Explorations of Factors Contributing to Junior High School Students’ Absenteeism in Asante Akyem Central Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Factors contributing to Junior High School (JHS) students’ absenteeism have been extensively explored in developing countries; however, not much is known in Ghana especially in Asante Akyem Central Municipality. This knowledge gap if not addressed could retard the attainment of the United Nations Education-Related Sustainable Development Goals. The objective of the study was thus to explore factors contributing to Junior High School students’ absenteeism in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey design through the use of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The population of the study was students, teachers, parents and community opinion leaders. A sample size of 570 was used. Questionnaire, register, terminal report, focus group discussion guides and interview were used to take data from the study participants. Quantitative data were analysed using ANOVA and linear regressions while qualitative data were analysed using narrative analysis. The quantitative analysis revealed that parents/guardians’ level of education did not influence absenteeism. The study revealed that unlike fathers’ level of income, mothers’ level of income was associated with absenteeism among students. The study further found out a relationship between persons’ students were staying with and their absenteeism. It was again established that there was association between the number of times parents/guardians attend PTA meeting and absenteeism among students. The results showed that test scores or marks obtained in all subjects (English, Mathematics or Science collectively) significantly impact the number of times students attend school. In view of the findings, the Ghana Education Service should provide adequate teaching and learning resources for junior high schools in order to improve students’ academic performance with the view of reducing absenteeism. It is recommended that parents should endeavour to participate in PTA meetings periodically so that absenteeism can reduce. It is further recommended that government should place emphasis on improving the economic potentials of mothers since their level of income influences absenteeism.