Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).4(156): 91-97. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).9197
Aryaуev M. L., Selimkhanova D. S., Senkivska L. I.
Odesa National Medical University, Ukraine

For citation: Aryaуev ML, Selimkhanova DS, Senkivska LI. (2026). Psycho-emotional and psychosocial disorders in children with obesity under war-related stress. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 4(156): 91-97. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).9197.
Article received: Mar 02, 2026. Accepted for publication: May 12, 2026.

War-related stress has become a pervasive and clinically significant factor affecting children’s mental health, particularly in regions exposed to prolonged armed conflict. Its impact may be amplified in children with obesity, a condition independently associated with psychosocial maladaptation, emotional dysregulation, and reduced quality of life, thus contributing to cumulative vulnerability.
Aim – to evaluate the psycho-emotional status, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life in children depending on the presence of obesity and exposure to war-related stress.
Materials and methods. A total of 153 children aged 12–17 years were enrolled and divided into three groups: controls (n=47), children with obesity (n=50), and children with obesity living under war-related stress (n=56). Psycho-emotional status was assessed using the Spielberger-Hanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Dembo-Rubinstein method. Psychosocial functioning was evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0). Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post-hoc testing, Spearman rank correlation analysis, and estimation of effect size using η².
Results. A progressive increase in trait anxiety (38.5±5.1; 42.3±6.0; 48.8±4.1 points), state anxiety (36.2±4.8; 39.5±5.9; 45.1±6.0 points), and SDQ total difficulties score (9.8±2.2; 11.6±4.1; 13.6±3.1) was observed across the study groups (p<0.001). In parallel, overall quality of life significantly declined (82.8±14.2; 76.1±10.0; 70.0±10.1 points; p<0.001). For statistically significant between-group differences, η² ranged from 0.131 to 0.421, with the largest effect observed for trait anxiety (η²=0.421). The most consistent differences involved emotional and internalizing psychosocial domains.
Conclusions. The combination of obesity and exposure to prolonged war-related stress was associated with a more pronounced deterioration in psycho-emotional status, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life in children. The most consistent changes involved anxiety, emotional symptoms, internalizing problems, peer difficulties, and physical, emotional, and school functioning. These findings support the integration of psycho-emotional screening and structured psychological support into routine clinical care for children with obesity, particularly under chronic stress conditions.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee of the institution mentioned in the work.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: obesity; child; stress, psychological; anxiety; quality of life; psychosocial functioning.

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