MENTAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF UKRAINIAN STUDENTS IN THE TIME OF WAR

Abstract

Introduction. The paper focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the mental health of university students during the war and its impact on the student's academic productivity in Ukraine.

Methods. The nature and features of students' mental health, as well as the specifics of changes in their mental condition during the period of study in higher education institutions under the impact of specific stress factors caused by martial law and the constant risks of missile attacks on peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure are considered.

Results. The main types of mental disorders and the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder among Ukrainian students during the war were studied. An extremely high percentage of respondents with symptoms of depression (85 %) and anxiety disorder (66 %) were found. Based on the statistical analysis of the survey data of students of national universities, the negative impact of mental health problems on the productivity of their academic activities is substantiated.

Conclusions. It is proved that the onset of mental disorders among Ukrainian students during the war hinders the acquisition of knowledge and development of competencies necessary for future professional activities, which poses a threat to the successful post-war recovery of Ukraine's economy and requires adequate and timely measures in the field of public policy of mental health protection of student youth.

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