EFFECT OF HABITUAL MUSIC LISTENING ON ATTENTION, LEARNING, AND MEMORY: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG STUDENTS IN VIJAYAWADA.

Authors

  • Srija Kachana Final Year MBBS Student, Siddhartha Medical College,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Lakshmi Divya Yadavalli Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur,Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Srujana Dampetla Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur,Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Wunnava Maruthi Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Siddhartha Medical College,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Indla Devasena Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1690

Keywords:

Music, Academic Performance, Attention, Learning, Memory, Study Habits, Habituation, Student Engagement, Cognitive Function

Abstract

Background

Music has long been considered a tool for enhancing focus and cognitive performance, yet its effects on academic performance, particularly attention, learning, and memory, are still debated. This study explores the habituation of listening to music during study sessions among students in Vijayawada and evaluates its influence on academic engagement and cognitive function.

 Objective

To determine the prevalence of listening to music while studying and assess its perceived impact on attention, learning, and memory.

 Methods

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 142 undergraduate students aged 18–30 from various colleges around Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada. The sample included 58.5% females and 41.5% males. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising multiple-choice questions regarding music preferences, reasons for listening to music, and its perceived effects on academic tasks. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis, and findings were presented in tables and charts.

 Results

Most (92.3%) of students reported listening to music while studying, with 46.8% stating it improved concentration. Bollywood music was the most preferred genre (70%), and music was most often used during assignments (65%) and least favorite subjects (67.3%). About 79% felt that music helped relax their brain, and 39% reported extended study time with music. Moderate volume and speed were preferred by 63.6% of students.

 Conclusion

Listening to music while studying is a prevalent practice among students, with most reporting positive effects on concentration, learning, and motivation. Music may be an effective cognitive aid, particularly during monotonous academic tasks.

 Recommendations

Based on the findings, it is recommended that educational institutions consider integrating music as a potential tool for improving student focus and engagement during study sessions.

Author Biographies

Srija Kachana, Final Year MBBS Student, Siddhartha Medical College,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Ms. Srija Kachana is a final-year MBBS student at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. She has a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral physiology. She has actively participated in student-led research projects focused on learning strategies and cognitive enhancement among medical students. She is also a recipient of the Undergraduate Student Research Scholarship (UGSRS), a program supported by Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, which encourages undergraduate students in health sciences to engage in research activities.ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1853-792X

Lakshmi Divya Yadavalli, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur,Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Lakshmi Divya Yadavalli is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at Guntur Medical College, Guntur. She holds both her MBBS and MD in Physiology from the same institution. Dr. Yadavalli has completed training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), organized by the Clinical Development Services Agency (CDSA) and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI). She has previously served at Dr. PSIMS & RF, China Avutapalli, and SV Medical College, Tirupati. Dr. Yadavalli has authored two research publications and has mentored Indian Council of Medical Research – Short Term Studentship (ICMR-STS) projects that have received approval from ICMR.ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1659-7159

Srujana Dampetla, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Guntur Medical College, Guntur,Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Srujana Dampetla is working as an Associate Professor at Guntur Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.  She completed her MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, and did her MD in the Upgraded Department of Physiology from Osmania Medical College,  Hyderabad. With over 11 years of teaching experience, she has successfully guided her undergraduate students in their funded ICMR projects. She published  6 research papers in reputed Journals focusing on physiology and public health.ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9259-229X

Wunnava Maruthi, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Siddhartha Medical College,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Wunnava Maruthi is currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, and obtained her MD in Physiology from Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. With over 20 years of academic and clinical teaching experience, Dr. Maruthi has mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has authored more than 10 scientific research publications in reputed national and international journals, contributing significantly to the field of physiology. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3424-7930

Indla Devasena, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Indla Devasena is currently working as an Associate Professor at SV Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, and her MD in Physiology from Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool. With over 16 years of experience, she has successfully guided both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has published over 10 scientific research papers in various journals in the field of Physiology. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8725-210X

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Published

2025-03-30

How to Cite

Kachana, S., Yadavalli, L. D. ., Dampetla, S. ., Maruthi, W., & Devasena, I. (2025). EFFECT OF HABITUAL MUSIC LISTENING ON ATTENTION, LEARNING, AND MEMORY: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG STUDENTS IN VIJAYAWADA. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(3), 10. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1690

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2025): March 2025 Issue

Section

Section of Anatomy & Physiology

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Copyright (c) 2025 Srija Kachana, Lakshmi Divya Yadavalli, Srujana Dampetla, Wunnava Maruthi, Indla Devasena

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.