Undergraduate medical student attrition at Maseno University School of Medicine

Abstract

Background: Admission into medical schools is highly competitive. Despite having lower attrition rates than other university programmes, medical school attrition varies from as low as 3.8% to as high as 80%. Student attrition has several causes and affects the students and other parties.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the attrition rates of students who graduated from Maseno University School of Medicine, and the perceptions of ongoing students on the causes and effects of student attrition in the school.

Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods design with quantitative data from a review of student data for six graduated cohorts, analysed using the R programme, as incidence and attrition rates, displayed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Qualitative data from focused group discussions with ongoing students which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results: The mean student attrition rate at the school was 25%, with a statistically significant increase between subsequent graduating cohorts (p= 0.0004), direct entry students had a higher attrition than self-sponsored students (p= 0.0016). The students perceived academic difficulty, economic reasons and lack of social support as the top causes of attrition. The most significant effect of attrition was on the mental health of the affected student.

Conclusion: Student attrition rates at Maseno University School of Medicine is higher than the global average, with common causes being academic grounds, financial constraints and lack of social support. To reduce attrition rates at MSU we propose a review of the financial support system and enhancing of counselling and mental health services.