https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2021.02.084
1Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
2State Institution "Kundiiev Institute of Occupational Health of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine" Kyiv, Ukraine
Introduction. Emotional burnout is one of the signs of a breakdown in adaptation and the development of chronic fatigue. To monitor the emotional burnout in veteran servicemen during inpatient rehabilitation, it is possible to propose an assessment of changes in attitudes towards the factors of the combat environment on a relatively stable scale of attitudes towards environmental conditions.
Aim of the study was to highlight the factors of the combat situation that affect the emotional burnout progression in servicemen and to establish the impact of rehabilitation on the structure of emotional experiences among servicemen – participants in hostilities.
Materials and research methods. 68 servicemen, men aged 32 ± 5.6 years, participants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation – Joint Forces Operation, were questioned before and after the complex medical and psychological rehabilitation with questionnaires of emotional burnout and assessments of vital activity in combat conditions.
Results. Prior to rehabilitation, burnout symptoms such as emotional deficits and emotional withdrawal were manifested. Inadequate selective emotional response and self-dissatisfaction persisted throughout the observation period. Psychosomatic and psychovegetative disorders manifested only after rehabilitation. The factors of the combat situation and life support that influenced the formation of emotional burnout were shelling of tanks, artillery, mortars, a multiple launch rocket system, the death of a comrade, uncertainty in command forecasts and unpredictability of the situation, fear of direct contact with enemy infantry during an attack and during a mission, fear of stepping on a mine, living in a tent, malnutrition, prolonged hypothermia, violation of habitual sleep patterns, lack of equipment, and conflicts with commanders. The factors that persisted despite the rehabilitation were the fear of hitting a high-explosive mine and direct contact with enemy infantry in defense, living in a dugout or a destroyed room, in mud and high humidity, lack of regular washing and clean clothes, conflicts with colleagues and social isolation. The factors effecting after rehabilitation were the fear of getting injured or becoming disabled and worries about the consequences of their own incompetence, insufficient level of medical care and long monotonous work.
Conclusions. As a result of rehabilitation, there is a latent effect of life support factors on the progress of burnout in combatants. To prevent the development of emotional burnout in servicemen in the combat zone, it is advisable to pay attention to the quality of primary medical care, social and information support, and interaction with the command. Further research will clarify the role of the individual characteristics of servicemen and provide recommendations for professional selection.
Key words: factors of the combat environment, servicemen, emotional burnout, medical rehabilitation, stress.
Full article (PDF), UKR