Keren Carol Drateru
Texila American University, Uganda
Title: Factors influencing lecture attendence by students: Health tutors college- MULAGO
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 (Lipscomb & Snelling, 2010:573). In South Africa, student absenteeism is rampant amongst university and college students (Wadesango & Machingambi, 2011:89), and it is also a problem in Health Tutors College, Mulago. Absentism 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 & 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 & social responsibility (81.6%; n=103), work/job related engagements (60.2%; n=103) & 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).
Conclusion: 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& counselling and have well balanced plans & size up their personal commitment to attending lectures. The staff should ensure lectures are interesting, guide &counsel students.