FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN HEALTH COURSES: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT THE OMBAKA HIGHER INSTITUTE, BENGUELA, ANGOLA

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the factors associated with the academic performance of students at the Instituto Superior de Ombaka, Benguela, Angola, in the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. This was an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. A questionnaire covering six dimensions and 36 questions was administered to 355 students in Health Sciences programs. Inclusion criteria were: being enrolled in Health programs, having complete grade records, and voluntarily completing the questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were: students in transfer or equivalency programs and questionnaires completed less than 80%. Percentages, the chi-square test, and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were used. The overall pass rate was 65.1% (n=231/355). Students in the afternoon program performed best (82.7%). The program with the highest pass rate was Dentistry (87.5%). Students with two or more special exams had an 89.7% failure rate. Protective factors include adequate time management (OR=0.45), an appropriate study environment (OR=0.55), pre-exam review (OR=0.22), and attention in class (OR=0.30). Risk factors include knowledge of study methods (OR=1.89) and summary skills (OR=3.36). It can be concluded that structured study habits favor academic success.