Do family characteristics predict student absenteeism?

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between family characteristics and Junior High School students’ absenteeism in selected schools in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of Ghana. A total of 408 students were included in this study. This study accentuates the instrumental role that family ties, parents’ economic status, mothers’ income and parents–teachers’ association meeting attendance play in influencing students’ absenteeism. For example, the study found that mothers’ level of income negatively predicted the number of times students absent themselves from school in a term. As mothers’ income increases, the number of times students absent themselves from school decreases. Understanding the significant role family characteristics play in student’s school attendance is vital for promoting students’ attendance and school engagement. Implications for policy and practices are discussed.