Scholastic performance of adolescents.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To find out the factors affecting scholastic performance of adolescents belonging to various groups and the determinants for poor scholastic performance. METHODS: 1892 adolescents of 13 to 19 years age group belonging to different category of schools were interviewed and assessed by a team consisting of pediatrician, psychologist and PG-DCCD* students using Teenage Screening Questionnaire--Trivandrum and Study Habit Rating Scale. Daily study pattern, Family environment, Education status of parents, Personal distractions, and Attitude towards studies were observed as factors affecting scholastic performance. RESULT: On multivariate analysis the predictor variables for poor scholastic performance were; lower studying daily lessons, poor concentration in studies, lower education status of father and unhappy family. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to identify determinants of scholstic performance and plan intervention strategies at school level.