Factors predicting dropout in student nursing assistants

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Occupational Health
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Student nursing assistants (NAs) in Denmark experience high dropout rates exceeding 20%.
• Understanding predictors of dropout is crucial for improving retention in healthcare education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if recent low back pain (LBP) history predicts dropout among NA students.
• To analyze LBP prediction in conjunction with conventional risk factors, general health, and physical fitness.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study with 14-month follow-up in two Danish health and social care schools.
• Comprehensive baseline questionnaires and physical fitness assessments (balance, endurance, flexibility).
• Dropout defined as failure to complete the NA education program.

Main Results:

• Recent LBP was not an independent predictor of dropout.
• Among women with LBP, previous heavy physical workload, low mental health, and poor back extension endurance increased dropout risk (OR=2.5).
• Low height was the only significant predictor of dropout among men.

Conclusions:

• Recent low back pain history alone does not predict NA student dropout.
• LBP becomes a significant risk factor for dropout when combined with other physical and mental health factors, especially in women.