Factors affecting student attendance within secondary schools in Wakiso district: a case study of St. Johns’ Secondary School

Abstract

Absenteeism rates within schools in Wakiso District has persistently increased because certain factors like geographical related factors and socio demographic factors have continued to deter students from attending class. Therefore, this study aims at understanding the factors that lead to high absenteeism rates within schools in Wakiso district.

The study used cross-sectional data with quantitative approach of a questionnaire. The data used in the study was collected from a sample of 221 students who were randomly selected and proportionately drawn from a population of one school out of the 580 existing schools. The response rate of the sample of students under study was 99 % and data collected was analyzed with the help of STATA software.

The findings of the study indicated that geographical related factors like distance moved to and from school as well as time taken to reach, affected students the most. This is because these factors showed a significant relationship with the attendance rates of students at schools. Majority of the socio- demographic factors such as the working sector of parents, employment status and the role played by parents towards the academic achievement of their children also had an impact on students’ attendance. A significant relationship between these socio demographic factors and student attendance was observed.

Health related factors had no significant impact on student attendance in schools within Wakiso District. I recommend a further study to be carried out by the government and Wakiso District local council to ensure improvement in the education sector. This will help reduce on the absenteeism rates among students in secondary schools.