ABSTRACT
To assess the association between the socio-demographic factors, parental support, lifestyle, time management and academic history with academic performance of health science students. A cross-sectional study was conducted including health science students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates between September 2013 and March 2014. A validated pilot tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data which contained questions about demographic factors, lifestyle and academic history. Academic performance was defined as self-reported grade achieved in the previous academic year. The study was ethically approved and informed consent was taken from participants. The SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and Chi-square test was used to test the significance of association. A p value of < 0.05 was accepted as a significant level. The study included 277 respondents aged between 18 and 32, with 88 males [32%] and 189 females [68%]. Majority were from the Eastern Mediterranean region countries [48%]. Most of respondents [44.7%] achieved grades between 75 and 84%. Better performance was seen amongst females [p=0.023] and among students with excellent time management skills [p < 0.001]. Students who perceived a need for help with their studies performed worse than those who did not [p < 0.001]. Higher percentage of excellent academic performance was noticed among students who had received parental support and had good sleep. Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with academic performance. Better academic performance was significantly associated with gender and time management skills. Students who perceived a need for extra help with their studies performed significantly poorer than those who did not. Excellent academic performance was found more frequently among students who had received parental support and had good sleep. Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with academic performance