A Multidimensional Evaluation of Paramedical Students’ Satisfaction with Educational and Welfare-Cultural Services at a Military Medical University

Abstract

Background: Student satisfaction is an important indicator of educational quality and overall well-being, particularly in paramedical education, where both academic and nonacademic support structures play essential roles. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate paramedical students’ satisfaction with the educational services and welfare and cultural facilities provided by a military medical university and to examine the demographic variables associated with their satisfaction. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 200 paramedical students at AJA University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a researcher-developed multidimensional satisfaction questionnaire encompassing six domains: Academic Advisors, Faculty Members, Educational Services, Auxiliary Educational Services, Welfare Facilities, and Cultural Facilities. Associations between satisfaction scores and demographic characteristics were assessed using nonparametric statistical methods, specifically the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Overall satisfaction ranged from moderate to high. The highest median satisfaction score was observed for Academic Advisors (75.0; IQR, 43.75), whereas the lowest was observed for Welfare Facilities (38.89; IQR, 40.98). Satisfaction was significantly associated with gender, place of birth, and field of study, whereas age and marital status showed no significant associations. Female students, students born in Tehran, and Emergency Medical Services students reported higher satisfaction in specific domains. These findings indicated a clear imbalance between academic and nonacademic services. Conclusions: Although educational and advising services were generally perceived positively, shortcomings in welfare and cultural facilities reduced overall satisfaction. Targeted improvements in nonacademic support are needed to strengthen student-centered services in military medical universities.