Volume : 3, Issue : 11, NOV 2017

ABSENTEEISM AMONG STUDENTS OF MEDICAL STUDIES: ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES

ELMEKKAOUI AMINE, BENBRAHIM ZINEB, ZAHI ISMAILI

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and causes of absenteeism among graduate medical students of Oujda university. And the correlation between non-attendance and results of the final exam.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. A comparison between two essential groups was achieved, a group of students "always present" to lectures {group(P)} and a group bringing together students "never" or "sometimes" present to lectures {group(A)}.

Results: The study sample consisted of 105 students of the second cycle of medical study (3rd, 4th and 5th years). Groups (P) and (A) were represented by 16.2% and 50.5% of students respectively. The comparison between the two groups find that 23,5% of students within group(P) are male while they are majority in group(A) (p=0,02). There were no differences between the two groups concerning age, students from rural areas, food intake in the university restaurant. But there were significant differences concerning accommodation and the high level of the mother’s education. The main reasons reported for missing lectures were
lecturer’s teaching style, social conditions and a busy schedule. A comparison between the success rates in the first session, found a rate of 82.4% among students from group(P) vs. 49.1 % group A (p=0.01).

Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of absenteeism our Faculty. The study also concluded that social conditions and the quality of the lectures were the most important factors associated with absenteeism. Paying attention to these causes could help institutions improve the learning of the medical discipline.

Keywords

Absenteeism, Nonattendance, Lectures, Medical Education, Medical Students.

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