Parental problems influencing the academic achievement of medical students: a prospective study

The 227 students offered places in the 1988 medical student intake at the University of Queensland were surveyed regarding their demographic characteristics. This was correlated with the students' subsequent performance and persistence during the first year of the medical course. Coming from a lower socioeconomic background and having family problems were both associated with either a decreased academic performance or an increased attrition rate. The results are discussed, relevant literature is reviewed and suggestions for further research are made.