Internal factors Affecting Academic Performance among Pharmacy Students in Malaysian Public Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

Introduction: Several factors have been found to affect university students from achieving and maintaining good academic performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the internal factors that affect pharmacy students’ academic performance and to determine whether these factors have significant effect on their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and year of study. Method: A questionnaire consisted of 47 items was used as the survey instrument in this study. A total of 1,018 pharmacy students from five Malaysian public institutions of higher learning participated in this study. Result: The result of the study showed that students’ academic performance (CGPA) was significantly associated (p<0.05) with academic competency, test competency, time management skills, neuroticism and test anxiety. Academic competence, test competence, time management skills and test anxiety significantly (p<0.05) affect students with different ranks of CGPA. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in conscientiousness level among second, third and fourth years’ pharmacy students. Post hoc analysis indicated that significant difference was noted in the conscientiousness level between the second year students compared to fourth year students. In conclusion, academic competence, test competence, time management skills and test anxiety were important factors that were associated with students’ academic performance.