Experiences of medical students dropping out studies. A qualitative approach

Abstract

Background: Medical students have a higher prevalence of mental health problems and are more likely to drop out their studies as a result. Aim: To comprehend the academic experiences of medical students who dropped out medical studies in a university that experienced an increase in drop out by medical students and consultations to mental health services. Material and Methods: A qualitative study with a phenomenological design, in which in-depth interviews were conducted with eight medical students who dropped out studies. The analysis was carried out by means of the constant comparison method up to the level of open coding. Results: Two categories were identified, namely experiences prior to interrupting studies, which comprised the subcategories of academic and social experiences, and motives that lead to drop-out, which considered the subcategories related to vocation, mental health and pursuing other projects. Conclusions: These results identified the challenges faced by students prior to stopping-out, that are related to academic aspects, peer relations and student-teacher relationship. The main motives for drop-out reported by students were mental health problems.