High Levels of Academic Procrastination do not Influence the Academic Performance of Nursing Students during Internship

Introduction: Academic procrastination (AP) is a global phenomenon that significantly affects college students, potentially influencing their academic performance and mental well-being. Objective: To investigate the relationship between levels of academic procrastination and the academic performance of nursing students during their internship in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 112 nursing interns aged 18 years and above and enrolled in the 2019-I semester. The participants completed the Academic Procrastination Scale (EPA), a Likert-like scale consisting of 12 items, which measured two dimensions: academic self-regulation (9 items) and procrastination of activities (3 items). A threshold score of 36 points was used to identify high levels of academic procrastination. Academic performance was assessed on a scale of 0-10 (failed), 11-14 (passed), 15-17 (remarkable), and 18-20 (outstanding). Results: The average age of the participants was 29 years, with 88.4% being female. The study found that 72.3% of nursing students exhibited higher levels of AP, particularly among women (62.5%) and younger students (59.8%). On a global scale, 70.3% of students achieved a remarkable grade, with 51.8% of these students also exhibiting a high level of AP. However, no significant differences were found in academic performance based on the level of AP (p=0.918). Conclusion: Although nursing students displayed a higher level of AP, this study did not find a significant association between academic procrastination and academic performance during the internship period. However, it is crucial to monitor AP in nursing students throughout their studies to identify potential factors that may contribute to its impact and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.