Meta-analysis of studies on the mental state of ukrainian students under martial law.

Abstract

Objective: Aim: To develop and test a methodology for conducting a meta-analysis of studies on the mental state of Ukrainian students under martial law to determine and summarise their results..

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: The developed methodology of meta-analysis involves: determining the criteria for inclusion/exclusion of materials published by Ukrainian researchers in February 2022 - April 2024; search, selection, and assessment of content and quality; selection and interpretation of interdisciplinary analytical and operational meta-analysis tools (the concept of Effect Zize and Standardised Index; Fixed- and Random-Effects Models; chi-square and Q homogeneity test; actor-observer asymmetry effect; standard PHQ-9 GAD-7 methods); assessment of statistical heterogeneity of research results; preparation of a meta-analytical report.

Results: Results: The search resulted in 135 articles on the issue. After the initial processing, 43 studies were selected for further analysis. They were structured and characterised according to the following criteria and features: types of research; time it was conducted; its authors; participants in sociological and experimental studies. The reflection of the dominant mental states (stress, anxiety, fear, depression, oppression, pessimism, confusion, apathy) in empirical, empirical-analytical, and experimental studies has been determined. The results of studies of mental states in the fields of medicine, psychology, etc.,have been characterised. A meta-analysis of studies that reflect the impact of mental states on students' attitudes to the learning process and allow tracking the dynamics of changes in their mental reactions at different stages and phases of martial law in Ukraine and related to evacuation has been carried out.

Conclusion: Conclusions: based on the results of the studies that became the subject of the meta-analysis, the general reactions that arose in students as a result of traumatic experience have been identified: stress, anxiety, fear, anger, guilt, shame, helplessness, etc. They had a corresponding impact on the effectiveness of their academic performance.