Non-cognitive characteristics predicting academic success among medical students in Sri Lanka

• Main Authors: Ranasinghe Priyanga, Ellawela Amaya, Gunatilake Saman B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-08-01
• Series: BMC Medical Education
• Subjects: Academic performance; Predictors; Non-cognitive characteristics; Medical students; Sri Lanka
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/12/66

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To identify non-cognitive and socio-demographic characteristics determining academic success of Sri Lankan medical undergraduates.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective study among 90 recently graduated students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Students were stratified into two equal groups; ‘High-achievers’ (honours degree at the final MBBS examination) and ‘Low-achievers’ (repeated one or more subjects at the same examination). A revised version of the Non-cognitive Questionnaire (NQ) with additional socio-demographic data was the study instrument. Academic performance indicator was performance at the final MBBS examinations. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed using the dichotomous variable ‘Honours degree at final MBBS’ as the dependant factor.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Males were 56.7%. Mean age ± SD was 26.4 ± 0.9 years. ‘High-achievers’ were significantly younger than ‘Low-achievers’. Significant proportion of ‘High-achievers’ were from the Western province and selected to university from Colombo district. A significant majority of ‘High-achievers’ entered medical school from their first attempt at GCE A/L examination and obtained ‘Distinctions’ at the GCE A/L English subject. ‘High-achievers’ demonstrated a significantly higher mean score for the following domains of NQ; Positive self-concept and confidence, realistic self-appraisal, leadership, preference of long range goals and academic familiarity.</p> <p>The binary logistic regression indicates that age, being selected to university from Colombo district, residency in Western province, entering university from GCE A/L first attempt, obtaining a ‘Distinction’ for GCE A/L English subject, higher number of patient-oriented case discussions, positive self-concept and confidence, leadership qualities, preference of long range goals and academic familiarity all significantly increased the odds of obtaining a Honours degree.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A combined system incorporating both past academic performance and non-cognitive characteristics might help improve the selection process and early recognition of strugglers.</p>