Predictors of academic performance and education programme satisfaction in occupational therapy students
Original version
Bonsaksen, T. (2016). Predictors of academic performance and education programme satisfaction in occupational therapy students. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 0308022615627174. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0308022615627174Abstract
Introduction:
Thriving and performing well in entry-level programmes is important to occupational therapy students, but also for
the competitive status of the institutions providing their education. The literature is sparse concerning the factors of importance for
occupational therapy students’ academic performance in, and satisfaction with, their education programme.
Method:
This cross-sectional study explored sociodemographic, relationship, education and work-related variables and their
associations with the students’ academic performance and satisfaction with the education programme. The data were analysed
with multivariate linear regression.
Results:
Participants were 123 students (mean age 24 years, 80% women) enrolled in an undergraduate occupational therapy
programme in Norway. Having prior experience of higher education was associated with better academic performance, whereas
having occupational therapy as the highest priority line of study at entry, and spending fewer hours on self-studies, were
associated with lower satisfaction with the education programme.
Conclusion:
To improve academic performance, occupational therapy educators are encouraged to help students learn about the
tasks, requirements, standards and culture that constitute higher education. To improve satisfaction, it may be most efficient to
target students who initially indicate the most interest in studying occupational therapy