CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH DURING EDUCATION IN EXTREME CONDITIONS

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of students reporting mental health problems necessitates an investigation into the causes of this phenomenon and the development of preventive measures. This study aimed to analyze changes in the mental health of university students undergoing prolonged education in extreme conditions. The research was conducted at the Medical Faculty of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University with the informed consent of the participants. An anonymous survey was used to assess students’ mental health status, perception of stigmatization, factors influencing their mental well-being, and satisfaction with e-learning. Before entering university, 20.4% of students reported mental health disorders of varying severity. However, after starting their studies, this figure increased to 39.4%. Additionally, 74.5% of students indicated that the onset of military conflict had worsened their mental health. Only 22.5% of students were willing to discuss their mental health concerns with instructors, whereas 83.9% felt comfortable sharing with family and friends. The majority of students received support after discussing their issues. Over the two-year observation period, there were statistically significant shifts in the factors influencing students’ mental health. Concerns about academic workload had a reduced impact, while financial difficulties, social life disruptions, and loneliness were increasingly cited as negative influences. Following the onset of military conflict, students experienced a rise in panic attacks and heightened anxiety levels. E-learning technologies played a role in mitigating emotional distress in 45.6% of cases. Moreover, 57% of students reported an increase in their use of e-learning tools, and the average satisfaction level with online learning was 7.28 out of 10. As the educational process continued under extreme conditions (martial law), students gradually adapted to the integration and increased intensity of e-learning technologies. Martial law significantly influenced students’ selfperception of their mental health. The effective organization of the educational process, incorporating e-learning technologies, is crucial in reducing the severity of emotional distress during education in extreme conditions.