Seven Factors Affecting Medical Undergraduate Students’ Performance in Academics: A Study Using Ron Fry Questionnaire in Eastern India

INTRODUCTION: Undergraduate medical students are adult learners facing various assessments through examination during academic course, but the result is unsatisfactory. This study aimed at identifying the gaps in academics and finding out areas for improvement among the identified factors affecting the students’ performance. METHODS: A questionnaire survey prospective, cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire- based study was conducted among the 3rd semester undergraduate students (N=215) in a Government Medical College of Eastern India by census method using predesigned, pretested, validated tool designed by Ron Fry. A total of 200 students participated in this study. A closed questionnaire containing 28 questions with dichotomous options was distributed. Data collected were tabulated in MS Excel spreadsheet and evaluated according to the proposed guidelines on seven factors: concentration, comprehension, test anxiety, organization, research aptitude, computer skill, and taking notes. Statistical significance of the data distribution among different groups was estimated using Chi-square tests in MS Excel 2010 software, and p<0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Among 200 participants (response rate=93%), 196 were (Male=142, Female= 54) accepted; the respondats’ age range was 18-22 years. Of them, 48 students obtained honours marks (≥75% in any subject). 137 (69.9%) students had lacunae in any of the above-mentioned domains, comprehension (97.9%) being the highest. The major determining factors were test anxiety along with note taking and concentration. The differences between the males and females regarding concentration (p=0.008) and note taking (p=0.009) were statistically significant. Test anxiety was the differentiating factor (p=0.013) between honours and non-honours candidates. CONCLUSION: Researches worldwide have identified extrinsic, intrinsic, personal, and miscellaneous factors affecting the students’ performances. This is a multifaceted issue which can be managed individually. Few of the most important determinants were dealt with in this study. To perform well, every student should understand what to learn, what to remember, and how to represent in examinations. This study will help the education authorities to guide the students and implement Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) based on Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) module in India.