Bridging factors within Ukraine’s mental health system during wartime: a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perspectives

In the described conflict-affected setting, bridging factors served as essential adaptation mechanisms, creating connections between fragmented system components while simultaneously supporting emergency response functions and transformation toward an evidence-based community-oriented mental health system. The strategic development of these bridging mechanisms, particularly through formalizing effective relational networks, strengthening local coordination capacity, and optimizing resource pathways, can enhance system integration when structural reform resources are constrained.