Quality of Life and Its Associated Predictors among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and well-being of university students in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) and to identify the factors influencing their QoL.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from a
sample of 417 university students at Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the UAE between March and May 2021.
Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, were conducted to explore relationships between these factors and QoL outcomes.

Results: A total of 417 students participated in this study. The mean score of the students’ overall perception was 3.76
(SD, 0.937), and the mean score of the students self-rated satisfaction with their current health and well-being was
3.65 (SD, 1.07). All QoL domains demonstrated approximate means with the environmental domain as the highest
(37.53 [SD, 21.507]). There was a statistically significant mean difference in physical, psychological, and environmental health domains between male and female students. The 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed a statistically significant mean difference in psychological domain (F5,416=2.996; P=.011), social relationships domain
(F5,416=2.913; P=.013) and environmental domain (F5,416=4.167; P=.001) between academic divisions. Regression
analyses showed that age, gender, marital status and academic division were independent predictors of QoL domains.

Conclusion: Enhancing supportive social environments and promoting positive academic and health behaviors are
vital for improving QoL among university students. Implementing targeted institutional policies can significantly
enhance student welfare and academic success.

Cite this article as: Aljawarneh YM, Rajab LM, Alrayssi AM, et al. Quality of life and its associated predictors among university students in the united arab emirates:
A cross-sectional study. Arch Health Sci Res. 2025, 12, 0199, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2025.24199.