Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Assessment of nonscholastic abilities and its associated factors among medical students: An exploratory study

Authors

. S. Ganesh Kumar
. Sonali Sarkar
Abstract
Background: Nonscholastic abilities among medical students are an important area of concern
for the health professionals. Very few studies had been conducted in the past with regard to it.
Objective: This study was an exploratory study aimed to assess the nonscholastic abilities among
medical students in a medical institution in coastal South India. Materials and Methods: This
study assessed three broad domains of nonscholastic abilities namely personal qualities,
interpersonal activities, and communication skills among 106 medical students using a
structured questionnaire (27 questions with a total score of 27). The data were analyzed by
independent t‑test and linear regression model. Results: About 41.5% (44) of the subjects were
males and 52.8% (56) of them were belonged to 18–19 years age group. Overall mean score of
nonscholastic abilities was found to be 19.40 (standard deviation = 3.27). Percentile distribution
of subjects is at score 17 (25th percentile), 20 (50th percentile), and 22 (75th percentile). Mean
personal quality domain score was found to be proportionately lesser than other domains of
nonscholastic abilities. Nonscholastic ability score was significantly associated with marks
obtained in the previous examination (P = 0.006). However, linear regression analysis revealed
that the presence of family problems (P = 0.005) and alcohol use (P = 0.026) were associated
with low nonscholastic ability score among medical students. Conclusion: Nonscholastic
abilities are still a required need in medical student’s career. Further analytical studies will help
in identifying the in‑depth evaluation of factors associated with it.

Keywords

India
medical students
nonscholastic abilities
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 7, Issue 1
March and April 2017
Pages 1-5

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