Comparative Investigation of Academic Motivation and Academic Achievement among Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medicine Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Background and aim: Academic motivation is among the essential factors influencing students' academic achievement. It has been shown that there is a relationship between learning and motivation, as previous knowledge of learners affects their motivation. Therefore, this study was conducted in 2019 to compare the academic motivation and academic achievement of students majoring in dentistry, pharmacy, and medicine at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Materials and methods: The present analytical study was conducted in the first semester of 2019/2020. The statistical population consisted of dental, medical, and pharmaceutical students (n=240) at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, who were randomly selected and participated in the study. Data were collected using a demographic information form and an academic motivation scale. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and SPSS version 25 software. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean score of intrinsic motivation (to know) between dental, medical, and pharmaceutical students (P<0.05). There was also no significant difference in the mean score of extrinsic motivation (integrated regulation) between the students of the School of Dentistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy (P>0.05). In other words, strengthening academic motivation led to an increase in students' academic achievement. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between academic motivation and academic achievement between dental and pharmaceutical students (P>0.05). Conclusion: Motivational factors play an essential role in academic performance, and since academic achievement in dental, medical, and pharmaceutical students is associated with community health, it is suggested that medical school officials and planners pay further attention to the components of motivation.