Work

Factors associated with the quality of life among paramedical students in Sousse governorate

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Background The process of paramedical education has been proved to be a challenging scenario that threatens students' physical and psychological health. Compared with students of the same age, paramedical students must be at higher occupational stress in adapting to their lifestyle. The academic pressure, severe daytime somnolence, lack of physical exercise and social interaction, can lead to a decreasing quality of life (QOL). The aim of our study was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of paramedical students in Sousse governorate and to find the associated factors that caused the variations among these students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the governorate of Sousse including a randomized sample of the nursing students during the 2017/2018 school year. The data were collected using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire including the 36-item short form survey (SF-36). Results A total of 448 students was included in the study with an average age of 20.74 (SD = 1.25) years and a sex-ratio of 0.70. The overall QOL score was 49.8 (SD = 11.6) with a significantly higher mental score impairment (45.3 (SD = 12.1)) than the physical score ((54.2 (SD = 15.6)). The independent associated factors with a decreasing HRQOL were: socioeconomic level, living away from family, means of transport, exams stress and insecurity in everyday life. Conclusions Our study showed a low score of QOL among health sciences students. HRQOL was influenced by socio-demographic, behavioral and environmental factors. Future interventions and programs should focus on these influencing factors in order to improve the quality of life among paramedical students. Key messages Knowledge of associated factors is important to implement appropriate programs. Findings may have important implications for institutions responsible for promoting active lifestyle.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.433

Authors: C Ben Nasrallah, R Ghammem, A Mihoubi, M Ben Rejeb

Institutions: Hôpital Farhat Hached, University of Sousse, Hôpital Sahloul

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4383065197