Introduction
Armed conflict imposes chronic stress on affected populations, altering health behaviors and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Despite the relevance of the topic, recent data on behavioral risk factors (BRFs) in times of war are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BRFs in the Ukrainian population amidst war-related stressors.
M is all
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 196 Ukrainians between January and August 2023, using a structured questionnaire to assess health status, behavioral, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Exclusion criteria included severe chronic diseases. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21.0, employing Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA, and χ2 tests, with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results
The main CRFs identified were sleep disturbances (72.4%), reduced physical activity (55.6%), dietary changes (34.7%), increased smoking (13.3%) and alcohol consumption (16.8%). Significant anthropometric changes included weight gain (22.4%) and weight loss (36.2%). Stressors such as financial insecurity, internal displacement, job loss and exposure to traumatic events were determinants in the prevalence of CRFs. The impact of war on quality of life directly influenced sleep, eating and physical activity patterns.
Discussion
Prolonged exposure to armed conflict results in substantial changes in lifestyle habits, exacerbating risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Interventions should consider specific strategies to mitigate the impacts of chronic stress, including screening programs for sleep disorders, psychological support, and health education initiatives. Early identification of individuals at higher risk would allow the implementation of personalized approaches to reduce the burden of chronic diseases associated with CRFs.
Conclusion
War imposes severe changes on the health behavior of civilians, with emphasis on sleep disorders, changes in diet and reduced physical activity. The formulation of public policies aimed at preventing and controlling conflict-related stressors should consider conflict-related stressors and prioritize accessibility to mental health services and behavioral rehabilitation.
Keywords: stress, behavioral factors, war, cardiovascular risk, armed conflicts, civilian population, epidemiological survey.
Reference :
Kolesnikova O, Vysotska O, Radchenko A, Zaprovalna O, Emelyanova N. Prevalence of behavioral risk factors among Ukrainians during war amid existing stress factors. Academia Medicine 2024;1. https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadMed7469
