Psycho-behavioural Factors Contributing To Truancy Among Malay Secondary School Students In Malaysia
- Author:
Shamsul Azhar Shah
;
Azura Abdullah
;
Azimatun Noor Aizuddin
;
Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
;
Nazarudin Safian
;
Rozita Hod
;
Rahmah Mohd Amin
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Truancy, Malay Students, Coping Strategies, Delinquent Behaviours
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2012;13(2):1-10
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: Truancy is a disciplinary problem, which frequently occurs among school students and it has many contributory as well as inter-related factors. It is a growing problem in this country and it often becomes a prelude to other delinquent behaviours. The study objective is to determine the prevalence of truancy as well as factors related to it including psycho-behavioural factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 556 Malay student’s selected using multi-stage sampling was
conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of truancy is 30.2%. The predictors to truancy are age, students who frequenting entertainment centre, students who have
not completed Quran recital, coping strategies using problems solving methods and time spent watching television/video. There is a significant association between truancy and psycho-behaviour such as watching video/internet pornography, frequenting entertainment centre, smoking, motorcycle racing and dating a special
friend. Conclusion: Truancy is a social issue, which must be given serious attention by all concerned components of the society.