Cost, Benefit and Risks Associated with in-Campus and off-Campus Accommodations of Medical Students: A cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2015, 4, 3, 58-62.
DOI: 10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.5
Published: Sept 2015
Type: Original Article
Authors: Vasudha Devi, Sabrina Najiha Binti Mohamad Ashari, Syahirah Binti Abd Rashid, Muhammad Azim Bin NurAdlan, and Mohamed Mazlan Bin Mohamed Musadiq

Author(s) affiliations:

Vasudha Devi¹, Sabrina Najiha Binti Mohamad Ashari², Syahirah Binti Abd Rashid², Muhammad Azim Bin NurAdlan², Mohamed Mazlan Bin Mohamed Musadiq²

¹Department of Pharmacology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal Campus, Manipal University, Manipal, INDIA.

²MBBS Students, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal Campus, Manipal University, Manipal, INDIA.

Abstract

Background: Students’ accommodation might influence their growth, behavior, and study performance. There is no clarity yet about safety issues, trends in substance abuse, and the effect of type of accommodations on students’ academic performance. Objectives: To compare students’ perceptions regarding in-campus and off-campus accommodations with respect to cost, benefits, and risks associated with them and also to investigate whether the type of accommodation affects medical students’ academic performance. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using newly designed validated questionnaires from students who had stayed in campus accommodation (n=100) and students who had stayed in off-campus accommodation (n=100). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Group-wise comparison was made using the Mann-Whitney test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The difference in the direct cost related to in-campus and off-campus accommodation was INR 43,800/month, with in-campus accommodation exceeding over off-campus accommodation. Off-campus accommodation was perceived as more comfortable than in-campus accommodation, promoting collaborative learning and alcohol and substance abuse (p < 0.05) compared to in-campus accommodation. Additionally, students who stayed on campus performed significantly better academically than those who stayed outside the campus. Conclusion: Outside hostel accommodation is favorable to students in terms of direct cost and benefits. However, risks, including alcohol and substance abuse, must be considered, and appropriate precautions should be taken, and counseling must be provided to students to avoid these risks.

Keywords: Academic Performance, Accommodation, Benefits, Cost, Medical Students