Impact of Gender and Attendance on Biochemistry Performance: A Study of BDS Students in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students’ performance in the subject of biochemistry. Its focus was on determining the influence of gender and class attendance on their scores in theory and practical assessments. Methods: For the present study data were collected from 142 BDS students enrolled in a private medical college. The study employed multivariate analysis of variance statistical analysis to assess within-subject (theory vs. practical) and between-subject (gender and attendance) effects on academic performance of BDS students. Moreover, for the identification of the predictors of average marks, multiple regression analysis was employed. Results: MANOVA results showed a distinct pattern of performance within-subject effects, with theory and practical scores showing distinct patterns of performance. Between-subject effects revealed significant differences based on attendance and gender. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between attendance and average marks, with attendance emerging as a strong predictor of academic performance. Not only attendance but gender too emerged as a significant predictor, with female students scoring comparatively higher average marks than male students. Additionally, the study found no significant interaction effects between class attendance and gender, depicting that regular class attendance is beneficial for both male and female students. Conclusion: These findings highlight the important role of attendance in improving academic performance in biochemistry, regardless of gender. Moreover, the need for promoting consistent class attendance should be emphasized for better academic outcomes among dental students.