Association of the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Medical Students With Positive Well-Being, Intelligence, and Factors of Academic Success

Abstract

Background: The academic performance of medical students may affect their competence in future career prospects. Developing students' subjective well-being to improve academic performance is complex and has been investigated for many years. This cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between academic performance, general intelligence, and medical students' positive well-being.Methods: This cross-sectional, internet-based survey included male and female medical students from preclinical and clinical years at one of the largest public-sector universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between February 2020 and April 2020. The questionnaire included the World Health Organization-Five (WHO-5) Well-being Index, the Draw-A-Person Intellectual Ability (DAP: IQ) Test, and the Academic Success Inventory for College Students (ASICS). Academic performance was represented by a self-reported highgrade point average (GPA). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between academic performance and each of the well-being scores, intelligence, and academic success factors. Statistical significance was established at a p-value less than 0.05.Results: Responses were received from 176 medical students. Most participants were males (93.8%). There was a significant association between GPA above 4.5 and the total WHO-5 well-being score (p = 0.013), the ASICS general skills (p = 0.007), perceiving instructor efficacy (p = 0.005), confidence (p < 0.001), personal adjustment (p = 0.023), and lack of anxiety (p = 0.006). No association was found between GPA and intelligence quotient (IQ) or well-being when other factors were adjusted.Conclusions: Good academic performance is associated with subjective well-being and domains of academic success, such as perceived efficacy of the instructor, confidence, and personal adjustment. Implementing student development programs in medical schools can have a positive impact on students' academic performance and skills. Future studies assessing the different student support and development programs and their impact on academic success are needed.

Emotional intelligence and academic performance in a sample of university students: A correlational study

“…(16) El DA de los estudiantes universitarios representa una preocupación importante para los estudiantes, las autoridades universitarias y las partes interesadas. (17) Los estudiantes con buen DA poseen una mayor capacidad para decidir sobre su futura carrera y lograr el éxito. (18) Sin embargo, varios factores relacionados con los estudiantes y con los docentes pueden afectar su desempeño en la universidad.…”