eating (p < 0.001), as well as the habit of snacking on bakery products and sweets during the day (p < 0.01) and late dinner (p < 0.001) were significantly more common compared to the control group. Adolescents with obesity consumed sweets, bakery products, fast food products, chips, crackers significantly more often, and vegetables less frequently, compared to their peers in the control group, every day or several times a week (p < 0.05). Adolescents with obesity had significantly lower levels of zinc and magnesium compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed the problem of irrational and unbalanced nutrition in adolescents with obesity. The obtained data may become the basis for timely correction of the diet of obese adolescents, which will prevent the development of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and halt the progression of the underlying disease.

A study of cyber-addictions in Ukrainian youth

This article investigates the specific manifestations of various types of cyber-addictions among Ukrainian adolescents and young adults. The Internet's increasing connectivity fosters diverse user behaviors, with potential consequences ranging from social relationship disruption and isolation to mental health disorders and physical ailments. Notably, Internet addiction frequently emerges during adolescence, hindering socialization, professional growth, and family formation. Alongside Internet addiction, the modern scientific community recognizes cyber addictions and the growing prevalence of smartphone addiction (phubbing). These addictions share a compulsive urge to remain constantly online and an inability to disengage. To examine modern cyber addictions, the study employed the "Smartphone Addiction Scale" (SAS) and the "Cyber Addiction Test-Questionnaire" (TQC), involving 316 participants aged 15-21. Results revealed distinct manifestations of cyber-addictions across gender groups, reflecting varying goals and preferences in Internet and technology use. The timely implementation of psycho-prophylactic and psycho-corrective interventions is emphasized to address cyber dependencies and prevent the development of destructive tendencies.

The Helping Hand in Ukraine: feasibility and potential impact

BackgroundNew services are needed to prevent the mental health consequences of the war in Ukraine. Ten adolescents self-recruited to use and evaluate the Ukrainian version of the Helping Hand (HH) in Odesa, Ukraine. From April to June 2023, they participated in a 10-session group program where they played the cognitive behavioral game app, shared stories, and engaged in activities to enhance their coping skills.MethodsA mixed-method, quantitative–qualitative design was used to get insight into the feasibility and potential impact of the HH on Ukrainian adolescents’ mental health and well-being during the war. A questionnaire to the adolescents assessed the feasibility of the intervention; anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention by a standardized and validated adolescent-completed questionnaire. An interview with the psychologist who implemented the intervention was used to interpret the data completed by the adolescents.ResultsEight of 10 adolescents completed the HH intervention, and the psychologist found the HH helpful and culturally appropriate. The average anxiety and depression symptoms decreased from before the intervention (M = 20.4) to after (M = 15.0), showing a moderate effect size.ConclusionThe results indicated that the HH has a high potential to prevent mental health consequences in Ukraine.

Characteristics of bullying among adolescents in Ukraine after the full-scale russian invasion

This article presents the results of an all-Ukrainian study titled “Bullying and Tolerance in Educational Institutions after February 24, 2022”, conducted between November 2023 and January 2024. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of bullying among middle school students (grades 5-9) and its most common types and pretexts. Additionally, the research identified support-seeking patterns for adolescents experiencing bullying and how schools respond to these appeals. Common school responses included communication with the bully or target and involving the bully’s parents. Police intervention occurred in 3.9% of cases. Notably, some peculiarities of bullying in Ukrainian schools emerged after the full-scale russian invasion, including increased bullying levels in Kyiv and new pretexts such as refugee status. The overall prevalence of bullying since the invasion began is 24.7%. Among bullied students, 59.4% sought help from someone and 52.2% of those received help. Appearance, behaviour, and worldview were the most common pretexts for bullying. Based on language, those who live abroad and moved there from the Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, Kyiv Regions and Kyiv, as well as those who live in the Lviv Region and Kyiv and moved there from the Kherson and Donetsk Regions, are more likely to be bullied because of their use of the russian language. Relational bullying, such as spreading rumours and discouraging friendships, was the most prevalent type among Ukrainian adolescents. The study results can be used for more effective anti-bullying intervention programs in educational institutions

Validation of the Ukrainian caregiver-report version of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) in children and adolescents in Ukraine.

Emerging research indicates that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to an increased prevalence of war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. The current study sought to test the psychometric properties of a Ukrainian-translated measure of PTSD for children and adolescents; the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS; Sachser et al., 2017). Participants were an opportunistic sample of N = 2,004 parents living in Ukraine who provided data on themselves and one target child in their household as part of The Mental Health of Parents and Children in Ukraine Study. The latent structure of the parent-reported CATS was tested using confirmatory factor analysis, composite reliability estimates were estimated, and criterion validity was assessed. The latent structure of the parent-reported CATS was best reflected by a three-factor model and a four-factor model in the preschool and child and adolescent samples, respectively. Estimates of internal reliability were high for both samples. Criterion validity was supported through associations with external measures of internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems. Parent-report child milestone development delays and prior psychological or pharmacological support were associated with higher average scores on the CATS symptom scales. The prevalence of probable PTSD for the preschool sample was 15.4% (n = 77) and the prevalence of probable PTSD for the child and adolescent sample was 14.4% (n = 217). This study supports the psychometric properties of the Ukrainian parent-reported CATS which can be used routinely in clinical practice for the caregiver-rated assessment of PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental Health of Adolescents Exposed to the War in Ukraine

With exposure to traumatic events and reduced access to mental health care, adolescents of Ukraine during the Russian invasion since February 2022 are at high risk of psychiatric conditions. However, the actual mental health burden of the war has scarcely been documented. To investigate the prevalence of a positive screen for psychiatric conditions among adolescents amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as their associations with war exposure. This cross-sectional study reports the results from the first wave of the Adolescents of Ukraine During the Russian Invasion cohort, the largest cohort study on Ukrainian adolescents' mental health during the Russian invasion since 2022. Using self-reported questionnaires, the national-level prevalence of a positive screen for various psychiatric conditions was estimated among adolescents aged 15 years or older attending secondary school in Ukraine in person or online (including those residing abroad but attending Ukrainian secondary school online) and the prevalence among Ukrainian adolescents living abroad due to the war. Self-reported exposure to war. A positive screen for psychiatric conditions. The association between self-reported war exposure and a positive screen for each of the psychiatric conditions was also evaluated. A total of 8096 Ukrainian adolescents (4988 [61.6%] female) living in Ukraine or abroad were included in the analyses. Based on national-level estimates, 49.6% of the adolescents were directly exposed to war, 32.0% screened positive for moderate or severe depression, 17.9% for moderate or severe anxiety, 35.0% for clinically relevant psychological trauma, 29.5% for eating disorders, and 20.5% for medium risk or higher of substance use disorder. The burden of psychiatric symptoms was similarly large among Ukrainian adolescents living abroad. Adolescents exposed to war were more likely to screen positive for depression (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29-1.50), anxiety (PR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.45-1.81), clinically relevant psychological trauma (PR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.32-1.50), eating disorders (PR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.32), and substance use disorder (PR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.98-1.25). The findings of this study suggest that the mental health burden of Ukrainian adolescents amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine is substantial. Mental health care efforts to alleviate the mental health burden of Ukrainian adolescents are needed.

The Subject of Queer Community in Teenage Books: Ukrainian Discourse

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study</em></strong><em> is to find out the specifics of the perception of the LGBTQ(IA+) community in books for Ukrainian adolescents.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology. </em></strong><em>A survey was used to identify the respondents’ opinions on the topic. A number of assumptions were made. In particular: 1) such literature will be more interesting to young people; 2) respondents will believe that this topic should be presented in teenage literature because the world in general and Ukrainian society in particular are multifaceted and diverse, so it is normal to hear all voices; 3) realistic prose and genre publications will compete for readers’ attention; 4) such books will be in demand if they are primarily about an interesting story. Accordingly, our task was to verify these assumptions. Based on this, we created a questionnaire of 7 questions: 2 open-ended questions and 5 with possible answers (+ «other» option). The «Teenage Books on an Important Topic» survey was conducted on November 10–13, 2023, using the snowball method with the help of Google Forms. A total of 145 respondents were interviewed. To process the information received, the following methods of generalization and analysis of information were used: systematization, grouping, qualitative (text analysis, classification) and quantitative (digital data) methods of data interpretation. The results are presented as a detailed verbal description. </em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Results.</em></strong><em> It was found that the vast majority of respondents are young people living in large cities. 96.6% of respondents believe that the topic of the LGBTQ(IA+) community <strong>should be</strong> represented (including a balanced representation) in Ukrainian teen literature. 3.4% of respondents believe that it <strong>should not be</strong> represented. According to the key messages, the following groups can be distinguished from the category «<strong>should be</strong> represented» because it: 1: 1) promotes awareness of adolescents about the topic of the queer community, overcoming prejudice and stigma; 2) helps to understand that the orientation of people who are part of the queer community is a variant of the norm, and it is the norm that should be accepted by all members of society; 3) promotes the development of a culture of tolerance, gender equality, self-awareness, and self-acceptance by any member of society; 4) promotes cultural identification and representation of adolescents belonging to the queer community; 5) makes it clear that literature should cover all aspects of life; 6) is a reality for many adolescents; 7) because the niche needs to be filled. The arguments that the topic «<strong>should not be</strong> represented» include personal rejection; stereotypical understanding of the «usefulness of literature/art»; misunderstanding of the role of cultural identification; and the traditional accusation of the threat to the institution of the «traditional» family.</em><em></em></p><p><em>Only 55 respondents were able to name certain works from this segment by 27 foreign and 8 Ukrainian authors, and there is no distinction between books by age categories. On the Ukrainian book market, publications on the topic are represented by two genres: science fiction and fantasy and realistic prose. Annotations to publications containing elements of queer culture rarely mention this. Indirect and disguised/metaphorical/allusive references dominate.</em><em></em></p><p><em>Almost all respondents are ready to buy books that cover the topic of queer culture, among other topics. However, 4% of respondents would not buy or read such books under any circumstances. Thus, the results confirm all our assumptions.</em><em></em></p><p><em>It should also be noted that the Ukrainian book market is dominated by translated editions. In addition, we can assume that for Ukrainian authors and publishers (in order to avoid being judged), the best way to present the topic of the LGBTQ(IA+) community in books for Ukrainian adolescents would be to present it through well-written and published interesting/important stories in which characters belonging to the queer community act on an equal basis with all other characters and this is justified and is the norm.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty. </em></strong><em>This is the first niche audience study of the perception of the specifics of the representation of the LGBTQ(IA+) community in books for Ukrainian adolescents.</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Practical importance.</em></strong><em> The obtained results can be used in the process of forming publishing portfolios of Ukrainian publishing houses; promoting reading; teaching disciplines related to teenage literature, in particular, the author will include the data obtained in the content of the author’s course «Fiction Text from A to Z» and the module «Teenage Literature» for students majoring in 061 «Journalism» (curriculum «Publishing and Media Editing», «Media Production», «Journalism and Social Communication», «Advertising and Public Relations»).</em><em></em></p><p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> LGBTQ(IA+), queer community, queer history, queer culture, reading, teenage literature.</em></p>

Ukraine: Chronic Kidney Disease in children and adolescents: retrospective and priorities

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and structure of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children and adolescents to determine the priorities for the development of pediatric nephrology in Ukraine.
 Methods. Individuals who were born in Ukraine after 1994 and had CKD diagnosed before the age of 18 were investigated. The number of CKD cases was estimated per 100,000 newborns depending on the year of birth, divided into time intervals: 1995-2004 and 2005-2022 years of birth. Both groups were stratified with the generalization of the etiological component. The patients on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) were separated into special clinical group, and the etiological and age spectrum analysis of KRT initiation was performed depends of the year of birth. In addition, cross-sectional analysis of the etiological structure of KRT incidence and prevalence in years 2019 and 2021 was conducted.
 Results. The prevalence of CKD in children and adolescents in Ukraine increased over a long period up to year 2022 (average cases per 100,000 births: 43.5 in years 1995-2004, 37.0 in years 2005-2022:) with an amplification of early stages (CKD1-4: year 2010 - 81.4%, year 2022 - 92.0%) and KRT decrease, respectively (average cases per 100,000 births: 6.5 and 3.3 in the analyzed time intervals). The individuals with primary urological pathology made up a third or more among CKD patients (depending on the year of birth). The etiological and age spectrum differences of KRT were determined in the analyzed time intervals. Depending on the underlying cause of CKD, the age of KRT initiation in born before year 2005 varied from 9 to 16 years, in the following period - from 1 to 9 years.
 The differences from the ESPN Registry were identified in cross-sectional etiological spectrum of CKD with KRT initiation in year 2019 (age up to 15 years old): the higher proportion of patients after Acute Kidney Injury/AKI (16.7%) or with glomerulonephritis/GN (30.0%), and the smaller one of congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract/CAKUT (26.6%). The distribution of KRT causes in Ukraine under the age of 18 did not change in years 2019 and 2021 (including polycystic kidney disease/PKD 12.1-11.2%, GN 15.0-16.5%, AKI 12.1-13.1%, CAKUT 32.4-31.0%, respectively), but only for CAKUT and PKD was approximated to ISPN Global Registry data.
 Conclusions. The revealed qualitative changes in the etiological and age structure of morbidity over a long period in Ukraine indicate the CKD pathomorphosis and require updating the clinical managment of patients depends of the economic and organizational potential of the country, the challenges of martial law and the difficulties of the next recovery period.

Характеристика харчування українських підлітків з ознаками метаболічного синдрому

One of the most important issues of modern medical science is the metabolic syndrome, the origins of which begin in childhood and adolescence. Purpose: To study the dietary peculiarities of Ukrainian adolescents with obesity and to identify the eating dis-orders on the background of metabolic syndrome. A survey on the nutrition of Ukrainian adolescents was conducted on the base of Institute of Children and Adolescents Health Care of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. As a result, a sample of 200 adolescents with obesity (age 14 – 18 years: 100 boys and 100 girls) was formed. Thus, irregular and unbalanced diet naturally causes digestive disorders, abnormalities in eating behavior and contributes to the formation of comorbid pathologies such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Adolescents with obesity experienced sig-nificant zinc and magnesium deficiency in the body.

Study Protocol: Adolescents of Ukraine During the Russian Invasion (AUDRI) Cohort

BackgroundSince February 14, 2022, Ukraine has once again been under attack by the Russian forces, putting the nation in one of the biggest emergencies in Europe since World War II. This puts Ukrainians at high risk of psychiatric disorders, amidst unseen attacks on infrastructure that have put massive strain on Ukraine’s mental health services. Despite this, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adolescents and their changes over time have not yet been documented in Ukraine during the invasion. More generally, there is a need to more comprehensively uncover the long-term consequences of war on youth, especially their risks and protective factors.MethodsThe Adolescents of Ukraine During the Russian Invasion (AUDRI) Cohort is the largest cohort of war-affected Ukrainian adolescents. We will recruit adolescents aged 15 to 18 years attending any school in Ukraine. Data collection will start early 2023, and will be held via online questionnaires every six months during the war as well as after the war has terminated. We will use several well-validated tools to screen for PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and eating disorders. In addition, we will ask participants about possible risks and protective factors of their mental health including resilience and social capital. Using the cohort, we will evaluate the trends in psychiatric disorder prevalence among adolescents in Ukraine over time and evaluate risks and protective factors of adolescents’ mental health.DiscussionThe AUDRI Cohort will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about trauma and resilience among youth in conflict settings, in addition to aiding international efforts to save the mental health of youth in Ukraine. At-risk adolescents identified from our study can directly become beneficiaries of targeted intervention themselves. Building evidence on the mental health of adolescents is especially valuable, as protecting the mental health of war-affected adolescents could help rebuild society and have positive consequences for generations to come.

The use of nutraceuticals in children. Global trends (literature review)

The purpose of the review was to assess global trends in the consumption of nutraceuticals by children and adolescents. The analysis of modern literature is carried out. It has been shown that about 30% of children and adolescents in economically developed countries of the world regularly consume nutraceuticals, there is an increase in the consumption of nutraceuticals with anabolic properties among adolescent girls. Comparisons with idealized bodies on Instagram lead to a decrease in self-confidence and an increase in the frequency of dissatisfaction with one's own body. Accordingly, the demand for protein-containing food supplements is increa­sing. The highest intake of nutraceuticals in children and adolescents has been reported in the United States. Among other countries, there is also a high rate of nutraceutical use. The most frequently consumed nutraceuticals are multivitamin and mineral complexes, while only in 1/5 of cases the consumption of nutraceuticals by children is initiated by a medical specialist, in other cases, the decision to include nutraceuticals in the diet was made under the influence of advertising. There is a steady global trend towards increasing the consumption of nutraceuticals by children and adolescents. In Ukraine, extensive studies on children's consumption of nutraceuticals have not been conducted. However, these studies were conducted on limited clinical material and do not reflect the actual prevalence of nutraceutical use in children and adolescents in Ukraine. This makes it highly relevant to conduct a population-based study in Ukraine to investigate the role of nutraceuticals in pediatric nutrition. Keywords: nutrition, children and adolescents, health, рrevention.

СПЕЦИФІКА ІСНУВАННЯ БУЛІНГУ В ЗАКЛАДАХ ЗАГАЛЬНОЇ СЕРЕДНЬОЇ ОСВІТИ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ

The article analyzes the main components of the content of such a phenomenon as «bullying», presents the reasons for the existence of bullying in the conditions of an institution of general secondary education; the theoretical aspects of the formation and development of bullying among children and adolescents in Ukraine are disclosed. The topicality of the topic is due to the fact that the problem raised in the article has hardly been studied in our country both from a theoretical and a practical standpoint. The phenomenon of bullying has been identified as widespread in modern schools, but for one reason or another, this problem is hushed up, cases of bullying are not publicized, and it is not customary to discuss it. It was found that the teaching staff, caring about their own reputation, ignores it, and on the other hand –parents who either consider the situation of bullying a good school of life, or, worried about their own children, transfer them to another educational institution. The socio-pedagogical and psychological problem of modern times – bullying – has been analyzed, the essential signs, main causes, forms of manifestation of this phenomenon have been revealed; the main features of bullying are defined; the main mechanisms of its development are analyzed; the role structure of bullying is described and the consequences for all participants of this phenomenon (for victims of bullying, bullies, observers) are highlighted. The purpose of the article was to determine the specifics of bullying and its prevention in war conditions, and as a result, the main modern scientific approaches to the manifestations of bullying were identified, and a system for preventing bullying among children and adolescents was described. Based on the results of a generalized analysis of pedagogical, psychological, sociological studies, the scientific principles of the origin and manifestation of bullying are revealed; the scientific essence of the concepts is defined: «bullying», «bullying in war conditions»; clarified the current level of bullying among children; the theoretical prerequisites for the spread of bullying in society are revealed and analyzed, and the reasons for its growth during the war are singled out. The main modern scientific approaches to the introduction, spread, and growth of bullying manifestations in the children's environment are summarized; identified and shown the socio-economic factors that contributed to the emergence and development of bullying in the environment of a general secondary education institution; reflects the prerequisites for the emergence of bullying in the children's and adolescent environment and the process of its growth as a negative stereotype among children and youth; reveals the specifics of bullying during wartime, as well as ways to overcome it. It is concluded that the effectiveness and expediency of bullying prevention in general secondary education is possible subject to appropriate social and economic changes, and this, in turn, requires society to be ready to combat bullying in youth and children's environments. Key words: bullying, bullying in war conditions, bullying in institutions of general secondary education, ways to overcome bullying.

Tensions in Cultural Identity and Sense of Belonging for Internally Displaced Adolescents in Ukraine

ABSTRACT This article examines the cultural, educational and mental health consequences of large-scale internal displacement for children and adolescents from the Donbas to other parts of Ukraine. The research findings and methodological innovations of the study are discussed in the context of forced migration and displacement caused by the previous (2014) armed conflict in East Ukraine and Donbas with additional challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our data collection was halted by the military action in Ukraine that started in February 2022 that has caused another wave of forced migration. We reflect on the experience gained from conducting research on sensitive topics of displacement using online methods in the environment of restricted access to schools and adolescents. The adolescents who were interviewed described their experiences of displacement, which for some had taken place nearly eight years before. Trauma from conflict and displacement can have mental health, educational and social consequences for displaced adolescents. These displaced young people and their families face, as internally displaced populations, a double-edged sword in their relationship with their new contexts. They often have numerous challenges in their settling in a new location and public sphere given the existing ethnic, cultural and language diversity of Ukraine and yet have the advantage of being able to adopt and adapt to their new socio-cultural contexts relatively quickly and minimise their pre-migration identities, if they so wish.

War in Ukraine – Changing the Polish paediatric population as a consequence of forced migration (a preliminary study)

The study aimed to briefly analyse the basic anthropometric characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out April–June 2022 and followed a cross-sectional model. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10–15) who attended ten randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Noticeable differences between Polish and Ukrainian adolescents were observed. As the analysed characteristics included features such as the amount and distribution of body fat, they can be crucial in the indirect assessment of health status, particularly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This in turn, can help to properly accommodate the changing needs of the population.

Tutorial

The study aimed to briefly analyse the basic anthropometric characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out April–June 2022 and followed a cross-sectional model. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10–15) who attended ten randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Noticeable differences between Polish and Ukrainian adolescents were observed. As the analysed characteristics included features such as the amount and distribution of body fat, they can be crucial in the indirect assessment of health status, particularly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This in turn, can help to properly accommodate the changing needs of the population.

Session IV:

The study aimed to briefly analyse the basic anthropometric characteristics of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out April–June 2022 and followed a cross-sectional model. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10–15) who attended ten randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Noticeable differences between Polish and Ukrainian adolescents were observed. As the analysed characteristics included features such as the amount and distribution of body fat, they can be crucial in the indirect assessment of health status, particularly the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This in turn, can help to properly accommodate the changing needs of the population.

Forced migration and integration - comparison of physical fitness of children from Poland and Ukraine as an indicator of general health.

The aim of the study was to briefly analyze the results of selected fitness tests of Ukrainian adolescents against their Polish counterparts. The study was school-based, carried out between April and June 2022. It included 642 children from Poland and Ukraine (aged 10 to 16) who attended 10 randomly selected primary schools in Kraków (Poland). Analyzed parameters included physical fitness tests: flexibility test, standing broad jump, 10x5m shuttle run, abdominal muscle strength test (sit-ups, 30 s), handgrip strength (left and right hand) and overhead medicine ball throw (backwards). The Ukrainian girls obtained less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children, with the exception of handgrip strength. Also the Ukrainian boys were characterized by lower results of the fitness tests, except for the shuttle run and handgrip strength of the left hand, compared to their counterparts from Poland. The Ukrainian children obtained mainly less favorable results of the fitness tests compared to the Polish children. It should be stressed that analyzed characteristics play an important role in childrens' current as well as future health. Considering the obtained results, to properly accommodate to the changing needs of the population, educators, teachers and parents should advocate for more physical activity opportunities for children. Additionally, interventions focused on fitness, health and wellness promotion, as well as risk-reduction on individual and community levels should be developed and implemented.

Дослідження особливостей споживання слабоалкогольних напоїв (low-alcohol beverages) дітьми та підлітками в Україні та ідентифікація ризиків для здоров’я населення

Abstract. Recently, the problem of low-alcohol consumption among adolescents and young people has become especially relevant, which was confirmed by the results of global WHO research and the ESPAD project in Ukraine (2019). Aim. Study the age and gender characteristics of low-alcohol beverages among children and adolescents, identify risks and identify ways to minimize the negative impact of low-alcohol beverages on public health. Materials and Methods. The data of the WHO and the ESPAD project, separate national researches on alcohol use by teenagers are studied; analyzed the results of the long-term epidemiological study "Family and Children of Ukraine", which is part of the WHO long-term European long-term study program on parenting and childhood "ELSPAC" (European Longitudinal Study of Parenthood and Childhood). Results. According to the latest ESPAD study in Ukraine (2019), 85.7 % of all adolescents surveyed (more than 2,000 people) have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime, and the share of those who have consumed alcohol in their lifetime is ten and more times amounted to 46.3 %. According to the Family and Children of Ukraine study (989 people), the youngest age when alcohol was first consumed by adolescents of both sexes was 9 years of age and younger, with adolescent girls being more active than boys in their age. The analysis of the questionnaires ("Adolescent Questionnaires 15-18 years") revealed that among the surveyed adolescents, 67.4 % (725) people drank alcohol at least once in their lives, and there were more girls (69.5 % – 370 people) than boys (65.4 % – 355 people). The highest rates among adolescent boys were recorded in the 14-year-old group: 19.0 % drank beer for the first time, 14.5 % drank wine or champagne, 9.4% drank alcohol, and 7.4% drank strong alcohol. The highest rates of adolescent girls were found in the 15-year age group: beer was consumed for the first time by 16.9%, wine or champagne – 22.4%, alcoholic cocktail – 16.9 %, spirits – 8.6 %. Analysis of the degree of involvement of adolescents in beer consumption showed that at the age of 9 years and younger 3.9% (21) boys and 5.3 % (28) girls tried beer for the first time; at the age of 14 – 19.0 % (103) boys and 14.5 % (77) girls; at the age of 15 – 16.0 % (87) boys and 16.9 % (90) girls. Thus, the first time the interviewed teenagers tried beer was at the age of 14-15. Conclusions. Consumption of low-alcohol beverages among children and adolescents in Ukraine is an acute social problem, the solution of which requires a systematic approach, which should include the formation and promotion of alcohol-free norms among young people, as well as marketing tools focus on priority consumption of soft drinks. Key Words: low alcohol drinks, adolescents, food safety.