Determinants of Academic Performance Among Undergraduates During COVID-19 in a Public University: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences Vol. 19; no. s17; pp. 9 - 15
• Main Authors: Ching, Siew Mooi, Priscilla, Wong Yi Hui, Johari, Muhammad Ikhwan, Teh, Xian Hui, Leong, Yong Jian, Mohammad AL Ansari Loganadan, Nur Hidayah, Mohamad, Fadzilah, Ismail, Irmi Zarina, Mawardi, Maliza, Awg Dzulkarnain, Dayangku Hayaty, Abdul Manap, Abdul Hadi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.12.2023
• ISSN: 2636-9346; 1675-8544
• DOI: 10.47836/mjmhs.19.s17.2

Introduction: This study aims to examine the determinants of academic performance among students in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) during COVID 19 pandemic. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted between 1st March 2021 until 15th March 2021 to determine the factors associated with academic performance during COVID 19 pandemic among medical students in a public university. The questionnaires of COVID-19 Fear Scale, Student Stress Inventory-Academic Subscale, and self-reported academic performances were used. Results: The study revealed that lower stress level (OR 0.938, 95% CI 0.893-0.984), being non-medical students (OR 3.210, 95% CI 1.844, 5.587) compared with medical students, Chinese ethnicity (OR 2.932, 95% CI 1.635, 5.258) compared with non-Chinese ethnicity and a conducive study environment (OR 1.954, 95% CI 1.168, 3.268) compared with non-conducive study environment were the determinants of good academic performance among undergraduates in a public university during COVID 19 pandemic. Conclusion: These findings indicate that low stress level, non-medical course, Chinese ethnicity, and good study environment are significant factors associated with good academic performance during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate students in a public university. Therefore, institutions may benefit from taking these factors into account when developing interventions to enhance students’ academic outcomes.