Burnout and quality of life among medical students in a conflict affected-region: a cross-sectional study

Medical education is inherently demanding, often compromising students' well-being, especially in conflict-affected regions. This study aims to 1) evaluate the burnout levels among medical students using the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey for Students (MBI-GSS), 2) assess quality of life (QoL) using the World Health Organization QoL scale (WHOQOL-BREF), and 3) identify predictors of burnout and QoL. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in English between May and June 2024. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, MBI-GSS subscales (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy respectively), and WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental respectively). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed with the subscales and domains as dependent variables. An alpha of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 200 medical students participated in this study, yielding a 78% response rate. Participants reported relatively high levels of emotional exhaustion (Mean ± SD = 21.2 ± 8.1) and low levels of professional efficacy (22.6 ± 7.8). Lower exhaustion scores were observed among last-year medical students (adjusted (a)ß (95% CI) = -13.1 (-19.5; -6.8)) and those who reported exercising daily (-9.7 (-14.8; -4.5)). Higher cynicism scores were found among students experiencing financial problems (2.6 (0.2; 5)). Moreover, lower professional efficacy scores were observed among students reporting academic difficulties (-3.1 (-5.7; -0.4)) or social isolation (-3.1 (-5.9; -0.2)). Students reported the highest satisfaction in the environmental QoL domain (Mean ± SD = 64 ± 18). Social isolation and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression were significantly associated with poorer QoL across multiple domains. Burnout and reduced quality of life emerged as relevant concerns among medical students. Addressing these issues requires targeted institutional support and national investment in student mental health infrastructure, particularly in conflict-affected and economically strained regions.