Keren Carol Drateru
Texila American University,Uganda
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care
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 studentsâ?? 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.
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 today she has upgraded and now is a PhD student with Texila American University
E-mail: keren.carol@yahoo.com
Journal of Nursing & Care received 4230 citations as per Google Scholar report
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