BMI and Attitude as Predictors of Academic Performance of Level 1 Medical Students of the AUP College of Medicine

Abstract

This study determines the relationships between Body Mass Index (BMI), student attitude, and academic performance as measured by Grade Point Average (GPA) among Level 1 students at the Adventist University of the Philippines – College of Medicine. Forty-seven participants, a total enumeration of students enrolled, was used to ascertain the extent to which BMI and attitude individually affect academic outcomes. Data were collected through a survey, which included questions on students’ attitudes, a records review of the GPA, and anthropometric measures for BMI calculation. Using correlation analysis, the study found no significant relationship between BMI and GPA, indicating a very weak but negative correlation. This means that the GPA tends to decrease for every increase in BMI. On the other hand, the relationship between attitude and GPA turned very weak and negative, with almost no correlation. While statistics failed to reveal a distinct relationship between BMI, attitude, and GPA, it is important not to dismiss the clinical and practical significance of BMI and attitude in the overall health and well-being of students. These must encourage students to have optimum health by continuing the implementation of lifestyle medicine-related programs. Furthermore, faculty members must be encouraged to actively engage with the medical students to reinforce positive attitudes of physicians as they serve as role models.