The academic performance of undergraduate nursing students is a critical aspect of their professional development, as it lays the foundation for their future success as competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. This study examined the socio-economic determinants of academic performance among undergraduate nursing students in South-South region, Nigeria. Four specific objectives guided the study, descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, total population of study was 442 nursing students across Levels 200 to 500. Taro Yamane formula was used to obtain a sample size of 208 respondents. Sample technique was multistage sampling, incorporating stratification by academic level and proportionate allocation. Data were collected using structured electronic questionnaire, validated for face and content, reliability was tested for internal consistency using split-half methods. Analysis was done using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). Findings revealed that access to textbooks and the internet was generally adequate (M = 3.27 ± 0.66), while living conditions and student–teacher ratio were moderately favorable to slightly unfavorable, respectively. Financial constraints were evident but did not necessitate part-time work for most respondents. Socio-economic status influenced access to academic resources (M = 3.33 ± 0.73) and created family-related academic pressure (M = 3.34 ± 0.64), yet its overall effect on performance was perceived as indirect rather than determinative. The study concludes that academic outcomes are primarily shaped by resource accessibility and supportive learning environments rather than socio-economic background alone. Based on these findings, it is recommended that interventions (such as providing affordable or free access to learning materials and enhancing student–teacher engagement through mentorship programs and smaller class sizes to mitigate socio-economic disparities), aimed at improving learning resources and study conditions may help mitigate disparities linked to socio-economic constraints.
Keywords: Socio-economic determinants, academic performance, nursing students, educational resources, financial constraints
Citation: Frank, M.D. et al., (2026). Socio Economic Determinants of Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in South-South, Nigeria. J Nurs Care Repo; 7(2):1-6.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/3065-7636.1049