Patterns of learning styles and study habits among undergraduate medical students of Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sharmin Zaman Khan; Sheela Khan; Tanima Sharmin; Sayma Kamrun; Partha Sarathi Podder

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261397

Authors

Sharmin Zaman Khan Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sheela Khan Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tanima Sharmin Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sayma Kamrun Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Partha Sarathi Podder Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261397

Keywords:

Bangladesh, Learning styles, Study habits, Medical students, Academic performance

Abstract

Background: Learning styles and study habits are key determinants of medical students’ academic success, yet little is known about these factors among students in private medical colleges of Bangladesh.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 237 MBBS students from July to September 2023 using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic factors, VARK learning styles, and study habits were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Visual learning style was predominant (56.5%), followed by auditory (39.7%) and kinesthetic (10.5%). Most students studied 3–5 hours daily and followed routine schedules mainly during examinations. Visual learners achieved significantly higher GPAs (4.72±0.31; p=0.021) than auditory or kinesthetic learners. Study environment and sleep quality also influenced performance (p<0.05). Students who studied in quiet settings, maintained adequate sleep, and used smartphones for academic purposes demonstrated better results. Logistic regression identified visual learning style (OR=1.84), ≥5 hours of daily study (OR=1.68), adequate sleep (OR=2.20), and academic phone use (OR=1.78) as significant predictors of high GPA.

Conclusions: Visual learning preference, structured study habits, sufficient sleep, and purposeful technology use contribute positively to academic performance. Incorporating multimodal teaching approaches and promoting healthy study routines may enhance learning outcomes and overall student well-being.

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