Evaluation of study skills and habits in medical students

Objective: To investigate the study skills and habits of Zanjan Medical students.

Methods: in this descriptive cross-sectional study questionnaires were distributed among all the medical students of Zanjan University in spring 2005. A questionnaire containing 24 questions was designed to assess study skills and habits (time management, concentration, reading speed, note taking, study habits and comprehension). The questionnaires were distributed to all students and the next day collected. The total completed questionnaires were 181(82%). The lower score showed the higher position in each area. The median scores were compared among different subgroups using appropriate non-parametric tests (p< 0.05).

Results: The results showed that the median scores out of 4 were 2.75, 2.25, 2, 1.75, 1.75, and 1.5 in time management, concentration, reading speed, note taking, study habits and comprehension respectively. Interns had median score of (2.25 vs. 2.75, P=0.04) in time management compared with other students. The student had problems with time management, concentration, reading speed, note taking, study habits and comprehension in their studies. Interns had better scores in time management compared with other students. There was no significant difference in median scores in different conditions of students' living.

Conclusion: It appears that students possess better status in comprehension, study habits and note taking compared to other areas, and interns had better scores in time management, thus, we suggest that training courses be established in study habits and skills at the universities in order for the students to gain the information at that their entrance.