Perinatal psychological well-being during armed conflict: a Ukrainian case study

This study examines the psychological well-being of pregnant women residing in Ukraine during the ongoing full-scale war. A sample of 60 participants was evaluated using validated psychological instruments: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the SAN scale assessing subjective well-being, activity, and mood. Results indicate that the majority of respondents experienced high levels of situational anxiety and moderate to high perceived stress. Additionally, some of the women reported symptoms of depression. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and multiparous women showed greater vulnerability to psychological distress. These findings highlight the critical need to integrate mental health screening and support into perinatal care systems in conflict-affected settings.