Mid-year test score achievement and absenteeism days

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the relation between mid year test score achievement of the 4th grade medical students [fifth group] followed practical course of public health and community medicine and their recorded absenteeism days during the first session of the study year 2005-2006. The fifth group of the 4th grade medical students [78 students], Al-Azhar faculty of medicine for boys, Cairo, who followed practical course of public health and community medicine during the first session of the study year 2005-2006 are the subjects of this study. Using a self reported questionnaire, data were collected from only 47 students agreed to participate in this study. The data collected include information about students' residence, some lifestyle factors, and their attitudes towards the teaching methods and performance, and benefit from the lectures. The absenteeism days and test score records of the students were then linked to the collected data. The average mid year test score [score points = 30] and absenteeism days [attendance days = 17] for all students [n=78] were 20.5 +/- 4.2 and 5.5 +/- 4.1 respectively. For the participated students [n=47], the average test score and absenteeism days were 20.9 +/- 4.6 and 4.2 +/- 3.5 respectively. A negative and significant correlation between test score and absenteeism days was observed among the participated students [correlation coefficient = - 0.60] as well as among all students [correlation coefficient = - 0.47]. For the participated students, the univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed also significant negative association [regression coefficient = - 0.78]. This coefficient indicates an average decrease in the test score by 0.78 for each absenteeism day. The average predicted test score for students with no absenteeism days was 24.2 score points in the univariate model and 26.8 score points in the adjusted model. Analysis by test score grades [failed, pass and good, very good and excellent], the study found significant differences between test score grades and absenteeism days, residence, and student benefit from attending the lectures. This study found a negative association between test score achievement and absenteeism days. Other studies with large number of students are needed to confirm these results and to investigate the causes of absenteeism