20^th Global Nursing Education Conference

Biography

Biography: Keren Carol Drateru

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Globally, student absenteeism is seen as a period of time when students do not attend classes. This is a serious concern for lecturers at institutions of higher learning. In South Africa, student absenteeism is rampant amongst university and college students and it is also a problem in Health Tutors College, Mulago. Absenteeism leads to poor performance of the learners in examinations and late submission of assignments. The purpose of this study is to explore the demographic characteristics of the students, causes of their absenteeism and reasons for regular attendances.

Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive and cross sectional study design was used to study 103 students of Bachelor of Medical Education in year I, II & III. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS statistical programmes.

Findings: Results of demographic characteristics showed most Health Tutor students are aged between 31-40years (78%; n=103), married (70.9%; n=103) and with children (75.7%, n=103). The leading causes of absenteeism reported were family and social responsibility (81.6%; n=103), work/job related engagements (60.2%; n=103) and staying away looking for fees (57.3%; n=103). Leading reasons for regular attendance reported were good personal health (94.2%; n=103), active interesting lecture (87.4%; n=103) and regular lecture with good time keeping (84.4%; n=103).

Conclusions: Majority of Health tutor students’ encore absenteeism as a result of family, social responsibility and work/job related engagements while the leading cause for regular attendance is good personal health. Recommendations are made for students to attend induction training, seek guidance and counselling and have well balanced plans and size up their personal commitment to attending lectures. The staff should ensure that lectures are interesting, guiding and should counsel students.