Introduction
Armed conflicts impose chronic and extreme stress on affected populations, leading to lifestyle changes and increased behavioral risk factors (BRFs). These conditions include sleep disorders, disordered eating patterns, physical inactivity, and harmful habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, contributing to cardiometabolic diseases and high cardiovascular mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BRFs in Ukrainians under war conditions, identify associated stressors, and propose targeted interventions.
Methods
From January to August 2023, 196 Ukrainians participated in a remote study through an online questionnaire developed by the authors. Participants included healthy individuals and patients with satisfactory clinical conditions, excluding those with severe organ failure. The questionnaire assessed behavioral, socioeconomic, and cultural factors, such as sleep disturbances, dietary patterns, physical activity levels, smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight changes. The impact of stressors, including residential comfort, safety, financial status, social support, work adjustment, and exposure to war-related traumatic events, was statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software, with significance levels set at p<0.05.
Results
Sleep disturbances were the most prevalent CRF, affecting 72.4% of participants. Reduced physical activity was reported by 55.6%, while disordered eating patterns were identified in 34.7%, with 22.4% reporting weight gain and 36.2% weight loss. In addition, 13.3% and 16.8% of respondents indicated increased smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively. Factors such as age, gender, financial status, exposure to traumatic events, and social support significantly influenced the prevalence of these behaviors. For example, residential relocation, financial insecurity, and direct trauma due to military actions were associated with higher prevalence of sleep disturbances, disordered eating habits, and physical inactivity.
Discussion
The findings highlight the significant influence of war-related stressors on CRF. Sleep disturbances, particularly in individuals exposed to traumatic events, represent a critical factor for cardiovascular risk. Psychosocial factors, such as low self-assessment, social isolation, and lack of support, played a central role in the increase in unhealthy behaviors. Although increases in alcohol and tobacco consumption were less prevalent, these behaviors still represent relevant risks and require specific interventions. Furthermore, changes in physical activity and dietary patterns indicate the need for multifaceted approaches to health promotion.
Conclusion
War exacerbates CRFs in civilian populations through a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors. Interventions to mitigate the impacts of these factors include implementing screening and support programs for sleep disorders, promoting physical activity and nutrition education, and providing targeted psychological support for individuals exposed to trauma. These strategies are crucial to reducing the public health impact of war and preventing the worsening of cardiometabolic diseases.
Reference :
Kolesnikova, O., Vysotska, O., Radchenko, A., Zaprovalna, O., & Emelyanova, N. (2024). Prevalence of behavioral risk factors among Ukrainians during war amid existing stress factors. Academia Medicine, 1, https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadMed7469.
