Psychological stress, barriers to medical care, and gender challenges in women with reproductive health disorders during wartime

This article examines the impact of military conflicts on women's reproductive health, particularly psychological stress, barriers to accessing medical care, and gender challenges. Reproductive health is one of the most vulnerable areas in crisis conditions and requires attention to multifactorial influences. Аim - to assess the impact of military conflicts on the physical, psychological, and emotional health and access to medical care for women with reproductive health disorders (RHD). Materials and methods. The study utilized data from surveys and clinical examinations of 1,000 women with RHD and 100 healthy women in the control group. A multifactorial approach and statistical methods were used to evaluate health status, stress levels, and barriers to accessing medical services. Results. The primary barriers identified were financial difficulties (42.7%), the absence of healthcare facilities in conflict zones (35.8%), and cultural barriers (19.4%). Military conflicts contributed to the spread of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs (60.3%) and menstrual cycle disorders (64.7%). Over 58.8% of women experienced high levels of stress, 82.4% reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and 85.2% were diagnosed with depression. Gender discrimination and sexual violence remain significant issues, affecting 27.3% and 12.7% of women, respectively. Conclusions. The results underscore the need to implement integrated support programs, including mobile healthcare services, psychological assistance, and awareness initiatives on reproductive health. Economic and social support, adaptation of healthcare services to wartime conditions, and consideration of gender aspects are crucial for protecting women in crisis conditions. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Copyright agreement from the patients was obtained for the study. The authors declare no conflict of interest.