Using Factor Analysis to Determine the Most Important Factors Affecting Student Absenteeism at Cihan University- Erbil

The review of the relevant literature reveals that the issue of absenteeism among students was not new. The researcher intended to explore the factors affecting absenteeism and to find a solution to solve this issue. For this purpose, a mixed methods research was designed. To analyze this problem, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted in this study. In quantitative approach a close ended questionnaire was developed to collect data. The sample comprised of 470 students out of total population of (4892). A descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. ‎Transcriptions were analyzed through Thematic Description Approach under the qualitative ‎methods using IBM SPSS version 25.0. The results revealed significant factors of the phenomenon. It was delimited to the Cihan University-Erbil only, but the findings can be generalized all over Kurdistan Region, because of the many similarities in our educational system (examination, large scale assessment and resources).