AUTHOR=Mohamed Wazil Shahnaz , Nandagopal Sathyapriya , Abdul Rahim Sanaullah Afreen , Susan Mathew Liju , Nosseir Nermine , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Sreejith Anusha , Nabeel Alsaad Latifa , Muttappallymyalil Jayakumary 

TITLE=Determinants of academic performance of healthcare professional students in a medical university, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1554022

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2025.1554022

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundLearning environments, lifestyle habits, and personal and social factors can significantly influence the academic performance of healthcare professional students. Additionally, individual study approaches may impact their academic outcomes. Understanding these contributing factors is essential for supporting student success and optimizing educational outcomes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 521 healthcare professional students aged 18 and above using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, academic performance (measured by CGPA), learning environments, lifestyle habits, and personal and social influences. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS version 29.ResultsThe study revealed that age, nationality, course of study, and academic year were significantly associated with CGPA, while gender showed no significant association. Most students reported a preference for visual learning styles, the use of active recall as a study technique, and studying primarily at home. Key factors such as mental health status, home-based learning environments, and peer/family support were also significantly associated with higher academic performance.ConclusionMultiple factors, including learning styles, study techniques, learning environments, and personal and social influences—can positively or negatively affect the academic performance of healthcare professional students. Addressing these factors through targeted support programs and awareness initiatives is essential to foster academic success and well-being among students.