Medical and social characteristics of pregnant women in armed conflict

Authors

  • M.I. Malachinska Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; Communal Noncommercial Enterprise of Lviv Regional Council «Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center», Lviv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9812-9802
  • N.S. Veresniuk Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; Communal Noncommercial Enterprise of Lviv Regional Council «Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center», Lviv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5233-7105

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18370/2309-4117.2025.76.40-45

Keywords:

pregnancy, armed conflict, internally displaced persons, psychological well-being, socio-economic factors, access to medical services, employment status

Abstract

Objective of the study: to assess the impact of the armed conflict on the medical and social characteristics of pregnant women, focusing on financial security, educational level, psychological well-being, access to healthcare services, and the overall quality of maternal care during pregnancy. Special emphasis was focused on evaluating the effects of stress, socio-economic factors, and employment changes on the health of expectant mothers and fetal development.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the Lviv region and involved 1,000 pregnant women divided into three groups: group 1 – women who relocated from active combat zones; group 2 – women who moved from other regions of Ukraine during the military conflict; group 3 – a control group of local residents.
The primary methods included structured surveys, comprehensive medical examinations, and statistical analysis using chi-square tests.
Results. Pregnant women in groups 1 and 2 exhibited significantly lower levels of financial security and educational attainment compared to the control group. These groups experienced markedly higher levels of psychological stress, substandard living conditions, and reduced access to quality healthcare services. The analysis also demonstrated a higher incidence of employment termination due to health issues among displaced women. Consequently, the adverse effects of the armed conflict are reflected in multiple socio-economic and medical indicators that directly affect maternal health.
Conclusions. The study shows that the armed conflict has a profound negative impact on the medical and social characteristics of pregnant women by deteriorating their economic conditions, increasing stress levels, and limiting access to healthcare services. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted social support programs and improvements in maternal healthcare. Implementing measures to reduce psychological burden, improve living conditions, and enhance the availability of modern medical resources should be a priority for both national and local authorities, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of expectant mothers and their children.

Author Biographies

M.I. Malachinska, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; Communal Noncommercial Enterprise of Lviv Regional Council «Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center», Lviv

PhD, associate professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department;
director

N.S. Veresniuk, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University; Communal Noncommercial Enterprise of Lviv Regional Council «Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center», Lviv

MD, Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Education;
deputy director for medical quality management

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Malachinska, M., & Veresniuk, N. (2025). Medical and social characteristics of pregnant women in armed conflict. REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY, (76), 40–45. https://doi.org/10.18370/2309-4117.2025.76.40-45

Issue

No. 76 (2025)

Section

Pregnancy and childbirth

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