Study Habits and Achievement: A Comparison of Medical and Paramedical Students

Background: One of the most basic methods of learning is acquired through study. Study habits and strategies applied to learning facilitate the process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the study habits of Medical and Paramedical Students in relation to their achievement. Methods: This investigation was a descriptive – cross sectional and correlational study.239 medical and paramedical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences participated in this census study. Data were collected via study habit (PSSHI) questionnaire. The PSSHI scores were correlated to students’ performance. Results: The mean and standard deviation of study habits scores were 47.74 ± 9.84 and 50.78 ± 10.02 in paramedical and medical students respectively, showing a significant difference in study habits between two groups of the students (p≤0.05). The relationship between study habits and academic performance was also significant (r =0.25, n=91, R2=0.06, p<0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed a significant difference in study habits between medical and paramedical students which reflects the importance of good and planned study habits. In addition, considering the relationship between study habits and academic achievement and importance of medical education, the students should be trained to promote their study habits and strategies.