KUMJ | VOL. 24 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 94 | JANUARY - MARCH, 2026

Association between Study Habits with Academic Performance of Undergraduate Medical Students: A Comparative Analysis in a Medical College of Eastern Nepal
Rizal S, Joshi BR, Regmi S

Abstract:
Background Researchers have shown that study habits are important factor which influences the academic performance of students. Moreover, understanding the relationship between study habits and academic performance can help to identify strategies to enhance the academic success of medical students. The purpose of this study is to analyze the association between study habits with the academic performance among undergraduate medical students and compare the study habits of high, average and low achieving students as application of effective learning strategies may be helpful in achieving better academic outcomes. Objective To investigate the relationship between the study habits and academic performance among medical students. Method A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among the undergraduate students of Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital. A pre-tested questionnaire was given to the students after obtaining ethical clearance. Data was collected and entered in MS Excel and was statistically analyzed using SPSS 16. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical comparison was conducted using Chi-square test and ANOVA. Level of statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. Result A total of 199 students participated in the study. Majority of the students were average performers. A strong association between the study habits and academic performance was found in our study with a significant p < 0.001 (Chi-square test). Mean value of study habits was compared between academic performances (high vs average vs low performers) using ANOVA, four of our study habits had significant association between three group with a significant p value < 0.05. Conclusion This study highlights a significant association between study habits and academic performance of medical students. Students who adopt structured and consistent study routine tend to achieve higher academic grades and success than those with less disciplined habits. This research underscores the importance of effective time management, active learning techniques and regular reviews and revision along with feedbacks from exams and assessment as the key components of successful study habits.
Keyword : Academic performance, Education, Medical students, Undergraduate