Dropout Factors Research Articles

Risk factors for student dropout in higher education institutions in latin america

Introduction: In Latin America, university dropouts significantly influence the individual development of students and the socioeconomic progress of the region. Identifying risk factors allows educational institutions to recognize and address the specific needs of their students to create effective methods that foster academic success and retention. Objective: Analyze the various risk factors for student Dropout in Higher Education Institutions in Latin America with the purpose of proposing strategies that reduce the negative rates of this problem. Methods: A bibliographic review of studies published between 2010 and 2024 on risk factors for student dropout in higher education in Latin America was carried out, using relevant databases and applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Personal, academic, institutional and socioeconomic variables are part of the risk factors for University Dropout. The lack of access to Higher Education has a significant impact on the economic and social growth of Latin America since it is essential for the training of qualified professionals. The high dropout rate contributes to a less prepared workforce and limits job opportunities for young people. Conclusions: The prevalent risk factors were academic and personal associated with university dropout in Latin America, which is why various strategies were proposed to generate inclusive and equitable higher education through the reformulation of public and institutional policies.

Sociodemographic and clinical factors of dropout from inpatient detoxification treatment in patients with opioid use disorders

Sociodemographic and clinical factors of dropout from inpatient detoxification treatment in patients with opioid use disorders

An Actionable Learning Path-based Model to Predict and Describe Academic Dropout

The prediction and explainability of student dropout in degree programs is an important issue, as it impacts students, families, and institutions. Nevertheless, the main efforts in this regard have focused on predictive power, even though explainability is more relevant to decision-makers. The objectives of this work were to propose a novel explainability model to predict dropout, to analyze its descriptive power to provide explanations regarding key configurations in academic trajectories, and to compare the model against other well-known approaches in the literature, including the analysis of the key factors in student dropout. To this effect, academic data from a Computer Science Engineering program was used, as well as three models: (i) a traditional model based on overall indicators of student performance, (ii) a normalized model with overall indicators separated by semester, and (iii) a novel configuration model, which considered the students’ performance in specific sets of courses. The results showed that the configuration model, despite not being the most powerful, could provide accurate early predictions, as well as actionable information through the discovery of critical configurations, which could be considered by program directors could consider when counseling students and designing curricula. Furthermore, it was found that the average grade and rate of passed courses were the most relevant variables in the literature-reported models, and that they could characterize configurations. Finally, it is noteworthy that the development of this new method can be very useful for making predictions, and that it can provide new insights when analyzing curricula and and making better counseling and innovation decisions.

Determining factors of sports dropout of young scholars: a cross-sectional analysis in the 8-13 year age group.

This article investigates the phenomenon of sports abandonment among young scholars aged between 8 and 13 years. Regardless of the growing awareness of the importance of sport and physical activity during childhood and adolescence, this theme must be adequately explored in the scientific literature. Our study addresses this gap through a cross-sectional research design, tracking and analyzing data from a cohort of young athletes over one year. The main objective of our study is to identify the determinants leading to sports dropout in this specific age group. We looked at several possible causes through a multivariate analysis, including social pressures, parental expectations, time conflicts, physical and psychological stress, and lack of enjoyment. The results show a significant attrition rate, with psychosocial factors emerging as the most influential in determining whether a young person will continue or stop their participation in sport. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and preventive strategies that promote a positive, inclusive, and balanced sports environment for adolescents. These interventions can be particularly effective when implemented by coaches, parents and others involved in youth sports education. Finally, this paper discusses the implications of the findings for sports professionals, physical educators, and public policy makers. It highlights the need for more effective support policies and innovative pedagogical approaches to promote sporting persistence during adolescence. Our findings can serve as a starting point for further research in this field, helping to build a future where young people can enjoy the many benefits of sport and physical activity.

Analyzing student dropout factors in engineering courses using a fuzzy based decision support system

Analyzing student dropout factors in engineering courses using a fuzzy based decision support system

Reasons for university dropout in Chile: does student gender play a role?

ABSTRACT Students who drop out of university cite various reasons for their decision. Female enrolment has significantly increased over the past few decades and is now higher than male enrolment. In terms of performance, it is recognised that women perform better than males do, and fewer women drop out of university than men do. However, the relationship between specific reasons for dropping out and students' gender is unknown. This study explores a variety of dropout factors and how they relate to student gender in Chilean universities. The investigation uses information from a survey conducted in 2021 among former students from 11 universities. The survey was applied to 707 students who left their university studies and belonging to the entry cohorts of 2010, 2016 and 2017. Different entry cohorts were considered in order to make a comparative analysis based on the existent data. To ascertain the degree of associativity between reasons for dropouts and the gender of the students, statistical significance tests were utilised in the second step. Subsequently, ten logistic regression models were fitted, the results of which are presented using the odds ratio. The results show that gender has a statistically significant link, mostly with dropouts due to vocational reasons. The findings of this research allow us to reflect on the effectiveness of gender equity actions and policies that favour women.

Association between depression severity, mental health recovery and dropout from behavioral health care treatment

BackgroundUnderstanding the relationship between depression severity, patient recovery, and treatment continuity may help optimize the delivery of behavioral health services. MethodsUsing Cox proportional hazards regression, this study measures the association between treatment dropout and baseline depression severity, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the association between treatment dropout and baseline recovery, as measured by the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). The study also explores heterogeneity by service line (general mental health, substance use disorder, and eating disorder), residential versus intermediate level of care setting, age groups (adolescent and adult), and dropout factors. The data include 14,689 patients treated at a multi-state behavioral health care provider, discharged between 2021 and 2022. Premature dropout from behavioral health care treatment for any cause, patient factors and administrative factors were used as separate outcomes. FindingsA unit increase in baseline PHQ-9 was associated with a 1.2% reduced treatment dropout risk (hazard ratio (HR): 0.988; 95% confidence interval [0.983–0.992]). A unit increase in baseline RAS score was associated with 0.5% increased dropout likelihood (HR: 1.005; 95% CI [1.004, 1.007]). Subgroup analyses show associations are driven by general mental health, adolescent, and intermediate level of care subgroups. Patients with higher baseline suicidality and lower willigness to ask for helphad a reduced risk of dropout. InterpretationPatients with greater depression severity and lower recovery scores at admission were more likely to stay in behavioral health treatment, especially among adolescents, patients with general mental health issues, and outpatients.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Predictors of Success in Controlling Drop Out Pulmonary Tuberculosis: An Observational Study in Batang Regency, Indonesia

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health problem in Batang Regency, Indonesia. The high drop out (DO) rate of treatment is one of the main obstacles in controlling TB. This study aims to identify risk factors and predictors of DO for pulmonary TB treatment in Batang Regency. Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in 2023 involving 150 pulmonary TB patients who were recorded as having DO in the 2021-2022 period. Primary data was collected through interviews and secondary data from medical records. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors and predictors of DO. Results: Bivariate analysis showed that young age (<25 years) (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.54-6.69), long distance of residence from health facilities (OR = 4.12; 95% CI: 1.98-8.57), and a history of adverse drug reactions (ESO) (OR = 5.63; 95% CI: 2.65-11.94) were significant risk factors for DO. Multivariate analysis confirmed that young age (aOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.35-6.43), long distance of residence (aOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.79-8.41), and history of ESO (aOR = 5.12; 95% CI: 2.38-11.01) were independent predictors of DO. Conclusion: Young age, long distance of residence from health facilities, and history of ESO are risk factors and independent predictors of DO for pulmonary TB treatment in Batang Regency. Interventions that target these factors, such as intensive education and counseling for young patients, increased access to health services, and optimal management of ESO, are needed to increase the success of TB control.

Risk factors and service gaps affecting a sustainable work: a qualitative multi-stakeholder analysis in the context of persons with acquired brain injury living in Switzerland

IntroductionAlong with the social and economic challenges posed by an aging society, creating work conditions that allow persons to stay healthy and work into old age has become a major task of Western societies. Retaining employment after returning to work is particularly difficult for individuals with a disability, as evidenced by the high rate of premature labor market dropout. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) exemplify this challenge, as it often impairs cognitive, technical, and interpersonal abilities that are crucial in today’s labor market. To effectively support these individuals, vocational integration practitioners require comprehensive knowledge of risk factors for premature labor market dropout and effective strategies for sustainable work.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify perceived risk factors and related service gaps regarding sustainable work for people with ABI, as reported by affected individuals, employers, vocational integration professionals, and health professionals.MethodsSecondary data analysis. Data that was originally collected through seven focus groups and two interviews with persons with ABI, 15 interviews with employers, and 13 interviews with vocational integration and health professionals in the context of the project ‘Sustainable employment’ was re-analysed thematically.ResultsTwo major themes of risk factors were identified: (1) person-related factors (including the subthemes: post-ABI impairments; lack of understanding of post-ABI impairments; poor health management) and (2) environment-related factors (including the subthemes: challenges related to the service structure; insufficient knowledge and education about ABI; challenges at the workplace; difficulties in private life). While stakeholders noted the variety of the currently available services, they particularly pointed to the missing long-term monitoring and counseling services for persons with ABI following the initial return-to-work, reflecting a major challenge for sustainable work. An overarching gap related to the fragmentation of the service structure and the lack of case coordination along the working life.ConclusionsMultiple stakeholders emphasized the importance of empowering individuals, ensuring easy access to professional support, and providing a suitable work environment to address key risk factors and facilitate sustainable work for individuals with ABI. Continuous coaching, long-term monitoring and counseling following return-to-work, were identified as potential strategies to achieve these goals.

The Cascade of Care in Management of Solid Organ Transplant Candidates With Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

Solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates should be screened and treated for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to prevent tuberculosis (TB) reactivation after transplantation. We aimed to assess the steps from positive QuantiFERON (QFT) through LTBI treatment (cascade of care) in the SOT population. We conducted a retrospective study of SOT recipients older than 18 y with a positive QFT during pretransplant evaluation at the Mayo Clinic from January 2010 to June 2023. We analyzed each cascade step to determine associated drop-out factors for LTBI management. Of 629 patients who had positive QFT results, 587 (93%) were evaluated by an infectious disease (ID) specialist, 478 (76%) were recommended to start LTBI treatment, 473 (75%) initiated LTBI treatment, and 457 (73%) completed LTBI treatment. LTBI treatment was not recommended in 109 patients evaluated by infectious disease, most of whom had previously received either LTBI (n = 72) or TB (n = 14) treatment. LTBI treatment was initiated before or after transplantation for 45% and 55% of patients, respectively. Isoniazid monotherapy was the most common regimen (92%), and adverse events were rare (7%). Seven patients developed active TB infection posttransplantation under various circumstances (3 without LTBI treatment, 1 during LTBI treatment, and 3 after completing LTBI treatment). Our findings demonstrate the variability of LTBI management in SOT recipients with positive QFT. When recommended, most patients completed LTBI treatment successfully. Nonetheless, active TB was noted regardless of whether patients received LTBI treatment. This study highlights the importance of optimizing LTBI management in this population.

Who will stay and who will go? Identifying risk factors for psychotherapy dropout

AbstractObjectiveDropout from psychotherapy remains an issue across various treatment modalities and psychological disorders, with roughly 20% of clients failing to complete treatment. Dropping out of psychotherapy is associated with worse psychological and physical health outcomes. This study aimed to use a clinically generalisable definition of dropout to identify risk factors for dropping out of psychotherapy.MethodRetrospective chart review methods were used to collect data on 203 clients seen at a community‐based clinical psychology doctoral training clinic.ResultsIndependent samples t‐tests and chi‐squared tests for independence indicated that clients who dropped out of psychotherapy were more likely to be non‐students, live farther away from the treatment clinic and no‐show at least once in the first four sessions of therapy.DiscussionTo address dropout risk, it is important that clinicians be attuned to possible indicators of structural and motivational barriers to treatment engagement.

Competing Risks Model to Evaluate Dropout Dynamics Among the Type 1 Diabetes Patients Registered with the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) Program

Understanding the survival dynamics of registered patients on a disease control program is a vital issue for the success of program objectives. Dropout of registered patients from such a program is a critical issue, hindering the effectiveness of the program. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of dropout of patients who were registered on the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) program, taking a case of Uganda. Survival analysis was done by integrating competing risk of factors associated with attrition from the CDiC program. The data for the study was obtained from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) registered during 2009-2018 at health units with specialized pediatric diabetes clinics from various regions in Uganda. The study considered follow-up data of 1132 children with T1DM. Our analysis revealed that the Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly influences dropout time, with patients classified as underweight showing higher hazards than those with normal BMI. Moreover, when considering competing risks, dropout hazards increased. Comparing the Cox model with the Fine and Gray model shows the latter exhibiting a smaller AIC value, which indicates its superiority in the time-to-dropout analysis. Thus, utilizing methods that integrate competing risks for CDiC dropout analysis is preferable and recommended for related studies. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing CDiC program efficacy.

The socioeconomic determinants of University dropouts: The case of Greece

This research paper aims to explore the issue of university dropouts in Greece, which has become a growing concern in recent years due to its impact on individuals, educational institutions, and society as a whole. One of the main contributing factors to students discontinuing their higher education in Greece is the choice of the wrong faculty. Financial challenges, unrelated to tuition fees, also significantly affect students’ ability to pursue their studies. Family background plays a crucial role, with students from families with higher educational attainment exhibiting greater persistence. The study found that gender, age, and academic performance can influence students’ perceptions of dropout factors, which can change as they progress through their educational journey. To address these challenges, the research proposes a multifaceted approach, including early intervention programs, expanded financial support, improved mental health and counseling services, flexible learning options, and strong academic advising.

Student Dropout: The Case of Government Schools in South Ethiopia Region

Attainment of targets set to control dropout was by far behind in the government schools in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was designed in order to address student dropout experienced in the study area. The study employed mixed research method and parallel convergent design. Data were collected from students, teachers, parents and related stakeholders. The quantitative data were analyzed using mean, independent samples t-test and pearson’s correlation, whereas the qualitative ones through narration. The study revealed that the overall dropout status was moderate yet varying with the types of the community’s economic activity. Factors of dropout among the pastoralist community and that of agrarian and cash crop production areas also vary accordingly. Thus, developing community engagement project involving essential collaborators was suggested for intervening with the challenges identified. Further rigorous studies need also be conducted to intensify and scale up the impact.

Risk factors for dropout from psychological substance use disorder treatment programs in criminal justice settings

BackgroundSubstance use disorders are highly prevalent in people within the criminal justice system. Psychological programs are the most common type of treatment available and have been shown to decrease recidivism, but dropping out of treatment is common. Risk factors associated with treatment dropout remain unclear in this setting, and whether the risk factors differ by treatment form (group-based vs. individual). MethodsOutcome (treatment dropout) was defined as not finishing the program due to client’s own wish, misbehavior, no-shows, or because program leader found client to be unsuitable. Predictors of treatment dropout included a comprehensive set of individual-level clinical, socioeconomic, and crime-related pre-treatment characteristics. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate the associations between predictors and dropout. FindingsThe study cohort included 5239 criminal justice clients who participated in a psychological treatment program (group-based or individual). Multivariable logistic regression models showed that female sex (OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.20–2.25), age (0.99, [0.97–1.00]), sentence length (0.98, [0.97–0.98]), higher education (0.54, [0.28–1.00]), number of violent offenses (1.03, [1.01–1.05]), and anxiety disorders (1.32, [1.01–1.72]) were associated with dropout from the individual treatment program. For the group-based program, age (OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00), sentence length (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98), stimulant use disorder (OR=1.48, 95%, 1.00–2.19), and self-harm (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.00–2.34) were associated with dropout. ConclusionsWe identified certain sociodemographic, crime-related, and clinical characteristics that were particularly important in predicting dropout from psychological treatment. Further, we find that there are similarities and differences in predictors of dropout from group-based and individual treatment forms.

Why Do Students Drop Out of High School?: The Case Study of Kasi District in Lao PDR

Purpose: This study explored why high school students decided to drop out in rural area of Lao PDR and further aimed to propose possible prevention to improve the drop out situation of the countries.
 Originality: Previous research that primarily focused on specific factors and dropout rate cannot explained why students decided to leave high school in early grade. Therefore, using comprehensive framework including individual and institutional factors, this study examined the dropout factors from individual perspective in qualitative way.
 Methodology: The study uses an explanatory sequential mixed method approach that employs both a questionnaire and interviews. Total 30 participants engaged in interviews including students and their parents, teachers and governmental officials. A thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis.
 Result: The results highlight that at the individual level, such as lack of motivation, peer pressure, early marriage, and cultural norms, pose barriers to high school attendance. Low household income and negative family dynamics also contribute significantly to dropout rates, with agricultural demands and family particular situations. Insufficient school resources, including materials and extracurricular activities, along with a shortage of qualified teachers, affect student engagement. Additionally, the community's low human and social capital increase dropout rates by limiting employment opportunities.
 Conclusions and Implication: The results indicated that both individual and institutional factors played a role in the dropout decision-making process. Furthermore, they suggested essential considerations such as examining job prospects for high school graduates in the local community, and evaluating the availability of resources within the school and community to assist students at risk of dropping out.

An exploratory view into allelic drop-out of sequenced autosomal STRs.

As massively parallel sequencing is implemented in forensic genetics, an understanding of sequence data must accompany these advancements, that is, accurate modeling of data for proper statistical analysis. Allelic drop-out, a common stochastic effect seen in genetic data, is often modeled in statistical analysis of STR results. This proof-of-concept study sequenced several serial dilutions of a standard sample ranging from 4 ng to 7.82 pg to evaluate allelic drop-out trends on a select panel of autosomal STRs using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, Primer Set A on the Illumina MiSeq FGx. Parameters assessed included locus, profile, and run specific information. A majority of the allelic drop-out occurred in DNA concentrations less than 31.25 pg. Statistical results indicated a need for locus-specific modeling based on STR descriptors, like simple versus compound repeat patterns. No correlation was seen between average read count of scored alleles and allelic drop-out at a locus. A statistical correlation was observed between the amount of allelic drop-out and the starting amount of DNA in a sample, average read count of a sample, and total read count generated on a flow cell. This study supports using common allelic drop-out factors used in fragment length analysis on sequenced STRs while including additional locus, sample, and run specific information. Results demonstrate multiple factors that can be considered when developing probability of allelic drop-out models for sequenced autosomal STRs including locus-specific analysis, total read count of a profile, and total read count sequenced on a flow cell.

Risk and protective factors for early dropout from telephone monitoring for individuals with drug convictions in community mental health centers in Japan

IntroductionIndividuals involved with the criminal justice system face challenges in receiving and maintaining substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and support. Although telephone monitoring (TM) could reduce these barriers, data on TM for community-dwelling individuals involved with the criminal justice system and research on individuals who drop out of TM are scarce. We examined the factors associated with dropping out early from the Voice Bridges Project, which provides TM for individuals on probation for drug-related convictions through community mental health centers in Japan. MethodsParticipants (n = 546) were individuals aged ≥20 years with methamphetamine-related convictions who were on probation. Univariate analyses examine the associations between one-year follow-up status and baseline variables, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses identify the risk and protective factors associated with dropping out. Stratified analyses report results based on sex and halfway-house residency. ResultsThe one-year dropout rate was 43.6 % (n = 238). Multivariate analysis identified two risk factors for dropping out—halfway-house residency and suicide attempts in the past year, and two protective factors—higher education and the current use of SUD services. Sex-stratified analyses showed that halfway-house residency was a risk factor for both men and women. Attempted suicide was a risk factor for women. Conversely, higher education and current use of SUD services were protective factors for men. ConclusionsOur results identify unique risk factors for women, such as a recent history of suicide attempts, and distinctive protective factors for men, including higher education and current use of SUD services, emphasizing the importance of sex-specific approaches. Furthermore, the study reveals that irrespective of sex, vulnerable individuals, such as halfway-house residents, are at a higher risk of dropping out from TM.

Psychosocial factors as risk of dropout in university students of the Early Care and Early Childhood Education Program

The present study analyzed psychosocial risk factors for dropout in students of the Early Care and Early Childhood Education Program. A non-experimental, transversal and descriptive design was carried out. The sample was made up of 102 students, to whom sociodemographic and modified dropout questionnaires were applied. The results showed that the average academic performance in three semesters (57.8%, 56%, 49%); 87.3% of students work, 52.9% full time, affecting their performance; 41.2% understand the contents only sometimes; the family conceives the student poorly (3.9%), very high family expectations (13.7%), they feel valued as bad students (5.9%), affecting their motivation; 70% entered on the advice of others; 5.9% have worse performance than their peers, related to repetition and indirectly dropping out, and more than 78% report deficiencies in previous courses. The students identified the main risk factors for dropping out: economic difficulties (26.5%), family problems (13.7%), possibility of missing the year (11.8%) and job placement (10.8%).

Structuring the complexity of drop-out from VET: a theoretical framework guiding empirical research perspectives

After more than 50 years of research on drop-out from Vocational Education and Training (VET), databases provide vast amounts of drop-out studies from around the globe that entail hundreds of potential drop-out factors. However, many scholars tend to explore the topic without detailed and theoretically grounded foundation. Several diverging research foci exist within the research field of drop-out from VET: Studies differ with regard to the analysed phase of drop-out (development, decision-making, paths after dropping out), the applied sample perspective (learners, educators, further stakeholders), and the overall research perspective that is applied based on a specific theoretical approach. Given the range of drop-out factors, stakeholders, and possible theoretical approaches within studies, this article aims at organising the research on the multi-facetted phenomenon for future endeavours by presenting a framework model that comprises a three-step recommendation: First, the model illustrates different phases (Development-, Decision-, Adjustment-Phase) of drop-out research that should be differentiated. Second, it is argued that the chosen sample perspective is highly relevant for drop-out research and must be chosen carefully. Third, the overarching disciplinary research perspectives on drop-out from VET, which scholars may adopt within their research, entail particular relevant variables and focal points and should therefore be discussed. Four examples of research perspectives (economical, psychological, sociological, pedagogical) are briefly presented, structured on a micro-, meso- and macro-level, to exemplify different theoretical accesses to drop-out research. Throughout the article, the novel organisation framework is explained and exemplified by illustrating relevant aspects of each research area and exemplary literature. The presented framework will help organising the research field and enable scholars to delimit their work more precisely, leading to a more traceable structure of further research efforts and more significant contributions to the state of knowledge.