Impact of Hand Preference on Academic Performance among Medical Students of Bayero University, Kano

Introduction: Academic performance remains a key focus in higher education, especially in demanding fields like the medical sciences. Among various factors believed to influence learning outcomes, hand preference commonly referred to as handedness has generated both scientific curiosity and cultural speculation. Aim: This study explored the possible relationship between hand preference and academic performance among undergraduate students in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at Bayero University, Kano. Methods: A total of 250 students participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, while academic performance was measured by students' Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Additional data, including age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), were also collected. Results: The majority of participants were right-handed (82.4%), followed by mixed-handed (9.6%) and left-handed (8.0%) individuals. Statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 revealed no significant association between handedness and academic performance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that handedness does not significantly influence academic performance among medical students. These results challenge some longstanding cultural biases and underscore the importance of basing educational support strategies on evidence rather than tradition.