Exploring Absenteeism in Medical Education: Perceptions of Students and Professors at the University of Granada

Student absenteeism in higher education has become a growing concern due to its potential impact on academic performance and professional development. This study aims to assess the prevalence of absenteeism in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Granada (Spain) and to explore the perceptions of both students and professors regarding this issue. Attendance was recorded at two different points during the semester, and surveys were conducted among faculty members and students to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Results showed a significant decrease in attendance over the semester. Faculty members identified lack of student engagement and large class sizes as key issues, while students highlighted poor teaching methodologies and excessive workload as the main reasons for non-attendance. The findings suggest that improving teaching methods, increasing student engagement, and restructuring class formats may help to reduce absenteeism.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-025-02482-w.