Impact of the full-scale invasion on the mental health of the population of the country in a state of military conflict: a study of regional trends in anxiety, depression, early symptoms of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

Objective: Aim: To evaluate subjective distress caused by the invasion and examine the relationship between regional residency and mental health indicators.

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: Descriptive statistics, a cross-sectional observational analysis. Data were collected through an online questionnaire comprising demographics, anxiety and depression assessment (HADS), and trauma impact evaluation (IES-R). Statistical analysis was conducted using MedStat software, with statistical analysis incorporating descriptive statistics, tests for normality and correlation analysis (Pearson's correlation).

Results: Results: The highest depression (39.36%) and anxiety (48.94%) rates were recorded in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, while the lowest were in Dnipropetrovsk (26%) and Lviv (26.83%) Oblasts. No significant correlation was found between proximity to the frontline and depression (r=0.107, p=0.615) or anxiety (r=-0.106, p=0.622). The highest trauma impact (IES-R) was observed in Kherson (37.14%), Donetsk (36.36%) and Mykolaiv (35.29%) Oblasts. No significant correlation was found between distance from the frontline and the severity of acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (r=-0.307, p=0.145).

Conclusion: Conclusions: Mental health outcomes were not significantly linked to geographical proximity to the frontline. The highest rates of depression and anxiety were found in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, while the most severe trauma impact was observed in Kherson, Donetsk, and Mykolaiv Oblasts.