Mental health, sleep quality, and physical activity of medical students during the war in Ukraine

Background A traumatic event like war has consequences for mental health. We examined the relationship between anxiety and depression levels, sleep quality, life satisfaction, and physical activity among Ukrainian students during the war. Material and methods Questionnaires were used to determine the level of anxiety and depression (HADS), the level of perceived stress (PSS-10), daytime sleepiness (ESS), sleep quality (PSQI), signs of depressive disorder (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), typical level of physical activity, as well as manifestations of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Results Moderate and high levels of perceived stress were observed in 78.0% of girls and 60.9% of boys, and its score was inversely related to the duration of morning exercises. Mild and moderate depression was observed in 46.1% of boys and 64.4% of girls. Sleep efficiency was positively correlated with the duration of daily sports activity. Sleep duration and life satisfaction were the lowest since 2002, and the ANS dysfunction was typical although quantitatively associated with indicators of stress, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions The impact of war increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression in young people, reduces the duration and quality of sleep, and reduces life satisfaction, and the state of the ANS determines the degree of reaction to stress.