Student attrition in the Ontario midwifery education programme

Area of Science:

• Higher Education Research
• Student Support Services
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• University student attrition is a significant concern impacting institutional success and student outcomes.
• Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind student withdrawal is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors associated with student withdrawal during university training.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing student retention.

Main Methods:

• An Internet-based survey questionnaire was designed and administered to assess student experiences.
• Participants included senior-level students (years three and four), graduates, and students who withdrew from two Ontario, Canada universities.

Main Results:

• Students who withdrew were more likely to report insufficient academic support and unpreparedness for time commitments.
• Taking a leave of absence, particularly maternity leave, was identified as a significant risk factor for program departure.

Conclusions:

• The study identified significant factors contributing to student attrition, including academic support and leave of absence.
• These findings provide a basis for developing specific interventions to improve university student retention rates.