Research on depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and sleep disturbances among civilian and military populations during the war in Ukraine

Aim. To determine the characteristics of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disturbances among civilian and military populations during the war in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study included 81 civilians (63 women and 18 men), predominantly residents of frontline regions, and 25 military personnel (all men). The survey was conducted in March 2025. The following standardized questionnaires were used: PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSQI, PC-PTSD-5. Results. Median depression scores corresponded to a moderate level among civilians and a mild level among military personnel, while anxiety levels in both groups were within the mild range. The median PTSD screening score indicated the absence of clinically significant symptoms; however, the global sleep quality index in both groups fell within the range of poor sleep quality. No statistically significant differences were found between civilians and military personnel in levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, or overall sleep quality. Among civilians, women and unmarried participants demonstrated higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Analysis of sleep components revealed shorter sleep duration in military personnel, whereas civilians exhibited more pronounced daytime dysfunction. In civilians, clinically significant depression was associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality (RR = 1.98; OR = 9.39; p < 0.01), and PTSD symptoms were associated with higher relative risk and odds of poor sleep (RR = 1.49; OR = 5.11; p < 0.05). No statistically significant predictors of poor sleep quality were identified among military personnel. Significant positive correlations between depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and sleep quality were observed in both groups. Conclusions. No statistically significant differences in depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, or sleep disturbances were identified between civilian and military populations during wartime. Social and demographic factors influenced psycho-emotional status only among civilians, with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms observed in women and unmarried individuals. Military personnel exhibited shorter sleep duration, whereas civilians demonstrated more pronounced daytime dysfunction. Depression and PTSD symptoms were the primary factors associated with poor sleep quality among civilians.