Social Isolation in Medical Education: Prevalence, Predictors, and Academic Implications Among Egyptian Undergraduate Medical Students

Background: Social isolation (SI) is a concerning issue among college students, particularly in demanding academic settings. It may be linked to poor academic achievement, psychological distress, and unfavorable health consequences. Objective: To measure the prevalence of SI, identify its risk factors, and investigate its association with academic performance among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ain Shams University. Data were gathered using a structured online survey that included the PHQ-2 and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Among the variables were GPA, social support, psychological distress, medication use, physical exercise, and health status. The statistical analysis comprised logistic regression and chi-square testing. Results: A total of 369 medical students were included. The mean age was 20.14±1.37 years, and 51.2% of the students were females. Moderately high to high levels of SI were reported by 53.7% of students. Significant associations were found between SI and physical inactivity (p=0.016), poor self-rated health (p<0.001), medication use (p=0.038), lack of perceived social support (p=0.001), and infrequent peer contact (p<0.001). Psychological distress indicators, including depressive and anxious symptoms, were strongly correlated with SI (p<0.001). Academic performance showed a trend toward significance, with lower GPA associated with higher SI (p=0.077). Conclusions: SI is prevalent among medical students and is significantly influenced by health status, psychological distress, and social connectedness. Academic achievement may also be affected. Targeted interventions to promote peer engagement, physical activity, and mental health support are essential to mitigate SI and enhance student well-being.