A Comprehensive Analysis of the Factors Influencing Absenteeism among Medical Students at the University of Zawia, Libya

Abstract

Attendance of undergraduate medical students is crucial for their medical education, but absenteeism is a growing problem globally due to academic and personal challenges. This study at the University of Zawia surveyed 302 undergraduate medical students, primarily female, to understand the factors influencing their attendance. The study found that, external factors like traffic congestion and high costs of private transportation impacted attendance, while pedagogical factors like preferring home-based learning and dissatisfaction with teaching methods were significant. Social factors like peer influence were less influential, suggesting commitment to the field. Institutional factors like inadequate classroom resources, poor infrastructure, scheduling, and security were major concerns. The college's response to absenteeism was moderate, suggesting that institutional issues may be less critical. The study underscores the complex interplay of external, academic, and personal factors affecting student participation in medical education. Factors like traffic congestion, high costs of transportation, and inadequate infrastructure significantly hinder attendance, while dissatisfaction with traditional teaching methods and the belief that non-attendance does not affect grades are notable academic factors. Faculty-related issues, such as unclear explanations and ineffective teaching methods, greatly influence attendance decisions. Study recommendations include improving public transportation, updating teaching tools and classroom facilities, and enhancing teaching quality and engagement to address the complex interplay of factors affecting student attendance in medical education programs.