Quality of life (QoL) among medical students in Mogadishu, Somalia: A study using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument

Abstract

Background: Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a concept covering social, physical, psychological, and environmental factors. This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of medical students in Mogadishu, Somalia, using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design to assess QOL among medical students in Mogadishu, Somalia, between August and November, 2024 at selected public and private universities offering undergraduate medical programs. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables (Gender, Age, Residence, Marital Status, Academic Year, and GPA). The WHOQOL-BREF instrument consists of 26 items grouped into 4 domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Regression with p < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The majority of students (57%) reported their overall QOL as “good,” while 22% reported it as “very good.” A significant association was found between age and psychological health (p = 0.011), with students above 25 scoring highest (76.82 ± 13.88) compared to those aged 21–24 (69.41 ± 15.27) and 18–20 (71.51 ± 15.90). Academic year showed a significant association with social health (p = 0.026), highest in years 3–4 (73.48 ± 20.72), followed by years 1–2 (71.46 ± 21.06), and lowest in years 5–6 (65.85 ± 27.29). In multivariate Age 21–24 years had association with the Psychological domain (β = –0.858, 95% CI: –1.672, –0.045). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that medical students in Mogadishu generally report a good QOL; however, it underscores the necessity for interventions aimed at improving psychological resilience and social support systems.