A Study of the Relationship between Students’ Biopsychosocial Problems And Academic Performance in Ghana: A Case Study of Senior High Schools in Tema Metropolitan District

Abstract

Poor academic performance among students is a global phenomenon that has multifaceted factors precipitating it and Ghanaian students cannot be an exception. This study examined the relationship between senior high school students’ financial, physical-health, psychological, relationship, school-related problems and their academic performance. Two hundred and seventy-seven respondents were selected using stratified random sampling technique from three senior high schools in the Tema Metropolitan District for this correlational survey. Findings revealed that financial, physical-health, psychological, and relationships did not significantly predict poor academic performance. However, schoolrelated problems significantly predicted poor academic performance and female students had significantly more problems than their male counterparts whilst SHS 2 students had significantly more problems than SHS 1 students. Hence, the need for school counsellors to offer effective comprehensive guidance services are emphasized.