The Correlation of Academic Achievement Index and Mental Health of Medical Students

Abstract

Academic achievement and mental health are critical determinants of success in medical education and future clinical performance. Grade Point Average (GPA) is widely used as an objective indicator of academic achievement and is often assumed to reflect academic stress. However, evidence regarding its association with mental health remains inconsistent, particularly in Indonesian medical education, where psychosocial and institutional factors may play an important role. This study aimed to examine the relationship between GPA and mental health among medical students and to inform student support policies. A cross-sectional study conducted from August to December 2024 involved a sample of 132 fourth-year medical students at Syiah Kuala University, selected through simple random sampling. Academic achievement was assessed using cumulative GPA, while mental health status was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), encompassing somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. The median GPA was 3.30 (range 2.30–3.86), and the median GHQ-28 score was 28 (range 4–74). Mental health problems were prevalent, with 56.1% of students reporting somatic symptoms, 59.8% anxiety and insomnia, 52.3% social dysfunction, and 23.5% depressive symptoms. Correlation analysis showed no significant association between GPA and overall mental health status (p>0.05). These findings suggest that academic performance alone does not adequately capture psychological well-being among medical students. Comprehensive mental health screening and integrated student support systems that address academic stress, personal challenges, and social factors are needed to promote student well-being in medical education.