Connecting Emotional Intelligence with Academic Performance and Family Dynamics among Fresh Undergraduates in a Health Sciences University: Preliminary Findings

BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital in various life domains, particularly for new undergraduates in health sciences. The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of above- average EI among fresh undergraduates in a health sciences university. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at UNIMED Ondo, assessing socio-demographic characteristics, family dynamics, psychiatric morbidity, and EI through questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 from November 2023 to January 2024. RESULTS: The prevalence of above-average EI was 92.9%. Respondents with married parents had significantly higher odds of above-average EI compared to those with non-married parents (odds ratio: 13.466, p < 0.001). Respondents who self-identified as academically "good" had 0.059 times lower odds of above-average EI compared to those who identified as "very good" academically (p < 0.001). The odds of above-average EI increased by one for each scale increase in monthly allowance (p = 0.034). Conversely, the odds decreased by 0.889 for each scale increase in Post United Matriculation Examination score (p < 0.001). The odds of above- average EI also decreased by 0.481 for each scale increase in the number of children the mother had (OR = 0.481, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fresh health sciences undergraduates demonstrated high EI, which positively impacted academic performance . Strengthening family systems is critical for enhancing EI.