Prevalence of Chronic Illnesses among Medical Students at King Faisal University (KFU) and their Impact on Academic Performance

Background Chronic diseases have a range of potential impacts on a person's individual circumstances, including quality of life and broader social and economic effects. Objective and Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and impact of chronic illness on the academic performance among undergraduate medical students at KFU. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at college of medicine, KFU, KSA, and was assessed by semi structured questionnaire based on National Health Interview Survey, Health Care Experiences (CSHCN Screener) and School Interference (VAS and PedsQL School Subscale). a variety of measures assessing academic attendance, performance, sociodemographic characteristics, health related habits, physical activity and diseases listed by national health interview survey. Results A total Of 197 students were assessed, males were 52.28% (103/197)and females 47.7% (94/197)with a mean age = 22.7 ?1.68. Incidence of absenteeism at school1-3 times (39.1%, N77), 4-6 times (23.4%, N46) More than 7 times (13.6%, N27), never missed classes (23.9 %, N47) 29.9% were having chronic diseases around (22.8%, N45) missing classes due to oversleeping, around (10.2%, N20) due appointment, and due chronic diseases (N18, 9.1%), Students who were missing classes due other reasons (N25, 12.5%). Prevalence of chronic diseases was slightly higher in males (15.2%vs14.72%)than females. The most prevalent condition was irritable bowel syndrome, females (12.8%), male (6.8%,), nutritional anemia females (3.9%), and males (10.6%,), sickle cell anemia males (9.6%,), females (1%), repeated diarrheafemales (2.10%), males (1%), food allergyfemales (5.30%) and males were (1%). No statistically significant difference between students with chronic illnesses and those without as regard grade point average (GPA) p-value=0.738. Conclusion Chronic illnesses among medical students have no significant impact on their academic performance.