PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF UKRAINIAN AND POLISH MEDICAL STUDENTS IN THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Background
The war in Ukraine has had profound implications for public health and mental well-being. Physical Activity (PA) has been recognized for its beneficial impact on mental health, yet the effects of war on exercise behavior remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate variables related to PA in Ukrainian medical students compared to their Polish counterparts in the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Material and methods
The study involved 225 participants from medical universities in Wroclaw, Poland (n=120), as well as Lviv (n=49) and Ivano-Frankivsk (n=56), Ukraine. Data collection took place between May and July 2022. PA levels were assessed using the International PA Questionnaire, measured in Metabolic Equivalent of Task minutes per week (MET-min/wk). Additionally, a custom questionnaire was utilized to evaluate PA barriers, motives, and preferred forms of activity.

Results
Ukrainian students demonstrated significantly higher overall PA compared to Polish students (Total MET: Lviv 3759.0 MET-min/wk and Ivano-Frankivsk 4452.0 MET-min/wk vs. Wroclaw 2841.8 MET-min/wk, p<0.001). Walking and cycling emerged as the most prevalent forms of PA. The primary barrier to PA in Poland was a lack of time, while lack of motivation was more prominently displayed in Ukraine. Notably, an increase in self-esteem appeared to be a more prevalent motive in Ukraine (p<0.0001).

Conclusions
Further investigation is warranted to understand the underlying reasons for the observed differences. It is crucial to ascertain whether increased PA in Ukraine is a coping mechanism for stress or attributed to other factors. Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to identify emerging trends and changes in the population's response over time.