RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INVOLUNTARY ABSENTEEISM AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ALEBTONG DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY .

Abstract

Background Involuntary student absenteeism in secondary schools is when students have to miss school due to unavoidable circumstances and cannot attend school regularly, despite there being hardship associated with it. The study aims to assess the relationship between involuntary absenteeism and the academic performance of students in secondary schools in the Alebtong district.  Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted where quantitative data was collected.A sample size of 115 respondents which included 87 students in candidate class (s.4), 24 teachers, and 4 members of the Board of Governors.  Results There was also a negative correlation between involuntary absenteeism and academic performance (-0.323**)., there is a decrease of 0.390 units in academic performance. This coefficient is also statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that involuntary absenteeism has a negative association with academic performance. The R-squared value of 0.630 suggests that 63% of the variation in academic performance can be accounted for by involuntary absenteeism. On student illnesses, this factor was perceived to have a high impact on involuntary absenteeism and academic performance. The mean response was 4.2 suggesting that respondents disagreed that students often fall ill and get hospitalized, resulting in missed lessons, exams, and assignments. This indicates that respondents believed student illnesses significantly affect academic performance.  Conclusion Student illnesses, family emergencies, and inadequate resources have a high impact on involuntary absenteeism and academic performance in secondary schools in the Alebtong district. Heavy rainfall and flooding, teacher strikes, and natural disasters were perceived to have a lower impact.  Recommendation Efforts should be made to address and mitigate student illnesses and chronic health conditions. This can include implementing health education programs in schools, providing access to healthcare facilities, and creating a supportive environment for students with health challenges.