ISRCTN ISRCTN14425442
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14425442
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) Nil known
Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) Nil known
Protocol serial number Nil known
Sponsor University of Aleppo
Funder Investigator initiated and funded
Submission date
21/06/2025
Registration date
23/06/2025
Last edited
23/06/2025
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Other
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
This study explored the quality of life (QoL) of medical students in Syria, where war and academic stress may impact well-being. We used a validated survey (SF-36) to measure physical and mental health and identified factors like smoking and long commutes that affect QoL.

Who can participate?
Medical students at Aleppo University who attended a workshop in March 2024.

What does the study involve?
Participants completed an online survey about their health, lifestyle, and well-being.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits: Identifies areas for improving student support. Risks: Minimal (anonymous survey)

Where is the study run from?
Aleppo University (Syria)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2024 to November 2024

Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded

Who is the main contact?
Mawadda Chukr (mawadaug1@gmail.com)

Contact information

Miss Mawadda Chukr
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator

Aleppo University School of Medicine
Aleppo
-
Syria

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0009-0005-4508-9015
Phone +963 981114394
Email mawadaug1@gmail.com

Study information

Primary study designObservational
Study designSingle-center cross-sectional observational study
Secondary study designCross sectional study
Study type Participant information sheet
Scientific titleMultivariable analysis of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) factors using the SF-36 questionnaire among medical students at Aleppo university: a cross-sectional study
Study acronymSyria-QoL
Study objectivesThe Arabic version of the SF-36 questionnaire is a reliable tool for measuring HRQoL among Syrian medical students.

Factors such as smoking, chronic diseases, and prolonged transportation time negatively impact HRQoL, while religious beliefs and lower BMI are associated with better HRQoL
Ethics approval(s)

Approved 10/08/2024, Research Ethics Committee of Aleppo University (Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, -, Syria; -; cmoffice@alepuniv.edu.sy), ref: 2403

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedHealth-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in medical students
InterventionThis is a single-center, cross-sectional observational study conducted among medical students at Aleppo University. Participants are enrolled during a Continuing Medical Education (CME) workshop in March 2024.

Enrollment:
Eligible students receive an electronic survey via Telegram and email.
Informed consent is obtained digitally before participation.

Participation:
Participants complete a one-time, self-administered online questionnaire comprising:
Section 1: Sociodemographic data (age, gender, academic year, BMI, smoking status, chronic diseases, etc.).
Section 2: The validated Arabic SF-36 questionnaire to assess HRQoL across 8 domains.
Surveys are mandatory to complete in one sitting; partial responses are excluded.

Duration:
Observation: Single time point (March 2024).

Follow-up: None (cross-sectional design).

Data Handling:
Responses are anonymized and analyzed using Jamovi and SmartPLS for reliability (Cronbach’s α) and multivariable regression.
Intervention typeBehavioural
Primary outcome measure(s)

HRQoL scores measured using the Arabic SF-36 questionnaire at a single time point (March 2024). Domains include Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS).

Key secondary outcome measure(s)

Sociodemographic factors (BMI, smoking status, chronic diseases) at a single time point (March 2024)

Completion date30/11/2024

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Learner/student
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit30 Years
SexAll
Target sample size at registration300
Total final enrolment181
Key inclusion criteria1. Undergraduate medical students at Aleppo University
2. Attended the CME workshop in March 2024
3. Willing to provide electronic informed consent
Key exclusion criteria1. Incomplete survey responses
2. Non-medical students
Date of first enrolment01/09/2024
Date of final enrolment30/11/2024

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Syria

Study participating centre

Aleppo University Faculty of Medicine
Aleppo
-
Syria

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot expected to be made available
IPD sharing planIPD not available for sharing

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet Participant information sheet 11/11/2025 11/11/2025 No Yes

Editorial Notes

23/06/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by University of Aleppo Faculty of Medicine