Quality of life and associated predictors in Palestinian medical students: a cross-sectional study
Date
2025-10-29
Authors
Amer Rahhal
Mohammad Isbeih
Hamid Ghanem
Nour Jaber
Shahd Idais
Ibrahim Amer Ghannam
Maha Nubani Husseini
Maha Nahal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group — a major academic publisher.
Abstract
Abstract
Medical students experience tremendous stressors related to the demanding nature of medical education programs, which can negatively impact their health and overall quality of life (QoL). This particular study aimed to evaluate the QoL of medical students at Al-Quds University (AQU) in Palestine across various academic years and demographic variables, concerning physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental conditions. A cross-sectional comparative study involving 522 medical students representing all six academic years was conducted from May to July 2024. QoL was assessed via the culturally adapted Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Demographic variables (gender, age, place of residence, number of bedrooms) and academic (academic year) variables were examined as correlates of QoL domains. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were applied, and linear regression was used to identify predictors. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Social relationships were the highest-rated domain (M = 3.58, SD = 0.862), followed by physical health (M = 3.38, SD = 0.721), environment (M = 3.28, SD = 0.638), and psychological conditions (M = 3.12, SD = 0.693). Gender differences emerged, with males reporting better physical health (p = 0.002). Linear regression further identified academic level as a key predictor of physical health (p < 0.001). Medical students at AQU have shown resilience in their social relationships. However, concerns arise from their lower psychological health and limited access to recreational opportunities. These findings highlight the importance of targeted institutional strategies that address mental health and foster supportive environments. Ultimately, this approach aims to enhance student well-being and create a more balanced and sustainable quality of life for students.
Keywords:
Quality of lifemedical studentssocial relationshipspsychological well-beingphysical healthpreclinical phaseclinical phase
Description
Quality of life (QoL) is an individual's perception of his or her position in life, and is influenced by his or her environment, culture, expectations, standards, and concerns [Citation1]. The QoL of medical students has become a growing global concern, particularly in developing countries, where significant hardships aggravate the stress of medical education [Citation2–4]. Stress among medical students begins upon entering medical colleges, driven by limited resources, an intensive curriculum, demanding clinical training, and financial challenges [Citation5–8]. On top of that, medical students face various physical, socioemotional, and family-related pressures that can significantly impact their physical and mental health, challenging their intentions to achieve a successful medical career [Citation6,Citation7]. These stressors, combined with substandard living conditions in Palestine and an ongoing occupation, can severely affect the QoL and academic performance of medical students in the region [Citation5,Citation8,Citation9]. This heightens their vulnerability to low self-concept and compromised physical and mental health [Citation10–12]. Therefore, medical educators must prioritize students' quality of life alongside their education to ensure overall well-being and academic success.
Previous studies have reported high rates of anxiety and depression among medical students [Citation13,Citation14]. In Middle Eastern countries, the prevalence of depression is particularly high, with rates varying across academic years [Citation15]. Common associated factors are female gender, economic burdens, and academic clinical training pressures [Citation15,Citation16]. The sociodemographic characteristics that have also been associated with medical students' QoL are gender, marital status, employment, living, and housing conditions [Citation17].
Keywords
Citation
Rahhal, A., Isbeih, M., Ghanem, H., Jaber, N., Idais, S., Ghannam, I. A., ... & Nahal, M. (2025). Quality of life and associated predictors in Palestinian medical students: a cross-sectional study. Medical Education Online, 30(1), 2576125.