The Impact of the Escalating Sudanese Civil War on Medical School Students' Interest and Academic Performance: A Case Study of Ibn Sina University & Al-Maktarbeen University

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the escalating Sudanese Civil War on the interest and academic performance of 4th, 5th and 6th-year medical students at Ibn Sina University and Al-Maktarbeen University. It focuses on their ability to adapt to the new educational environment provided by their universities to enable them to continue their education, and whether they were able to overcome displacement and psychological distress to successfully continue their studies, overcoming all war-related barriers. It reveals how the war affected their mental well-being, academic performance, and participation in different academic activities. The findings reveal that while many students faced significant challenges, a majority demonstrated resilience and perseverance, showing strong positive academic outcomes and mature personal growth. The availability of supportive educational settings provided by their universities in safe areas in Sudan and in neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, and Egypt played a key role in mitigating the negative effects of the conflict. However, a smaller group of students continued to struggle with emotional and logistical barriers due to the loss of relatives, friends, and colleagues, dissatisfaction with some of the educational alternatives provided, an inability to adapt to new situations, and being unable to release themselves from the war's effects and pain. This study finds that students were able to overcome the pain and stress of war and strongly agree that the war motivated them positively, changing the way they think about their education and shaping their personality and providing them with real life lessons opening doors for their coming future and career. They now perceive it as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. It changed their perspectives on their future and inspired them to care more about their education, reshaping their attitudes toward both their education and future careers.