Emotional and pain experiences reported by Ukrainian healthcare workers during wartime

Aim: To assess the emotional and pain experiences of Ukrainian healthcare workers during the war to identify key targets for multidisciplinary prevention approaches.

Materials and Methods: The pilot study enrolled 99 healthcare professionals (69 women, 30 men), aged 23-65 years. Participants included doctors (n=69), nurses, and physical therapists (n=30), with experience ranging from under 10 to over 25 years. A 49-item questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms. The survey assessed demographics, workload, emotional stress, pain, and attitudes toward working under wartime conditions. The variables were ranked using categorical and numerical discrete scales, and the data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation.

Results: Emotional exhaustion was reported by nearly half of the healthcare professionals at least 2-3 times per week, and pain syndrome was common, particularly lower back pain. Emotional exhaustion showed positive correlations with job dissatisfaction, workload, anxiety, and apathy. Higher pain intensity was linked to decreased productivity and emotional strain, including depression. The impact of war correlated with emotional and physical disruption, yet professionals remained empathetic toward patients. War-induced insomnia was associated with a higher desire to leave the profession, highlighting the longterm risks to healthcare workforce sustainability.

Conclusions: The pilot study highlights the urgent need for preventive multidisciplinary interventions to address emotional strain and pain among healthcare workers. Tailored support strategies may enhance well-being and professional sustainability in high-stress environments.