Exploring Quality of Life across Academic Years among MBBS Students: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Authors

  • Tehreem Rauf Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1821-176X
  • Aamna Akhtar Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Sundas Farhat Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Zoya Almas Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Academic stress, Medical students, Mental Health, Quality of life

Abstract

Background: Medical education is demanding and often detrimental to students’ quality of life (QoL), especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Medical students frequently report elevated stress levels, disrupted sleep, and reduced physical and mental well-being, particularly in the initial years of training.

Objective: To assess the QoL of medical students across all five years of MBBS education and to identify key trends and challenges in their well-being.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over three months (April–July 2024) at Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 283 students (1st to 5th year) participated through purposive sampling. Data was collected using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. QoL was evaluated across six domains: demographic data, general QoL, physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and physical activity/mental health.

Results: First-year students reported the lowest satisfaction in health status (33.7%), sleep (24.3%), and physical fitness (20.3%), compared to higher satisfaction levels in final-year students (47.5%, 50%, and 32.5% respectively). Extreme academic stress was most prevalent in 2nd (42.6%) and 4th years (44.6%), with 3rd-year students showing the least stress (19.6%). Final-year students demonstrated greater energy, self-satisfaction, and fewer negative emotions, while the 2nd year showed notably low satisfaction with living conditions.

Conclusion: QoL generally improves from the first to the final year of medical education. Early-year students face the most significant challenges, indicating a need for targeted institutional support to mitigate stress and enhance well-being throughout the academic journey.

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Published

01-08-2025

How to Cite

1.
Exploring Quality of Life across Academic Years among MBBS Students: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey. Chron Biomed Sci [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 1 [cited 2025 Aug. 2];2(3):PID59. Available from: https://cbsciences.us/index.php/cbs/article/view/59

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