Comparison of health related quality of life in dormitory and non-dormitory students

Abstract Introduction: Quality of life and improving it has a significant role in the health of social and personal life. As regards to students as future managers of communities, it is essential to review the factors that can endanger their health and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to determine health related quality of life in dormitory and non-dormitory students. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional research conducted in Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2010. Data needed to determine health-related quality of life were collected via convenience sampling using SF-36 questionnaire from 50 dormitory and 150 non-dormitory students. Data collected were analyzed using statistical T- test, chi square, linear regression and Kolmogorov-Smirnov). Results: Mean total score of health-related quality of life in dormitory students (62.74&plusmn;14.35) was significantly less than non-dormitory students (72.25&plusmn;10.95) (p<0.01). Also analysis of linear regression indicated that health related quality of life in non-dormitory students was 9.65 scores more than dormitory students. Conclusion: According to the findings, it seems that students who lived in dormitory during their educational period with probable various challenges and stresses may be the reason for reduced health-related quality of life.