RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The impact of low self-esteem on academic achievement and the behaviors related to it among medical students in Saudi Arabia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 613
OP 620
DO 10.15537/smj.2023.44.6.20230055
VO 44
IS 6
A1 Alghamdi, Saleh A.
A1 Aljaffer, Mohammed A.
A1 Alahmari, Faisal S.
A1 Alasiri, Ahmed B.
A1 Alkahtani, Abdullah H.
A1 Alhudayris, Fadhah S.
A1 Alhusaini, Bassam A.
YR 2023
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/44/6/613.abstract
AB Objectives: To measure the prevalence of low self-esteem among medical students in Saudi Arabia and determine its impact on their behaviors and academic achievement.Methods: We hypothesized that the level of self-esteem reflected on the student’s academic performance and linked to some of their behaviors. A cross-sectional study was carried out among students of the medical colleges in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically using social media platforms, socio-demographic data, Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, and a questionnaire about self-esteem-related behaviors.Results: Of 1099 participants (55.9% females and 50% males), 24.1% showed low self-esteem. Independent significant predictors of low self-esteem were female gender and diagnosis with mental illness. Increasing GPA was associated with better self-esteem. Participating in students’ study groups and attending self-development programs were estimated to be the protective factors against low self-esteem.Conclusion: One-quarter of medical students are assumed to have low self-esteem. Improved GPA ratings positively influence self-esteem, while attending students’ study groups and self-development programs were identified as protective factors for low self-esteem. Further studies are needed to shed more light on this important topic.