Quantitative Relationship between Absenteeism and Academic Achievement among BSc Nursing Students in Private College of Lahore

Abstract

Absenteeism, characterized by frequent or prolonged absence from educational activities, remains a substantial impediment in nursing education, potentially undermining both theoretical understanding and skill acquisition. This study aimed to examine the relationship between absenteeism and academic performance among BSc Nursing students at private institutions in Lahore. A quantitative analytical cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a straightforward sampling method to recruit 152 individuals. Data were collected by an adapted questionnaire and institutional academic records, assessing the frequency of absenteeism and academic achievement. Descriptive statistics showed that 60.5% of students were female and 69.7% were between the ages of 18 and 22. Most of the students (59.9%) said their GPA were between 3.0 and 3.4. The results showed that 48% of the people who took part firmly believed that missing class made it harder for them to understand the material, while 55.3% said it was hard to catch up after being absent. Despite these perspectives, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between absenteeism and academic success (r = 0.515, p < 0.001), suggesting that some students may maintain academic performance despite irregular attendance, possibly by utilizing diverse learning strategies, peer support, or recorded materials. This result is different from what other studies found, which said there was a negative correlation. Additionally, students identified other factors contributing to absenteeism, including personal obligations, stress, and unengaging pedagogical methods. The study stresses the need for targeted measures such as flexible scheduling, faculty assistance, and interactive learning strategies to lower absenteeism and boost engagement. While the research offers significant insights, it is limited by its focus on private institutions and reliance on self-reported data, indicating the need for more comprehensive, long-term studies that incorporate clinical performance criteria.