THE PROCRASTINATION EPIDEMIC: EXPLORING ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objective: To explore academic procrastination from the perspective of medical students. Methodology: An exploratory qualitative study design with a case study approach was adopted for this study. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct seven interviews with medical students from various medical colleges under three different universities and in two provinces of Pakistan, at which time the saturation point was achieved. The interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken using triangulation. Results: Through thematic analysis, five major themes emerged, reflecting the complexity of academic procrastination among medical students. “The Procrastination Paradox – A Love-Hate Relationship” showed that Most Medical students are aware of their procrastination habits and recognize their negative consequences. “The Medical Student Mindset – Why We Delay” showed that students procrastinate for various reasons, including perfectionism, stress, and lack of interest. “The Digital Distraction Trap” highlighted the role of technology, especially social media and streaming platforms, plays a major role in enabling procrastination. “Last-Minute Heroes – Thriving or Crumbling Under Pressure” showed that Some students thrive under last-minute pressure while others find themselves overwhelmed. The last theme, “Breaking the Cycle – What Works and What Doesn’t,” was based on the student’s attempts at various strategies to overcome procrastination, with mixed success.  Conclusions: Academic procrastination among MBBS students is a complex phenomenon determined by psychological, environmental, and structural variables. Although procrastination is sometimes seen as helpful by some students in boosting productivity at the last moment, it most commonly contributes to stress, anxiety and poor mental health. Proven strategies like peer accountability, organized study plans, and consistency have been found to counter procrastination more effectively than self-discipline.