Mental health illnesses and university life satisfaction among medical students in post-conflict Syria: a cross-sectional study
Monzer Keblawy, Alaa Alsarhan, Ali Taghi, Mais Alreem Mohaisen, Mohammad Ibrahim Atia, Ahmad Alhamid, Collaborators groupBackground
Medical students are a population highly vulnerable to psychological distress due to their demanding academic environment. In Syria, the prolonged conflict has further exacerbated educational and psychological challenges. This study evaluates University Life Satisfaction (ULS) among Syrian medical students and its association with depression, anxiety and stress.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and May 2025 across public and private Syrian universities. A total of 700 medical, dental and pharmacy students completed an online questionnaire assessing demographic variables, ULS (The Campus Satisfaction Scale) and psychological distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21).
Results
Moderate overall ULS was reported (mean=2.95±0.65). Severe-to-extremely severe levels of depression (35.0%), anxiety (29.4%) and stress (29.8%) were observed. ULS was significantly lower among females, students in later academic years and those with poor prior psychological diagnoses. Results revealed negative correlational relationships between ULS and depression (r=−0.333), anxiety (r=−0.171) and stress (r=−0.240) (p<0.001). Regression analysis indicated that grade point average, financial status and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with ULS.
Conclusion
Syrian medical students reported concerning levels of psychological distress, particularly those with lower ULS. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and systemic improvements in Syrian educational environments. Enhancing student engagement, improving campus facilities and integrating psychological support services help reduce distress and improve ULS among medical students. These results reflect correlational relationships only and do not establish causality.