Medical Students’ Absenteeism: Magnitude of the Problem and Associated Factors

Abstract

Frequent absence from the classes leads to inadequate student learning and poor performance in the exams. The
problem of University students’ absenteeism is increasing, and data about its magnitude and the associated factors
at Faculty of Medicine at Tripoli University is lacking. Hence, the study conducted to determine the prevalence of
and the main factors associated with medical students’ absenteeism at Faculty of Medicine at University of Tripoli
during the academic year 2018/2019.
A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of one month (January,2019). Undergraduate medical
students of both sexes and from all year groups of study were included using stratified random sampling technique.
Data was collected using a pre-structured, semi open-ended questionnaire. The questions were classified into 3
sections; student-related, college-related and lecturer-related factors for absenteeism. Data was analyzed using the
SPSS Version 16. Likert scale has been used to measure the students’ attitude. The total sample was 1,497 students,
490 males (32.7%) and 1,007 females (67.3%). The prevalence of absenteeism was 89%. Most students have
missed ≥ 9 classes (55%). College-related factors showed the most significant association (high Likart scale rank,
mean = 3.72, SD = 0.80). Student-related and lecturer-related factors were also significant but with a moderate
rank (mean = 2.72, SD = 0.55 and mean = 3.35, SD=0.77, respectively). Absenteeism is highly prevalent among
medical students at Tripoli University. College-related factors were the most significant factors associated with
absenteeism.