A Case-control Study on Personal and Academic Determinants of Dropout among Health Profession Students

Thamir Aldahmashi, Thekra Algholaiqa, Ziyad Alrajhi, Thamer Althunayan, Irfan Anjum and Bader Almuqbil

Higher Education Studies, 2021, vol. 11, issue 2, 120

Abstract: An adequate number of healthcare providers is an essential factor in the prosperity of a population. One challenge faced by universities is student dropout. This case-control study aimed to examine the academic, psychological, medical, social, as well as female-related risk factors at a health-sciences university in Saudi Arabia in the academic year 2016-2017. The study included a total of 723 students, of whom 143 dropped out. A validated questionnaire was used to assess risk factors. Comparisons were made using chi-square test with the outcome of interest being dropout at the end of the academic year. Around 20% of students had dropped out by the end of the academic year 2016-2017. Significant risk factors for dropout included male gender, lack of previous university degree, having a primary as well as a secondary specialty choice, not matching into the first specialty choice, English language, and female-related risk factors, such as pregnancy. Health-care education is an inherently stressful environment where dropout is a concerning phenomenon. It is imperative to recognize risk factors and develop strategies to ensure students’ successful adaptation and progress. Policymakers should be aware of the impact of academic and gender-related factors to address and help limit the number of students dropping out of highly needed professions.

Date: 2021
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