Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study
Abstract Background The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, initiated on February 22, 2022, has created numerous challenges, including the need to study under the constant threat of bombardment. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the war on the academic performance of medical PhD student...
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BMC
2024-12-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06400-3 |
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| author | Iurii Kuchyn Kateryna Bielka Lesya Lymar Livia Puljak |
| author_facet | Iurii Kuchyn Kateryna Bielka Lesya Lymar Livia Puljak |
| author_sort | Iurii Kuchyn |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, initiated on February 22, 2022, has created numerous challenges, including the need to study under the constant threat of bombardment. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the war on the academic performance of medical PhD students in Ukraine, explore their perceptions of stressful wartime events, and identify their motivations and future aspirations. Methods This mixed-method study included medical PhD students from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine, during the 2022–2023 academic year amid ongoing Russian military attacks. Data were collected through self-completed questionnaires. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered via one-on-one interviews with participants. The questionnaire and interviews addressed educational difficulties during the war, motivation to pursue academic studies, the likelihood of continuing an academic or medical career in Ukraine, academic progress at the time of the survey, and self-assessed adaptation to studying during the war. Results 108 PhD students participated in the questionnaire, and 53 were interviewed. Nearly half of the participants described their education as challenging. More than two-thirds experienced class disruptions due to air raid alarms or shelling, and a similar proportion resumed classes afterward. Among the PhD students, 85% envision their future careers as physicians, scientists, or teachers in Ukraine. Adaptation to the extraordinary conditions varied, with half adapting well. A substantial number remained motivated to pursue their education and professional careers in Ukraine despite financial strain, loss of research data, and damaged infrastructure, which hindered progress for some. Others struggled significantly, highlighting the war’s profound impact on their education and mental well-being. Conclusion While the war has imposed severe challenges on the educational pursuits of medical PhD students in Kyiv, Ukraine, the resilience displayed by many underscores their determination to persevere. This resilience reflects their commitment to their academic careers despite the adversities posed by the ongoing conflict. However, some students struggled to cope. Further psychological and financial support will be crucial in helping these students continue their studies and contribute to the rebuilding of their country. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-89b90790d1ab4197b50a34fc2cdd5d8e |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-89b90790d1ab4197b50a34fc2cdd5d8e2025-08-20T02:30:56ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202024-12-012411910.1186/s12909-024-06400-3Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods studyIurii Kuchyn0Kateryna Bielka1Lesya Lymar2Livia Puljak3Bogomolets National Medical UniversityBogomolets National Medical UniversityBogomolets National Medical UniversityCenter for Evidence-based Medicine, Department of Nursing, Department of Medicine, Catholic University of CroatiaAbstract Background The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, initiated on February 22, 2022, has created numerous challenges, including the need to study under the constant threat of bombardment. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the war on the academic performance of medical PhD students in Ukraine, explore their perceptions of stressful wartime events, and identify their motivations and future aspirations. Methods This mixed-method study included medical PhD students from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine, during the 2022–2023 academic year amid ongoing Russian military attacks. Data were collected through self-completed questionnaires. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered via one-on-one interviews with participants. The questionnaire and interviews addressed educational difficulties during the war, motivation to pursue academic studies, the likelihood of continuing an academic or medical career in Ukraine, academic progress at the time of the survey, and self-assessed adaptation to studying during the war. Results 108 PhD students participated in the questionnaire, and 53 were interviewed. Nearly half of the participants described their education as challenging. More than two-thirds experienced class disruptions due to air raid alarms or shelling, and a similar proportion resumed classes afterward. Among the PhD students, 85% envision their future careers as physicians, scientists, or teachers in Ukraine. Adaptation to the extraordinary conditions varied, with half adapting well. A substantial number remained motivated to pursue their education and professional careers in Ukraine despite financial strain, loss of research data, and damaged infrastructure, which hindered progress for some. Others struggled significantly, highlighting the war’s profound impact on their education and mental well-being. Conclusion While the war has imposed severe challenges on the educational pursuits of medical PhD students in Kyiv, Ukraine, the resilience displayed by many underscores their determination to persevere. This resilience reflects their commitment to their academic careers despite the adversities posed by the ongoing conflict. However, some students struggled to cope. Further psychological and financial support will be crucial in helping these students continue their studies and contribute to the rebuilding of their country.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06400-3Medical educationPhDDoctoral studentWarUkraine |
| spellingShingle | Iurii Kuchyn Kateryna Bielka Lesya Lymar Livia Puljak Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study BMC Medical Education Medical education PhD Doctoral student War Ukraine |
| title | Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study |
| title_full | Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study |
| title_fullStr | Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study |
| title_short | Academic performance, perceptions, and motivations of medical PhD students in Ukraine during wartime: a mixed methods study |
| title_sort | academic performance perceptions and motivations of medical phd students in ukraine during wartime a mixed methods study |
| topic | Medical education PhD Doctoral student War Ukraine |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06400-3 |
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