Predictive factors of quality of life among medical students: results from a multicentric study

Abstract

Background Medical students have a worse perception of Quality of Life (QoL) and a high prevalence of psychosocial suffering when compared to the general population. The objective of this study was to investigate associated factors with Quality of Life of Brazilian medical students from an exploratory analysis in a cross-sectional study described in accordance with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Methods This is a cross-sectional and multicenter study with national sample randomized by sex and year of the course. Data were collected between August 2011 and August 2012, using an electronic platform (VERAS platform). Our outcomes included: personal quality of life (QoLp) and quality of life related to medical course activities (QoLmc), both measured using a score ranging from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). Variables as predictors: the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF); VERAS-Q (a questionnaire created to evaluate the QoL of students in health professions); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Resilience Scale (RS-14), Interpersonal Reactivity Multidimensional Scale (IRMS) and Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). Results Our sample is comprised of 1350 (81.8%) medical students. When comparing predictors and both quality of life outcome measures, we found a negative correlation between QoL and the BDI, PSQI and ESS scores. Through a multiple linear regression mode we identified the median of significant predictors to higher QoL. We then run a tree regression model that demonstrated that the VERAS-Q—physical health domain (a domain assessing self-care, self-perception of health, sleep, leisure, physical activity and appearance) was the most important factor predicting QoL. Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 60.9 and a VERAS-Q-time management (address the management of the student's time, free time and whether he can dedicate himself to other activities besides the course) score ≥ 55.7 presented the best QoLmc (score: 8.08–9.63%). Students with a VERAS-Q-physical health score ≥ 79.7 presented the highest QoLp (score 8.93–8.74%). Conclusion Physical symptoms, self-perception of health and self-care assessed by the VERAS-Q physical domain had association with both final outcomes. Time management seems to have a protective role for better Quality of Life. These variables should be taken in consideration when designing interventions to improve Quality of Life among medical students.

The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Mental Health

“…The literature shows, furthermore, that nurses in the present study reported moderate levels of resilience. This finding is consistent with previous studies among other populations, e.g., Brazilian medical students [ 43 ] and the general Spanish university population [ 20 ]. As resilience is one of the key protective factors in mental health [ 15 ], nurses reporting low levels of resilience could benefit from receiving effective psychosocial interventions that lead to long lasting improvements in resilience [ 12 ].…”

The profile of quality of life and mental health of university students in the healthcare field

“…O predomínio de estudantes do sexo feminino, na amostra, reflete uma tendência nacional e internacional na educação superior, principalmente em cursos da área da saúde (Martins, Silveira, & Silvestre, 2013;Miguel, Tempski, Kobayasi, Mayer, O uso de álcool em excesso, drogas ilícitas (atual ou passado) e tabagismo foi informado, por uma proporção considerável dos estudantes. A prevalência do uso de substâncias psicoativas (SPA) é elevada entre estudantes universitários brasileiros, uma vez que se encontram em um período de transição e adaptação a um novo contexto.…”

“…& Martins, 2021). Em alguns países, como Brasil, China e Reino Unido, as mulheres já representam a maior parte dos estudantes dos cursos de medicina(Jefferson, Bloor, & Maynard, 2015).…”

Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Related to COVID-19 during Italian Lockdown

“…Some recent studies carried out in different countries have reported modification in alimentary profiles associated with the lockdown. In particular, increased consumption of foods with high sugar content, such as chocolate and salty snacks, has been reported [32,33]. The possible explanation of these alimentary regimen changes can be explained to the increased levels of anxiety and the difficulties to find open grocery stores close to home [34].…”