Analysis the Impact of International Students’ Feelings of Loneliness on Academic Performance in Medical Universities

Background: This study aimed to analyze the impact of international students’ feelings of loneliness on academic performance in Medical Universities. Method: The present qualitative research has been done using the meta-synthesis method. Therefore, the specialized research keywords were searched in scientific databases during the academic years in 2000-2021. Finally, out of 60 reviewed studies, 35 studies reached the final analysis. Results: The most important psychological and physical components of loneliness affecting the academic performance of international students were the components of psychosis, communication isolation, physical weakness, and socio-cultural maladaptation. The most important negative consequences of feeling lonely on the academic performance of international students were the components of academic failure (academic stress and low academic performance). The most important solutions at the individual level to alleviate the feeling of loneliness of international students in medical universities to improve academic performance were categorized as: improving mental health, development of communication, physical improvement, academic achievement, and socio-cultural compromise. The most important strategies at the university level to alleviate the feeling of loneliness of international students to improve their academic performance were identified as the university policies, capacity building, and empowerment of international students. Conclusion: Considering the importance of having truck with the feeling of loneliness by international medical students to improve academic performance and create mental and physical health among them, the identified components should be considered by the managers of Iran’s higher education system.