Perception of University Female Students on Factors Affecting Their Academic Performance and Competency: A Study from Dire Dawa University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Although, improvement has been observed in Ethiopia, female students’ academic competency and performance is low compared with male students because of various economical, environmental or socio cultural factors resulting higher attrition rate in their academic success. The study was designed to assess female students’ perception on factors affecting their academic competency and performance. Cross-sectional study and random sampling was applied among Dire Dawa University senior female students. Questionnaire and structured interview were used for data collection. Female students’ perception on various factors was addressed. Most female students agreed that institutional, family and their background, environmental and socio-cultural, behavioral and commitment related factors affect their academic performance and competency. They perceived that lack of self-confidence, stress, lack of preparation, university related factors (lack of proper reading place, lack of proper guidance), and students and teachers characteristics influence their competency and performance. The university management, parents, students themselves and other concerned bodies should work to reduce factors that affect academic performance and competency of female students. Projects should be designed to alleviate the problems so as to make female students competent and successful in their academic life.