Sultan Qaboos University study examines quality of life of students with disabilities

Muscat, Oman — Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has conducted a quantitative study examining how students with disabilities perceive their quality of life within the university environment, highlighting generally high levels of satisfaction alongside areas for further improvement.

The study was led by Dr. Khawla Al-Mamari from the Department of Psychology at the College of Education. It assessed the quality of life of students with disabilities enrolled at SQU using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).

Sultan Qaboos University welcomes dozens of students with disabilities every year and has graduated more than 170 students with disabilities over the past decade. Through its Students with Special Needs Affairs Section, the university provides logistical, technical, and psychological support aimed at ensuring full participation in academic and campus life.

Data were collected from 35 students with physical, auditory, and visual impairments. Results showed high levels of satisfaction across psychological, social, and environmental domains of university life, while the physical health domain reflected a moderate level of satisfaction. Mental health indicators were also relatively high among participants.

The study found that students with physical disabilities reported higher overall quality of life scores compared to students with visual and hearing impairments. Analysis by gender revealed no statistically significant differences between male and female students. However, statistically significant differences emerged based on type of disability in the physical and psychological domains, with students with mobility impairments achieving higher scores.

Dr. Al-Mamari and her research team concluded that students with disabilities at Sultan Qaboos University generally experience a high quality of life. The findings provide evidence-based insights that can support ongoing efforts to enhance inclusive services and facilities on campus.

The study also identified areas requiring further development, recommending the expansion of inclusive sports programs and social and cultural activities tailored specifically to students with sensory impairments. In addition, the researcher called for similar studies to be conducted across other higher education institutions to gain a broader understanding of the needs and experiences of students with disabilities in university settings.