Medical Students’ Study Skills and Habits in Zanjan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract Introduction: During their long period of study, medical students face a large variety of texts and contents which require adequate time and an organized plan to study. This study was performed to determine medical students’ study skills and habits in Zanjan Medical University. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, all medical students in different years of study (n=220) were selected in 2004. A valid and reliable questionnaire including demographic characteristics and 24 questions with 5 point Likert scale ranging from completely agree to completely disagree was distributed as group administered. Lower scores indicated more appropriate study skills and habits. Data analysis was done by SPSS software through calculating Median, and performing Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis. Results: The median scores for the skills of time management, concentration, reading speed, note taking, study habits and comprehension were 2.75, 2.25, 2, 1.75, 1.75, and 1.5 out of 4, respectively. Male students had significantly better concentration, time management and comprehension than female students. Interns had better condition in time management compared with other students. There was no significant difference between the median scores according to different living places. Conclusion: Medical students had better situation in study habits, comprehension and note taking. Regarding gender, male students had better condition in some skills compared to female students. Teaching study skills as workshop or course credit, can help medical students in better learning and understanding.