Factors affecting online MCQ test performance on cell structure among first-year Vietnamese healthcare students

From 2022 to 2023, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) in Vietnam implemented shared learning, common exams, and equal study times for articulated (Course 36) and regular (Course 48) students in which regular bachelor’s degree students follow 1-credit program while pharmacy and medical students take 2-credit program. The Biology-Genetics course for all majors has shared content on cell structure, leading to a same assessment with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for all students. This study evaluates factors influencing regular online MCQ test outcomes on Cell Structure. The analysis includes 1147 online MCQ tests by Course 36 and Course 48 students in the academic year 2022-2023. Statistical tests including Pearson’s Chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, Student’s t-test, and ANOVA, are used to identify significant differences ( p < .05). The results show correlations between age groups, gender, study programs, and test completion time with regular test scores ( p < .05). Average test completion time differ significantly among majors and training programs ( p < .05). Average scores correlate with age groups, training programs, and majors ( p < .05). In conclusion, age, gender, test completion time, and training programs influence online MCQ test scores. The integration of articulated and regular students, along with shared content in exams, impacts scores. The use of the same test content for different program duration also affects outcomes. This finding suggests educators should consider these factors when designing regular tests and final exams.