Assessment of nonscholastic abilities and its associated factors among medical students: An exploratory study

BACKGROUND Nonscholastic abilities among medical students are an important area of concern for the health professionals. Very few studies had been conducted in the past with regard to it. OBJECTIVE This study was an exploratory study aimed to assess the nonscholastic abilities among medical students in a medical institution in coastal South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study assessed three broad domains of nonscholastic abilities namely personal qualities, interpersonal activities, and communication skills among 106 medical students using a structured questionnaire (27 questions with a total score of 27). The data were analyzed by independent t-test and linear regression model. RESULTS About 41.5% (44) of the subjects were males and 52.8% (56) of them were belonged to 18-19 years age group. Overall mean score of nonscholastic abilities was found to be 19.40 (standard deviation = 3.27). Percentile distribution of subjects is at score 17 (25th percentile), 20 (50th percentile), and 22 (75th percentile). Mean personal quality domain score was found to be proportionately lesser than other domains of nonscholastic abilities. Nonscholastic ability score was significantly associated with marks obtained in the previous examination (P = 0.006). However, linear regression analysis revealed that the presence of family problems (P = 0.005) and alcohol use (P = 0.026) were associated with low nonscholastic ability score among medical students. CONCLUSION Nonscholastic abilities are still a required need in medical student's career. Further analytical studies will help in identifying the in-depth evaluation of factors associated with it.