Medical students’ perception on absenteeism: A situational analysis from a medical college in Mauritius

Abstract

Introduction:

The battle of attendance and absenteeism has long plagued both students and faculty alike, often being a factor which bars students from attempting examinations if they have not met the necessary prescribed course attendance criteria. The objective of this study is to identify and understand the perceptions of medical students on reasons as to why absenteeism occurs and the factors to improve absenteeism.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from August- September 2018 at Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College, Mauritius.

Results:

Out of 700 students, 503 students participated in the study, which gives an overall response of 71.85%. Factors for absenteeism were weather 67%, lack of motivation 53.3%, self-studying 57.5 %, health problems 56.1 % and lecture timetables 61.3%. 53.4% of South African students attributed homesickness to be a factor which precipitates absenteeism. Factors that reduced absenteeism were student counselling 65.8%, active lecture engagement 91.5%, clear and logical lectures 96.8%, reduced teaching hours 83.9%, peer mentoring by classmates and senior students 59.2% and seminars conducted by students with high absentee rates of 64.21%. It was found that the female cohort quantified peer mentoring by classmates and senior students aOR 1.506[ 1.046- 2.170], monthly counselling by the department aOR 1.122[ 0.771-1.631], seminars conducted by students with high absentee rate will improve their attendance aOR1.262[0.870-1.831] as compared to male students.

Conclusion:

The factors that reduce absenteeism should be employed more readily, and precipitate absenteeism is rectified and seen. This being implemented with the sole purpose of producing capable and viable graduates.