Time management is a fundamental factor for academic success, particularly in disciplines that require a balance between theoretical and practical aspects, such as nursing. This study aimed to explore the relationship between time management skills and the academic performance of nursing students at the University of Kerbala.

A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 260 nursing students from both morning and evening programs. A structured questionnaire was used, consisting of two sections: socio-demographic and academic data, and the Student Time Management Scale (STMS), which includes 28 items categorized into four domains.

The findings revealed that the majority of students (71.5%) demonstrated moderate time management skills, while 14.2% exhibited either poor or good skills.ةKey weaknesses were identified in areas such as daily prioritization and preparation for activities. Regarding academic performance, most students achieved relatively high grades, with 30% attaining a "Very Good" GPA and 22% achieving "Excellent," reflecting generally good academic performance.

Results revealed that 71.5% of students demonstrated moderate time management skills, with weaknesses observed in essential areas such as goal setting, prioritization, and routine control. Despite these deficiencies, no statistically significant correlation was found between time management skills and academic performance (ρ = 0.019, p = 0.756). Additionally, socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, marital status, and income, did not show any meaningful associations with time management skills or academic performance.

The conclusion of the study highlights that factors such as motivation, stress management, and study environment may have a more significant influence on academic outcomes compared to time management skills alone. To address the identified gaps, the study recommends integrating structured time management training into nursing curricula. This approach can help students better manage their time and succeed academically by giving them the tools they need to deal with the demanding nature of their education.

Study habits, nursing students, academic performance

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