Causes of absenteeism and lack of attention to the instructions among medical students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch

Learning is considered as the basis of the education system, and the other issues in this field depend on this important factor. The students’ presence and their participation in the classroom are considered as the foundation for learning and education. This study was conducted to assess the causes of absenteeism and lack of attention to the instructions among medical students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch. The participants of this causal- comparative study consisted of 375 students from basic medical science group. The instrument used for the present study was a 3- section form designed by the researcher himself. Among the 4 factors affecting students’ presence in the classroom, the instructors’ performance was the major cause of their absenteeism and the next parameter was educational programming. Self and family problems and medical science situation in society were the other effective factors, respectively. According to our findings, the accurate and continuous assessment of the quality of instruction, holding methodology, expression skills, and successful interrelation skill workshops for the instructors especially the inexperienced, and modifying the educational programs will increase the students’ interest to participate more in the classroom.