PROBLEMS PROVIDI NG MEDI CAL CARE TO CIVILI ANS RESIDI NG NEAR AREAS OF HOSTILI TIES: FINDI NGS FROM A SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY

Abstract

Problem statement. Wars are accompanied by restricted access to medical care and create obstacles to preventive and therapeutic measures, reducing the timeliness and quality of care for the population. Analysis of recent studies and publications. Wars complicate patients’ access to medical services, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality from somatic pathologies, increased neglect of malignant neoplasms, reduced availability of dental care, etc. The prolonged impact of war on the mental health of the population leads to the development of depression, anxiety, stress, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). areas of active hostilities. Materials and methods. To achieve the aim, the main research method was a standardized, anonymous survey interview. The sample included 441 respondents. The study employed a sociological method, as well as methods of the systemic approach, structural-logical, and medical-statistical analyses. Main research data. A deterioration in health in recent years was noted by 89.34±1.47% of respondents. 56.01±2.36% of respondents reported a deterioration in the quality of medical care (QMC) during the period of the full-scale invasion compared with 2021. Primary medical care remained completely accessible to 56.46±2.36% of respondents. Diagnostic examinations were accessible without obstacles to 50.57±2.38%, and specialist consultations were accessible to 53.06±2.38% of respondents. The main obstacle to receiving specialized consultative care was a shortage of specialist physicians at healthcare facilities (32.88±2.24%). One in four respondents (24.72±2.05%) reported a lack of access to dental care. 75.74±2.04% of respondents reported that emergency medical care (EMC) was available to populations living near the combat zone. More than 40% of respondents were aware that telemedicine services are available, whereas 16.78±1.78% of those surveyed had experience using telemedicine without barriers. Approximately 55.3±2.37% of respondents endorsed the introduction of mobile outreach teams. Conclusions. Engagement of charitable organizations and the implementation of state health policies aimed at restoring and adapting healthcare facilities that continue to provide medical care to the population near areas of hostilities are essential. Developing new models and adapting existing ones to improve the quality of medical care (QMC), taking into account the identified problems and influencing factors, will help overcome obstacles to providing timely, high-quality, and accessible care during wartime and the post-war period.