title: Non-cognitive characteristics predicting academic success among medical students in Sri Lanka.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To identify non-cognitive and socio-demographic characteristics determining academic success of Sri Lankan medical undergraduates.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study among 90 recently graduated students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Students were stratified into two equal groups; 'High-achievers' (honours degree at the final MBBS examination) and 'Low-achievers' (repeated one or more subjects at the same examination). A revised version of the Non-cognitive Questionnaire (NQ) with additional socio-demographic data was the study instrument. Academic performance indicator was performance at the final MBBS examinations. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed using the dichotomous variable 'Honours degree at final MBBS' as the dependant factor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Males were 56.7%. Mean age ± SD was 26.4 ± 0.9 years. 'High-achievers' were significantly younger than 'Low-achievers'. Significant proportion of 'High-achievers' were from the Western province and selected to university from Colombo district. A significant majority of 'High-achievers' entered medical school from their first attempt at GCE A/L examination and obtained 'Distinctions' at the GCE A/L English subject. 'High-achievers' demonstrated a significantly higher mean score for the following domains of NQ; Positive self-concept and confidence, realistic self-appraisal, leadership, preference of long range goals and academic familiarity.The binary logistic regression indicates that age, being selected to university from Colombo district, residency in Western province, entering university from GCE A/L first attempt, obtaining a 'Distinction' for GCE A/L English subject, higher number of patient-oriented case discussions, positive self-concept and confidence, leadership qualities, preference of long range goals and academic familiarity all significantly increased the odds of obtaining a Honours degree.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combined system incorporating both past academic performance and non-cognitive characteristics might help improve the selection process and early recognition of strugglers.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka. priyanga.ranasinghe@gmail.com
authors.forename: Priyanga
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ranasinghe
authors.forename: Amaya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ellawela
authors.forename: Saman B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Gunatilake
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013188:Sri Lanka; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires