The Association between Attendance and Academic Performance of MBBS Students of a Private Medical College in the Subject of Ophthalmology

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v38i2.1369

Abstract

Purpose:  To study the association between attendance and academic performance of MBBS students belonging to a private medical college in the subject of ophthalmology.

Study Design:  Cross sectional observational study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Akhter Saeed Medical and dental college of Lahore, from January 2021 to October 2021.

Methods:  A total of 152 students were included in study. The attendance record and test records of students in the subject of ophthalmology was retrieved. Both class test and ward tests included Short essay questions and multiple choice questions. Relationship between the attendance and test results was compared by using Pearson Correlation.

Results:  Among 152 students, 62.5%were females and 37.5% were males. The mean attendance in 3^rd year was 55.73 ± 20.44 and in 4^th year was 77.25 ± 19.03. During 3^rd year MBBS, 80.92% students had attendance below 75% and in 4^th year 32.24% had below 75%. Passed students had mean attendance of 56.82% in 3^rd year and 78.74% in 4^th year. Failed students had mean attendance of 49.27% in 3^rd year and 40% in 4^th year. Regarding ward test, students who passed their batch test in first attempt had mean attendance of 60.92% and 83.54% in 3^rd year and 4^th year respectively. Positive relationship between pass candidates in send up exams and ward tests was demonstrated by Pearson Correlation, showing significant results at 0.01.

Conclusion:  The academic performance of students is directly related with class attendance. The students with better class performance had better percentage of attendance and vice versa.

Key Word:  Medical students, attendance, academic performance.