Authors: Abdulmajeed M. Algethami , Muath A. Althomali , Raghad A. Almutairi , Abdullah M. Alshanqiti , Ibrahim S. Aljuaid , Nedal M. Alqurashi , Rawan A. Almalki , Atheer J. Almalki , Shouq J. Almalki ,

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with persistent hyperglycemia and a significant physical, psychological, and social burden. University students with diabetes represent a unique and understudied population facing distinct challenges, including academic stress, lifestyle transitions, and the need for independent disease self-management. Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this group is essential to identify modifiable factors and guide targeted interventions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2 July 2024 and 28 January 2025 among students with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire based on a modified version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, adapted to 30 items covering seven domains. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 26.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 375 students were included (52.8% female; median age 22 years). The median total HRQoL score was 97 out of 150, indicating generally satisfactory quality of life. The physical health domain recorded the highest score (median 21/30), while the personal beliefs domain recorded the lowest (median 3/5). Lower HRQoL scores were significantly associated with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.019), tobacco use (p = 0.015), and unhealthy dietary habits (p < 0.001). Students adhering to a healthy diet reported significantly higher scores across physical, psychological, independence, and social domains.
Conclusions: HRQoL among university students with diabetes at Taif University was generally satisfactory; however, the presence of comorbidities, tobacco use, and unhealthy dietary habits were significantly associated with poorer outcomes across multiple domains. Targeted interventions addressing diet, smoking cessation, and holistic disease management should be integrated into university health services to improve quality of life in this population. Future longitudinal studies incorporating objective clinical measures are recommended.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes, health-related quality of life, university students, Saudi Arabia.