American Research Journal of Nursing

Background: Poor performance of undergraduate nursing students in the university and professional examinations in recent times is a source of concern to both educators and other stakeholders. This study was conducted to determine the influence of study habits on undergraduate nursing students’ academic performance in the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2012 with 160 students who were in years 3 to 5 of their studies. These were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using self constructed study habits inventory questionnaire with content validity index of 0.79 and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.81. Copies of the questionnaire were completed by the students in a classroom setting after which achievement tests were administered simultaneously based on the objectives of the course. Data was analysed using Independent t-test. Results: The result obtained from the analysis of the study revealed that majority of the participants were fourth year students (72; 45%), followed by third year (64; 40%) and fifth year students (24; 15%). There were no significant differences in academic performances of the students who practiced group and individual studies, those who read at the library hostel or away from the library and those who read at daytime compared to night time. Conversely, there were significant differences in academic performance between students who had 75% and above class attendance and others with less than 75% attendance. Conclusion: The result of this study affirms the fact that class attendance influences academic performance of students. Therefore, there is need to enforce mandatory 75% class attendance for undergraduate nursing students to enhance their academic performance. Despite the insignificant results between hostel and library reading, the library should be made more conducive for reading with necessary facilities to encourage usage.