Authors
1
MA of Accounting, Non-Government Higher Education Institute of Fazilat, Semnan, Iran.
2
Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
3
Professor, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
4
MSc of Clinical Psychology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
6
Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/meb.2022.353007.1064
Abstract
Background: Absenteeism among university students is a common phenomenon that has not received much attention. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing students’ absenteeism in Iranian University classrooms.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, a systemic search of online databases (Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CIVILICA, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar search engine) was conducted for related Iranian studies with no time limit up to June 2022, using the related Mesh keywords. Two reviewers evaluated the quality of eligible studies and carried out the selection procedure.
Results: Finally, 16 related articles were selected (n=3666). The results showed that various factors, such as the professors’ performance, teaching method, communication skills, evaluation system, educational curriculum, low efficiency of classes, the distance between the class buildings and the dormitory, class schedules, and fatigue from the previous class sessions, affect the attendance of students in the classroom. There was a significant relationship between students’ age and their timely attendance at the classes (p<0.05). The faculty members believed that class attendance was a criterion of student professionalism, while students generally did not agree with it (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that various factors such as professors’ performance, teaching method, evaluation system, and educational curriculum affect the attendance of students in the classroom. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate these factors causing student absenteeism and take concrete measures to reduce this phenomenon.
Keywords
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