The Predictability of Anatomical Self-Efficacy Perception Levels of Associate Degree Students in Academic Performance
Abstract
Objectives: Anatomy education is a fundamental component of health education and professional competence. Anatomical self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one's ability to successfully complete anatomy instruction. This study aimed to examine the difference in anatomical self-efficacy perception score over a semester and assess its impact on predicting the academic performance of associate degree students enrolled in gross anatomy courses.
Methods: The demographic data of the students were collected. The “Self-efficacy Perception Scale for the Human Anatomy Course” was administered twice before the mid-term and final exams during the semester. As an academic performance, the mid-term and final exam grades were retrieved from the e-campus information system. Differences in exam grades and anatomical self-efficacy perception were analyzed using a t-test, while the effect of anatomical self-efficacy perception on exam grades was assessed through simple linear regression analysis.
Results: The mid-term (P<0.001) and final exam grades (P<0.001), and anatomical self-efficacy perception increased significantly (P<0.001). A simple linear regression analysis showed that both midterm (P<0.001) and final exam grades (P<0.001) were predicted by anatomical self-efficacy perception, suggesting that higher self-efficacy perception is associated with better academic performance.
Conclusions: To enhance academic performance, lecturers should organize training activities designed to increase anatomical self-efficacy.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
- 1. Roddie IC. The Edinburgh Declaration. Lancet. 1988;2(8616):908. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(88)92507-x.
- 2. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev. 1977;84(2):191-215. doi: 10.1037//0033-295x.84.2.191.
- 3. Klassen RM, Klassen JRL. Self-efficacy beliefs of medical students: a critical review. Perspect Med Educ. 2018;7(2):76-82. doi: 10.1007/s40037-018-0411-3.
- 4. Burgoon JM, Meece JL, Granger NA. Self-efficacy's influence on student academic achievement in the medical anatomy curriculum. Anat Sci Educ. 2012;5(5):249-255. doi: 10.1002/ase.1283.
- 5. Taşdemir R, Sivri İ, Güzelordu D, et al. Determination of nursing students’ self-efficacy belief levels in anatomy lectures. SHS Web Conf. 2016;31:01006. doi: 10.1051/shsconf/20163101006.
- 6. Yildiz E, Colak T. The Effect of the Self-Efficiency Levels of University Students in Health Departments for the Anatomy Course on Exam Anxiety. Gevher Nesibe Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2022;7(21):81-90. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7389087.
- 7. HadaviBavili P, İlçioğlu K. Artwork in anatomy education: A way to improve undergraduate students' self-efficacy and attitude. Anat Sci Educ. 2024;17(1):66-76. doi: 10.1002/ase.2352.
- 8. Zheng B, Chang C, Lin CH, Zhang Y. Self-Efficacy, Academic Motivation, and Self-Regulation: How Do They Predict Academic Achievement for Medical Students? Med Sci Educ. 2020;31(1):125-130. doi: 10.1007/s40670-020-01143-4.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Anatomy
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
December 20, 2025
Publication Date
December 20, 2025
Submission Date
September 17, 2025
Acceptance Date
October 19, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 1970 Number: Advanced Online Publication