FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR ABSENTEEISM AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITY, KARACHI PAKISTAN -A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: To determine the demographic characteristics of undergraduate medical and dental students with absenteeism and to explore the factors contributing to absenteeism among undergraduate medical and dental students at JSMU, specifically within SMC and SIOHS. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), Karachi, from September to October 2024. The sample size of 322 participants was calculated using a 50% prevalence rate, 5% margin of error, and 95% confidence level. The study included medical and dental students from Sindh Medical College (SMC) and Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences (SIOHS) who missed at least five lectures. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire assessed demographic data and factors related to absenteeism. A pilot study validated the questionnaire with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.761. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 26). Results: Of the 322 participants, 113 were male, and 209 were female. Absenteeism was most common in the 5-day range (76.4%), with class schedule inconvenience and lack of assignment checks being statistically significant reasons for absenteeism (p < 0.05). Lack of motivation and long lecture durations were also reported as key factors. Conclusion: Absenteeism is rising among health science students, with long lecture durations being the most significant factor. Improving lecture quality, reducing duration, and teaching more student-centered could help improve attendance. Keywords: Absenteeism, Motivation, Socialization