Quality of Life in War-Affected Population

Abstract

Topicality. In the context of military intervention, the task is to better feel the human consequences of armed conflict. The impact of traumatic events of war can reduce the quality of life of the population for many years, even after the end of real combat actions. Understanding the risk factors mechanisms can facilitate developing more effective post-war intervention strategies. The research purpose is to analyze the impact of foreign military interventions in the past on the short-term and long-term quality of life in war-affected population. Methods of the research. The methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of an organized collection of data have been used in the study. The research results. War affects the self-esteem of health, physical skills, emotional and mental health of the entire population involved in military conflict. Among the predictors of declining quality of life are young age and over 55, low level of education and wage, loss of family affairs, the presence of mental disorders, the duration of military conflict. Among people experienced war or other conflict in the past 10 years, one in five (22 %) will suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Low quality of life in people with post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with symptoms of hyperexcitability. Forced resettlement has the effect of reducing the quality of life at an advanced age and at a later time. The lowest quality of life was recorded in internally displaced persons. In both democracies and non-democracies states, foreign military intervention reduces physical quality of life by up to 20 % in contrast to the rate of pre-intervention period. Findings. The results of the study indicate the need for permanent public attention not only to health care, but also to well-being, housing, employment and overall quality of life for maintenance the physical, mental and social health of both refugees and non- refugees in the short and long period.