Medical education is challenging, as medical students have to confront varied stressors, which affect their academic performance and quality of life. Previous researchers reported that coping strategies decrease the level of stress and improves the quality of life among students. This study was designed to identify the role of coping strategies in quality of life among undergraduate medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 (Male =106, Females = 90) undergraduate medical students in King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Quality of life was assessed by Short Form-12 Version 2, Health Survey. The validated Brief COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies. The results showed a significant relationship between coping strategies and quality of life. The findings of the study revealed that substance abuse, self-blame, religion, venting, instrumental support, humor and planning coping were found significant predictors of quality of life among medical students. The findings point towards the crucial need for stress management programs in medical colleges. Though students used both problem coping and emotional coping, the evident role of emotional coping in increasing health problems warrants the need for coping skills training. Research on effectiveness of such programs in Saudi Arabia needs to be improved.
 

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