# The impact of the war in Ukraine on the well-being of German medical students: a mixed-methods study

## TL;DR

This study examines how the war in Ukraine affects the well-being and stress of German medical students.

## Contribution

It provides new insights into the mental health impacts of geopolitical crises on students in non-war countries.

## Key findings

- German medical students experienced reduced well-being and increased perceived stress after the war in Ukraine began.
- Work engagement among students was not significantly affected by the war-related stressors.
- Students reported using various resources to cope with stress and maintain motivation.

## Abstract

The ongoing aggression war by Russia in Ukraine underscores the need to explore the impact of geopolitical crises on students’ well-being within the system university. Previous studies have raised concern regarding rising mental health issues among students, exacerbated by war-related stressors. The effects extend to non-war-involved countries on several levels, with heightened anxiety and fear reported for students. In this study, the affectedness of well-being, perceived stress and work engagement among German medicine students is surveyed in a cross-sectional multi-methods study before and after the initial war occurrences in Ukraine were reported. Results show lessened well-being and increase perceived stress, but non significantly affected work engagement. The students report several demands and resources to cope with stressors and maintain ongoing study motivation and capability. By understanding the personal repercussions of systemic crises, this study seeks to identify longitudinal support needs for medical students navigating uncertain times.