The Comparative Study of Quality of Life between the Medical Students and General Population in Samleam Community at the Same Age Group

Abstract

Objective: To compare quality of life between medical students and general population in the same age group

Design: Cross-sectional analytical study

Setting: Khon Kaen Medical School and a selected urban community in Khon Kaen downtown.

Population and Samples: Systematic sampling was performed for both groups, at equal samples of 118 each.

Tool: Self-administered questionnaire which compose of demographic data and WHOQOLBREF Thai was employed.

Analysis: Mean, SD, median, percent as well as 95% CI, odds ratio, chi-square were employed.

Results: Of 236 questionnaires distributed, 199 were returned with response rate of 86.4% for medical students and 82.2% for youth group. Age distribution was similar with the median of 21 and 22. Economic status of the medical students seemed superior to youth group. More than 60% of medical students perceived themselves as good quality of life which was significantly higher than that of the youth (35.1%)  (p<0.05). The perception of both groups was not statistically significant for mental health domain, the rest were quite different. Factors affecting quality of life of medical students was learning context particularly during the examination period. Interestingly clinical year students had lower quality of life while compared to preclinical year students. Among youths, physical health and economic were implementation may need for consideration. For example, learning environment for medical students should be revised with emphasizing the balance of professional competency and adolescence life worlds while sufficient economy and health promotion for youths .

Key words : Quality of life, medical students, General population, Compare