Determinants of Examination Malpractice Among Students of Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Examination malpractice undermines academic integrity and poses serious risks to professional competence, particularly in health science education. This study examined the determinants of examination malpractice among students at Adamawa State College of Health Science and Technology, Michika, Nigeria. Guided by Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Rational Choice Theory, the research employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach. A sample of 250 students was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results indicated that 64% of respondents had engaged in malpractice, while 72% had witnessed it. Significant predictors included peer influence (OR=2.45, p=0.002), fear of academic failure (OR=2.12, p=0.009), inadequate preparation (OR=1.89, p=0.015), and institutional lapses (OR=1.67, p=0.042). Moral conviction was a protective factor (OR=0.61, p=0.028). The findings highlight the need for holistic interventions combining policy reform, academic support, ethical education, and institutional accountability to uphold integrity in health science education.