Factors influencing lecture attendance by students: Health Tutors’ College-Mulago

20^th Global Nursing Education Conference

March 21-23, 2018 | New York, USA

Keren Carol Drateru

Health Tutors College Mulago, Uganda

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

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.

Biography :

Keren Carol Drateru has her expertise in handling students and passion in teaching nursing students. Her interest is to produce competent and quality nurses as a work force human resource for the nation to work in the various health facilities and also to improve the educational standard of Nursing in the country as a whole. Her positive attitude towards nursing education has seen her getting involved in teaching and participating in several nursing projects in order to improve the quality of nursing education in her country. Her commitment is seen by her gradual rise in the profession, having started as a Registered Nurse, worked in different health facilities and health training institutions and currently she is a PhD student at Texila American University