Real-time sensing of war’s effects on wellbeing with smartphones and smartwatches

Abstract

Background

Modern wars have a catastrophic effect on the wellbeing of civilians. However, the nature of this effect remains unclear, with most insights gleaned from subjective, retrospective studies.

Methods

We prospectively monitored 954 Israelis (>40 years) from two weeks before the May 2021 Israel-Gaza war until four weeks after the ceasefire using smartwatches and a dedicated mobile application with daily questionnaires on wellbeing. This war severely affected civilians on both sides, where over 4300 rockets and missiles were launched towards Israeli cities, and 1500 aerial, land, and sea strikes were launched towards 16,500 targets in the Gaza Strip.

Results

We identify considerable changes in all the examined wellbeing indicators during missile attacks and throughout the war, including spikes in heart rate levels, excessive screen-on time, and a reduction in sleep duration and quality. These changes, however, fade shortly after the war, with all affected measures returning to baseline in nearly all the participants. Greater changes are observed in individuals living closer to the battlefield, women, and younger individuals.

Conclusions

The demonstrated ability to monitor objective and subjective wellbeing indicators during crises in real-time is pivotal for the early detection of and prompt assistance to populations in need.

Plain language summary

This study investigated the impact of the May 2021 Israel-Gaza war on the wellbeing of Israeli civilians. To do so, 954 Israelis over the age of 40 were monitored for six weeks before and after the war using smartwatches and a mobile application that asked daily wellbeing questions. The researchers found that during the war, people experienced spikes in heart rate, decreased sleep quality and duration, and increased screen time. These changes were more significant in people living closer to the battlefield, women, and younger individuals. However, after the ceasefire, wellbeing indicators returned to baseline levels. The study shows that monitoring wellbeing in real-time during crises can help identify and assist populations in need.

Abstract

Mofaz et al. prospectively monitor older Israeli participants, from two weeks before the May 2021 Israel-Gaza war until four weeks after the ceasefire, using smartwatches and wellbeing questionnaires in a mobile app. They identify changes in wellbeing indicators during missile attacks and throughout the war, that fade in most after it is over.