Perceived Barriers to Regular Class Attendance of BCommH Students in University of Community Health, Magway

Abstract

Education is essential not only for every citizen to survive in dignity but also for nation building. In any education settings, students’ regular class attendance plays a vital role for obtaining good academic achievements. A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among BCommH students (n=410) of University of Community Health, Magway from October to December 2017 using a mixed method with objectives of exploring their perceived barriers of regular class attendance and possible solutions. Data collected by pretested semi-structured questionnaires were entered into computers and analysed by SPSS software version 18.0 with a significant level of 0.05. Qualitative data were assessed by content analysis. Significant findings related to irregular class attendance were level of previous class [OR = 3.08 (95% CI: 1.6 – 5.91) (p < 0.005)], monthly financial aid from family of MMK 100,000 or more [OR = 2.24 (95% CI: 1.29 – 3.86) (p = 0.003)], travelling pattern to and from campus by other means [OR = 7.76 (95% CI: 2.13 – 28.21) (p < 0.005)] and lunch taking pattern in week days [OR = 1.91 (95% CI: 1.13 – 3.23) (p < 0.025)]. Among the perceived barriers most of students (82.2%) stated illness as a barrier followed by being busy with preparation for examinations (46.4%), getting up late from bed in the morning (41.1%) and lecture room with high indoor temperature (40.5%). In in-depth interviews, students mentioned the reasons of missing classes as weakness in teaching system, their socio-behavioral factors and poor class room conditions. In conclusion the present study unearthed the various perceived barriers and these barriers should be removed by appropriate means including intensive oversight of faculty and staff on the students, reinforced with introduction of time management concepts into curriculum and making teaching learning environment more friendly to and happy for students, leading to more regular attendance among the students finally to achieve their high academic grades.