Mental and physical health of students who study in post-conflict north kosovo

Abstract

Objective – To examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Serbian students who study in the northern Kosovo province and to explore potential differences in HRQoL relative to students’ region of origin. Materials and Methods – This study was conducted from April to June 2015. A total of 514 students from the University of Priština temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica were enrolled in the study. The students completed the socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the generic HRQoL questionnaire Short Form-36 (SF-36). The region of origin was classified based on the area in which the students were originally from: Republic of Serbia vs. North Kosovo vs. Southern enclaves. Results – The highest scores were observed for Physical Functioning and the lowest for Vitality. No difference in HRQoL was observed between students from the Republic of Serbia, North Kosovo and Southern enclaves. Compared to females, males scored better on Bodily Pain, General Health, Social Functioning and Mental Health. They also had better Physical and Mental Composite scores and Total HRQoL than females. Worse depressive symptoms were consistently associated with poorer HRQoL across all three groups of students. Conclusion – The HRQoL among Serbian students in the northern Kosovo province does not differ based on their region of origin. Health care services for university students should prioritize prevention, early recognition and treatment of depressive symptoms.