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Relationship between Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction among Medical Residents at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original article

Authors
Hossein Ghazaee 1
Motahareh Zanjirian 1
Maliheh Dadgarmoghaddam 2
Maryam Emadzadeh 3
1 MD., Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Professor, Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Clinical Research Development Unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/nnj.2026.96244.1558
Abstract
Background and Aims: Medical residents are exposed to reduced quality of life (QoL) and life satisfaction (LS) due to long working hours, frequent shifts, and psychological stress. This study aimed to determine the status of QoL and LS and to investigate their associated factors among residents.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 among 241 medical residents at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences using a census sampling method. QoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and LS using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).
Results: The mean age of the residents was 31.8 ± 4.45 years, and 61% were female. Overall, 63% of residents reported satisfactory LS (SWLS > 15). LS was significantly associated with residency year and interest (p = 0.001), with 72% of residents who were interested in their specialty reporting higher LS. QoL scores in most domains were significantly higher among third-year residents compared with first-year residents (p < 0.001). Non-surgical residents achieved significantly higher scores in general health, mental health, vitality, social functioning, and bodily pain than those in surgical specialties. Additionally, interest in specialty was associated with better QoL (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between QoL and LS (r = 0.543, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Residency year, specialty, and interest in specialty were associated with QoL and LS among residents. These findings suggest that educational, welfare, and supportive interventions may contribute to improving these outcomes. However, further studies are required to confirm these associations and explore potential causal relationships.
Keywords
Quality of Life
Life Satisfaction
Medical Residents
Medical Education
Mental Health
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Navid No
Volume 29, Issue 98
Summer 2026
Pages 6-20