Abstract:
Background and objective: Education is crucial in the era of globalization and
technological revolution. Students undergo various stages of education, with academic
performance being measured through various methods. Factors affecting academic
performance include socio-demographic, academic-related, and lifestyle related factors.
This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic factors, academic-related factors, and
lifestyle-related factors associated with academic performance among the students of
Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 429 students across
selected batches from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Data were collected
using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Chi-square test was
used to assess the association of selected factors with academic performance.
Results: A majority in the sample were females (n=266, 62%). Most had got through the
G.C.E Advanced Level (A/L) in their first attempt with passes in all three subjects
(n=237, 55.2%). The proportion of female students who got through the First
Examination for Medical Degrees in their first attempt was higher than the males (60.4%,
p value=0.007). The proportion of students who got through in their first attempt was
higher than the proportion who got through in the second and third attempts (71.8%, p
value<0.001). A higher proportion of students who did their A/L in the English medium
got through the examination compared to the students who did their A/L in their native
language (56.1%, p value<0.001). All other factors that were assessed did not show any
significant association with academic performance.
Conclusion and recommendations: Except gender, attempt of entry and A/L medium,
all other factors assessed showed no significant association with academic performance.
Diverse teaching methods are recommended as different types of learners were
identified. A mandatory attendance policy could be implemented as the students who
were absent for fewer lectures showed higher academic performance. Substance abuse
awareness as having a negative impact on academic performance has been observed and
we recommend expanding the scope of research as many factors associated with
academic performance are yet to be investigated.
