Educational Continuity Among Sudanese Medical Students During Armed Conflict: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Dania Adil Abdalfattah Ahmad Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum
  • Abdalrhman M. Ibrahim Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
  • Esraa E.M. Elgadi University of Khartoum, Sudan
  • Logien A. A. Ibrahim University of Khartoum, Sudan
  • Muzan Alnou University of Khartoum, Sudan
  • Razan Bahaeldeen Mohamedali Hago University of Khartoum, Sudan
  • Reela H. Moubarak University of Khartoum, Sudan https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1991-0610
  • Roaa N. S. Osman Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9395-3529

Keywords:

Armed Conflicts, Educational disruption, #medical students

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in April 2023, higher education institutions have experienced severe disruption, including damage to infrastructure, displacement of students, and interruption of academic activities. Medical education has been particularly affected due to limited access to clinical training and unstable learning environments. Understanding the determinants of educational cessation among medical students is essential to guide interventions aimed at preserving the future healthcare workforce in conflict-affected settings.

 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 Sudanese medical students from public and private universities during the ongoing conflict in 2024. Participants were selected using disproportionate stratified sampling. Eligibility criteria included enrollment in a Sudanese medical school during the conflict period. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing educational continuity, socioeconomic status, conflict-related challenges, and adaptive educational strategies. The primary outcome was educational cessation, defined as temporary or permanent interruption of medical studies during the conflict. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of educational continuity while controlling for confounding variables. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection.

 

Results: Among the 247 participants, 21.9% reported interruption of their medical education, the majority being temporary interruptions. Financial constraints were the most commonly reported barrier to continuity (18.6%), followed by psychological stress (17.1%) and safety concerns related to the conflict (14.7%). To maintain their education, many students transferred to alternative universities (79.8%) or relied on online learning modalities (55.9%). Educational interruption was significantly more common among students enrolled in private universities compared to public institutions (p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that older age was positively associated with educational continuity (AOR = 1.46, p < 0.001), while adequate financial capacity reduced the likelihood of educational cessation (AOR = 0.44, p = 0.023). Additionally, 14.6% of participants reported considering changing their field of study because of the prolonged conflict and stress associated with medical training.

 

Conclusion: The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan poses a substantial threat to the continuity of medical education. Financial hardship, psychological distress, and insecurity significantly contribute to educational interruption among medical students. Strengthening financial support systems, expanding mental health services, and implementing flexible educational approaches are critical to sustaining medical training during humanitarian crises. Protecting medical education in conflict settings is essential to prevent long-term shortages in the healthcare workforce.

 

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Published

2026-08-19

How to Cite

Adil Abdalfattah Ahmad, D., Abdalrhman M. Ibrahim, Esraa E.M. Elgadi, Logien A. A. Ibrahim, Muzan Alnou, Razan Bahaeldeen Mohamedali Hago, … Roaa N. S. Osman. (2026). Educational Continuity Among Sudanese Medical Students During Armed Conflict: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.pitt.edu/IJMS/article/view/4833

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Forthcoming

Section

Abstracts of the WCMSR

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dania Adil Abdalfattah Ahmad, Abdalrhman M. Ibrahim, Esraa E.M. Elgadi, Logien A. A. Ibrahim, Muzan Alnou, Razan Bahaeldeen Mohamedali Hago, Reela H. Moubarak, Roaa N. S. Osman

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