Physical Activity and Health of Internally Displaced Persons: Characteristics, Changes, and Barriers.

Abstract

Purpose: to identify the main challenges in engaging in physical exercise and to determine directions of support to promote integration and improve quality of life under conditions of forced displacement.

Materials and methods: Sociological (questionnaire survey) and statistical methods. An online survey was conducted among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their children (n = 459) from various regions of Ukraine.

Results. The overall level of self-rated health among respondents is relatively high (3.7 points out of 5), although 39% report health problems requiring attention. The vast majority of IDPs demonstrate preserved or adequate physical capacity, which is a positive indicator in the context of adaptation and daily activity. However, almost 5% of respondents have significant physical limitations. Even in the absence of serious medical diagnoses, the subjective feeling of functional insufficiency is quite common: analysis of data on activity level and functional limitations over the past four weeks indicates a considerable prevalence of restrictions in performing daily tasks, even among those who formally have no severe physical impairments. Specifically, 238 respondents reported that they constantly had to do less than they would like, and 189 noted limitations in performing certain actions. Almost half of the sample does not meet the recommended standards of daily or weekly physical activity, which may negatively affect both physical and psycho-emotional health. Among IDP children, 41.0% reported a decrease in motor activity after displacement. While the majority (47%) have no serious problems with participating in physical education, some face both physical and psycho-emotional barriers. This highlights the importance of developing comprehensive programs combining physical training with psychological support, motivational strategies, and gradual increases in workload.

Conclusions. To ensure sustainable recovery and integration of IDPs, it is necessary to implement intersectoral approaches that combine material, medical, psychological, and social support, as well as promote the preservation and restoration of motor activity and physical health in both children and adults.