Application of the performance of machine learning techniques as support in the prediction of school dropout.

This article presents a study, intending to design a model with 90% reliability, which helps in the prediction of school dropouts in higher and secondary education institutions, implementing machine learning techniques. The collection of information was carried out with open data from the 2015 Intercensal Survey and the 2010 and 2020 Population and Housing censuses carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, which contain information about the inhabitants and homes. in the 32 federal entities of Mexico. The data were homologated and twenty variables were selected, based on the correlation. After cleaning the data, there was a sample of 1,080,782 records in total. Supervised learning was used to create the model, automating data processing with training and testing, applying the following techniques, Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, Linear Ridge and Lasso Regression, Bayesian Optimization, Random Forest, the first two with a reliability greater than 99% and the last with 91%.

Effectiveness of a Peer Mentoring on University Dropout and Academic Performance / La eficacia de un programa de mentoría en el abandono y el rendimiento académico

Mentoring programs have been proposed to reduce dropout and increase academic performance. We analyzed the effect of peer mentoring on university dropout and academic performance in the context of Spain. We applied a quasi-experimental posttest-only control group design with 3,774 students (mentees, n = 1,887; control, n = 1,887). Mentees had participated in a peer mentoring program. We apply the student’s t-test, Cohen’s d, phi statistic, and chi-square statistic. Mentees exhibited lower dropout than controls and showed higher academic performance regardless of the area of knowledge. Results support the implementation of mentoring programs in Spanish universities with the goal of reducing student dropout and increasing academic performance. The research provides empirical evidence for theory building in higher education studies, developmental relationships, and integration programs. (AU)

Se ha propuesto la aplicación de programas de mentoría para reducir la deserción universitaria y aumentar el rendimiento académico. En el artículo analizamos el efecto de la mentoría entre pares sobre el abandono universitario y el rendimiento académico en España. Aplicamos un diseño de grupo de control cuasiexperimental con medida post en una muestra de 3.774 estudiantes (mentorados, n = 1,887; control, n = 1,887). Los mentorados habían participado en un programa de mentoría entre pares. Aplicamos la prueba t de Student, la d de Cohen, el estadístico phi y el chi-cuadrado. Los mentorados presentaban un menor abandono que los controles y un mayor rendimiento académico independientemente del área de conocimiento. Los resultados avalan la implementación de programas de mentoría en las universidades españolas con el objetivo de reducir el abandono universitario y aumentar el rendimiento académico. La investigación proporciona evidencia empírica para la elaboración de teorías en estudios de educación superior, relaciones de desarrollo y programas de integración. (AU)

Terminal efficiency, Lag and dropout in cohorts from 2007 to 2014 of dental students at the University of Costa Rica / Eficiencia terminal, rezago y abandono en las cohortes del 2007 al 2014 de estudiantes de Odontología de la Universidad de Costa Rica

Abstract Determine the terminal efficiency, lag and dropout in the cohorts of students who entered the dentistry career at the Faculty of Dentistry at University of Costa Rica in the lapse 2007 to 2014. Data from 736 files were collected. The variables considered were sex, admission age, nationality, marital status, children, admission note, domicile and high school. The data was collected from the Student Application System, the physical files, and the data base from the Supreme Court of Elections of Costa Rica. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analysis were made, which were implemented from two logistic regression models. 98% of the students were Costa Rican, 68% women, 79% entered according to the admission note, 43% entered with an age of 18 years or less, 50% came from a public school, 77% resided in the Greater Metropolitan Area and 95% were single and remained without children. The average terminal efficiency was 6%; 46% of students have graduated with lag, 16% are still enrolled and 32% dropped out. Sex, age, admission note, and motherhood are sociodemographic variables that are associated with terminal efficiency and dropout. The average terminal efficiency in the cohorts from 2007 to 2014 in the courses at the Faculty of Dentistry University of Costa Rica was very low, almost half of the students graduated with lag and about a third dropped out the studies. The grade from the admission note seems to be a predictor of students'academic behavior, higher grade had more chances of graduating and less likely to dropout.

Resumen Determinar la eficiencia terminal, el rezago y el abandono en las cohortes de los estudiantes que ingresaron a la carrera de Odontología de la Facultad de Odontología UCR en el período 2007 al 2014. Se recopilaron los datos de 736 expedientes. Las variables consideradas fueron: sexo, edad de ingreso, nacionalidad, estado civil, hijos, lugar y colegio de procedencia, y nota de examen de admisión. Los datos se recopilaron del Sistema de Aplicaciones Estudiantiles, los expedientes físicos y del Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones de Costa Rica. Se realizó estadística descriptiva, análisis bivariado y multivariado que se implementó a partir de dos modelos de regresión logística. El 98% de los estudiantes fueron costarricenses, el 68% mujeres, el 79% ingresó según la nota de admisión, el 43% ingresó con una edad de 18 años o menos, el 50% provenía de un colegio público, el 77% residía en la gran área Metropolitana y el 95% eran solteros y permanecieron sin hijos. La eficiencia terminal en promedio fue de 6%; el 46% de los estudiantes se han graduado con rezago, el 16% continúan matriculados y el 32% hizo abandono de los estudios. El sexo, la edad, la nota del examen de admisión y la maternidad son variables sociodemográficas que se asocian con la eficiencia terminal y el abandono. El promedio de la eficiencia terminal en las cohortes del 2007 al 2014 en la carrera de Odontología de la Facultad de Odontología UCR fue muy bajo, casi la mitad de los estudiantes se han graduado con rezago y cerca de un tercio hizo abandono de los estudios. La nota del examen de admisión parece ser un predictor en el comportamiento académico de los estudiantes: a mayor nota más posibilidades de graduarse y menos de abandonar la carrera.

Understanding dropout stabilization and the factors affecting the return to primary school: a qualitative study.

This study aimed to understand dropout stabilization and the factors affecting the return to primary school using a qualitative approach. Data were collected from 47 semi-structured interviews with dropouts, their parents, children who returned to school, social facilitators, school teachers, local community religious leaders, and education activists. Following Graneheim and Lundman's method, thematic data analysis revealed two main categories: "dropout stabilization facilitators" and "dropout stabilization inhibitors", with 10 subcategories. Dropout stabilization facilitators included the 7 subcategories of perceiving academic decline, inhibitory effects of shame, barriers to re-enrollment, relief from educational pressures and norms, the transformed value system, family satisfaction, and the inefficiency of the formal care system. On the other hand, dropout stabilization inhibitors included the three subcategories of sensitivity to the informal care system, financial incentives, and intensive and flexible training. Some events after dropping out of school resulted in stabilized and definite dropouts. Children at primary schools do not have a clear understanding of the importance of achievements and the effects of education, perceiving dropout as an escape from educational norms and associated hardships. Transitioning into adult roles, such as marriage, motherhood, and assuming responsibilities for siblings, often leads individuals to prioritize other aspects of life over educational achievements. Barriers, such as age limits for being admitted to schools and lack of mechanisms for compensating tuition fees, lead to family dissatisfaction and further reinforce the decision to withdraw their children from school. Factors such as timely actions and follow-ups by schools, financial incentives, and brief interventions provided by the informal network are likely to prevent students from dropping out of school.

Predictive Analysis of Sports Education Students’ Dropout in the Distance Learning Centre / Análisis predictivo del abandono escolar de estudiantes de Educación Deportiva en el Centro de Educación a Distancia

The demand for e-Learning in distance education is growing rapidly due to the flexibility it offers in terms of time and location, facilitated by advancements in information and communication technology. This study aims to decrease the dropout rate among students in sports education and gain insight into the factors contributing to their discontinuation of studies. There is a need for research to identify and address the causes of the increasing dropout rate among learners at distance learning centres. The study collected data from 1,125 learners at an e-distance learning centre in Seoul. The findings were analysed using the partial least square – structural equation model (PLS-SEM). This study's implications are significant for preventing learner attrition. The study emphasises the importance of offering a variety of learning resources to enable learners to regularly access an e-learning platform and sustain their engagement in the learning process over a prolonged period of time. When developing education programmes for adult learners with diverse characteristics, it is essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of each learner's attributes beforehand. This will enable the implementation of suitable interventions and facilitate effective learning.(AU)

Questionário de adaptação ao ensino superior remoto: ampliação das propriedades psicométricas / Adaptation to remote higher education questionnaire: expansion of psychometric properties / Cuestionario de adaptación para educación superior remota: expansión de propiedades psicométricas

Objetivou-se investigar as evidências de validade baseadas na relação com outras variáveis do Questionário de Adaptação ao Ensino Superior Remoto (QAES-R). Foram analisadas as relações entre o QAES-R com os motivos para evasão acadêmica e a motivação. Participaram 319 universitários das cinco regiões do Brasil (M idade = 26,25; DP = 9,5). Identificaram-se correlações estatisticamente significativas entre o QAES-R e a maior parte dos fatores dos demais instrumentos. No primeiro modelo testado, os fatores do QAES-R foram preditores da evasão acadêmica Social (32%), Acadêmico (24%), Institucional (15%) e Professor (10%) (χ 2 /gl = 1,87; RMSEA = 0,05; CFI = 0,87; TLI = 0,87). No segundo modelo, o QAES-R predisse a meta aprender (45%), performance- evitação (39%) e performance-aproximação (30%) (χ 2 /gl = 1,42; RMSEA = 0,04; CFI = 0,90; TLI = 0,90). Estes resultados ampliam as propriedades psicométricas do QAES-R para avaliar a adaptação acadêmica de estudantes submetidos ao ensino remoto emergencial. (AU)

The objective was to investigate the validity evidence of the relationship between the Questionnaire for Adaptation to Remote Higher Education (QAES-R) and other variables. The study analyzed the relationships between the QAES-R with the reasons for academic dropout and motivation. A total of 319 Brazilian university students participated (Mage = 26.25; SD = 9.5). Statistically significant correlations were identified between the QAES-R and most factors of the other instruments. In the first model tested, the QAES-R factors predicted academic dropout : Social (32%), Academic (24%), Institutional (15%), and Teacher (10%) (χ 2 /gl = 1.87; RMSEA = .05; CFI = .87; TLI = .87). In the second model, the QAES-R predicted learning goals (45%), performance-avoidance (39%), and performance-approach (30%) (χ 2 /gl = 1.42; RMSEA = .04; CFI = .90; TLI = .90). These results extend the psychometric properties of the QAES-R to assess the academic adaptation of students during emergency remote teaching. (AU)

El objetivo fue investigar las evidencias de validez basadas en la relación con otras variables del Cuestionario de Adaptación a Educación Superior Remota (QAES-R). Se analizaron las relaciones entre el QAES-R con los motivos de abandono académico y la motivación. Participaron 319 estudiantes universitarios brasileños de las 5 regiones de Brasil (M edad = 26,25; DS = 9,5). Se identificaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el QAES-R y la mayoría de los factores de los otros instrumentos. En el primer modelo, los factores del QAES-R fueron predictores del abandono académico Social (32%), Académico (24%), Institucional (15%) y Docente (10%) (χ 2 /gl = 1.87; RMSEA = 0.05; CFI = 0.87; TLI = 0.87). En el segundo modelo, el QAES-R predijo la meta de aprender (45%), la evitación del desempeño (39%) y el enfoque de desempeño (30%) (χ 2 /gl = 1.42; RMSEA = 0.04; CFI = 0 .90; TLI = 0.90). Estos resultados amplían las propiedades psicométricas del QAES-R. (AU)

Prevention and Mitigation of Rural Higher Education Dropout in Colombia: A Dynamic Performance Management Approach.

Background: Dropout in higher education is a socio-educational phenomenon that has the scope to limit the benefits of education as well as to widen social disparities. For this reason, governments have implemented various public policies for its prevention and mitigation. However, in rural populations, such policies have proven to be ineffective. The aim of this paper is to simulate public policy scenarios for the treatment of school dropout in rural higher education in Colombia from a Dynamic Performance Management approach. Methodology: To achieve the aim, a parameterised simulation model was designed with data from Colombian state entities in rural higher education. Five simulations were carried out. The analysis of the results was carried out using descriptive statistics and comparison of means using the Wilcoxon Sign Rank statistic. Results: The adoption of such an approach based on simulations suggests that policies to expand the coverage of educational credits and financial support, as well as the addition of a family income subsidy, allow for a reduction in the number of dropouts. Conclusions: A dynamic, data-driven approach can be effective in preventing and mitigating dropout in these areas. It also highlights the importance of identifying the key factors contributing to dropout. The results also suggest that government policies can have a significant impact on school retention in rural areas.

Sleep and dropout from upper secondary school: A register-linked study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the association between sleep in late adolescence and completion of upper secondary school. METHODS: The data are drawn from the youth@hordaland study, a large population-based study conducted in 2012, linked with official educational data in Norway (N = 8838). RESULTS: High school dropout was more prevalent among adolescents who had insomnia (20.6%) compared to those without insomnia (14.3%; adjusted risk ratios = 1.50; 95% confidence intervals: [2.19-2.92]). There was also a higher rate of school dropout among those who had symptoms of delayed sleep-wake phase (21%) compared to those without delayed sleep-wake phase (14.3%); adjusted risk ratios = 1.43, 95% confidence intervals: (1.28-1.59). School noncompleters were also characterized by reporting 44 minutes shorter sleep duration, longer sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset (both approx. 15 minutes) compared to school completers. CONCLUSION: The importance of sleep for high school dropout rates highlights the importance of including sleep as a risk indicator and a possible target for preventive interventions in late adolescence.

Prevalencia del síndrome del impostor y nivel de autoestima en estudiantes de una facultad de medicina del Ecuador / Prevalence of impostor syndrome and level of self-esteem in students of a medical school in Ecuador

INTRODUCCIÓN. El síndrome del impostor es un trastorno caracterizado por la incapacidad del individuo para reconocer sus habilidades e interiorizar sus logros, lo cual impacta negativamente en la salud mental y desempeño académico-laboral. OBJETIVO. Identificar la prevalencia del síndrome del impostor y nivel de autoestima en estudiantes de una facultad de medicina del Ecuador. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio transversal descriptivo, aplicado en los estudiantes de medicina de segundo a décimo nivel, de la facultad de medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador en el periodo febrero a junio de 2022. Para el análisis estadístico se aplicaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas, tablas cruzadas, razón de prevalencia, chi cuadrado como contraste de hipótesis. RESULTADOS. La mayoría de estudiantes con síndrome de impostor fueron mujeres (74,2%); pertenecer al sexo femenino aumentó dos veces su probabilidad (Razón de prevalencia: 2,12; Índice de confianza: 95% 1,66-2,17; p: <0,001). Para el sexo masculino autopercibirse como perfeccionista incrementó dos veces la probabilidad (Razón de prevalencia: 2,3; Índice de confianza: 95% 1,53-3,46; p: < 0,001). La autoestima baja no se asoció a mayor probabilidad de desarrollar este síndrome. En contraste, no percibir apoyo social incrementó al doble su probabilidad (Razón de prevalencia: 1,72; Índice de confianza: 95% 1,16-2,55; p 0,007). DISCUSIÓN. Estudios previos muestran elevada prevalencia de este síndrome en estudiantes medicina, con predominio en mujeres. En concordancia con la literatura citada, no existió asociación entre nivel de carrera y síndrome del impostor; el perfeccionismo se asocia a mayor probabilidad de síndrome del impostor. CONCLUSIÓN. El síndrome del impostor es frecuente en estudiantes de medicina, existen factores determinantes que incrementan la probabilidad del síndrome como ser mujer, autopercibirse como perfeccionista en la población masculina y no percibir apoyo social, la importancia de su reconocimiento reside en la prevención del distrés psicológico y la deserción académica.

INTRODUCTION. Impostor syndrome is a disorder characterized by an individual's inability to recognize his or her abilities and internalize his or her accomplishments, which negatively impacts mental health and academic and occupational performance. OBJECTIVE. To identify the prevalence of impostor syndrome and level of self-esteem in students of a medical school in Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Descriptive cross-sectional study, applied to medical students from second to tenth level, of the medical school of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in the period January to June 2022. For the statistical analysis, absolute and relative frequencies, cross tables, prevalence ratio, chi-square and hypothesis testing were applied. RESULTS. The majority of students with impostor syndrome were female (74.2%); belonging to the female sex increased their probability twice (Prevalence ratio: 2.12; Confidence index: 95% 1.66-2.17; p: < 0.001). For the male sex, self-perceiving oneself as a perfectionist increased the probability twice (Prevalence ratio: 2.3; Confidence index: 95% 1.53-3.46; p: < 0.001). Low self-esteem was not associated with a higher probability of developing this syndrome. In contrast, not perceiving social support doubled its probability (Prevalence ratio: 1.72; Confidence index: 95% 1.16-2.55; p 0.007). DISCUSSION. Previous studies show a high prevalence of this syndrome in medical students, with a predominance in women. In agreement with the literature cited, there was no association between career level and impostor syndrome; perfectionism is associated with a higher probability of impostor syndrome. CONCLUSIONS. Impostor syndrome is frequent in medical students, there are determinant factors that increase the probability of the syndrome such as being a woman, self-perceived perfectionism in the male population and not perceiving social support, the importance of its recognition lies in the prevention of psychological distress and academic desertion.

Using machine learning to predict student retention from socio-demographic characteristics and app-based engagement metrics.

Student attrition poses a major challenge to academic institutions, funding bodies and students. With the rise of Big Data and predictive analytics, a growing body of work in higher education research has demonstrated the feasibility of predicting student dropout from readily available macro-level (e.g., socio-demographics or early performance metrics) and micro-level data (e.g., logins to learning management systems). Yet, the existing work has largely overlooked a critical meso-level element of student success known to drive retention: students' experience at university and their social embeddedness within their cohort. In partnership with a mobile application that facilitates communication between students and universities, we collected both (1) institutional macro-level data and (2) behavioral micro and meso-level engagement data (e.g., the quantity and quality of interactions with university services and events as well as with other students) to predict dropout after the first semester. Analyzing the records of 50,095 students from four US universities and community colleges, we demonstrate that the combined macro and meso-level data can predict dropout with high levels of predictive performance (average AUC across linear and non-linear models = 78%; max AUC = 88%). Behavioral engagement variables representing students' experience at university (e.g., network centrality, app engagement, event ratings) were found to add incremental predictive power beyond institutional variables (e.g., GPA or ethnicity). Finally, we highlight the generalizability of our results by showing that models trained on one university can predict retention at another university with reasonably high levels of predictive performance.

Evasão acadêmica no curso de Odontologia de uma instituição pública e ações voltadas para mitigar o abandono discente / Evasión académica en la carrera de Odontología en una institución pública y acciones encaminadas a mitigar la deserción estudiantil / Academic evasion in the Dentistry course of a public institution and actions to mitigate student dropout

O estudo investigou aspectos da evasão e avaliou a satisfação de calouros no curso de Odontologia de uma instituição de ensino superior pública, além de relatar intervenções de combate ao abandono acadêmico desenvolvidas neste período. Trata-se de um estudo com uma fase observacional, transversal, descritiva, quanti-qualitativa, com aplicação de questionários; e outra intervencionista, com atividades voltadas ao combate à evasão. Foram entrevistados 74 alunos, matriculados no primeiro ano do curso, com idade entre 15 e 30 anos. Os dados foram expressos em frequências absoluta e percentual e analisados pelos testes exato de Fisher ou qui-quadrado de Pearson (p ≤0,05). Variáveis com associação significativa foram submetidas ao modelo de regressão logística multinomial (RLM). Observou-se que o grau de insatisfação com o curso foi maior entre os alunos com menor faixa etária (entre 15 e 20 anos) e menor renda familiar (até 2 salários mínimos). Além disso, cerca de 66% dos possíveis desistentes ainda não haviam vivenciado nenhum tipo de experiência prática odontológica, enquanto 69% dos que pretendem completar o curso já passaram por algum contato com vivências clínicas. A RLM revelou que a Odontologia não ser a primeira opção aumenta em 7,96 vezes a probabilidade de desistência do curso, independente do semestre. Observou-se, ainda, redução nos índices de evasão a medida em que intervenções (cerimônia do jaleco, visita clínica guiada e apadrinhamento de alunos calouros) foram realizadas. Conclui-se que asações implementadas para o combate de evasão no curso de Odontologia impactaram positivamente nos índices de abandono do curso nos semestres analisados (AU).

El estudio investigó aspectos de la evasión y evaluó la satisfacción de los estudiantes de primer año de la carrera de Odontología de una institución de enseñanza superior pública, además de relatar las intervenciones para combatir la deserción académica desarrolladas en ese período. Se trata de un estudio con fase observacional, transversal, descriptivo, cuantitativo y cualitativo, con aplicación de cuestionarios; y otra intervencionista, con actividades encaminadas a combatir la evasión. Fueron entrevistados 74 estudiantes, matriculados en el primer año de la carrera, con edades entre 15 y 30 años. Los datos se expresaron como frecuencias absolutas y porcentuales y se analizaron mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher o la prueba de chi-cuadrado de Pearson (p ≤0,05). Las variables con asociación significativa fueron sometidas al modelo de regresión logística multinomial (RLM). Se observóque el grado de insatisfacción con el curso fue mayor entre los estudiantes de menor franja etaria (entre 15 y 20 años) y menor renta familiar (hasta 2 salarios mínimos). Además, alrededor del 66% de los posibles desertores aún no habían tenido ningún tipo de experiencia práctica en odontología, mientras que el 69% de los que pretendían completar el curso ya habían tenido algúncontacto con experiencias clínicas. El RLM reveló que el hecho de no ser Odontología la primera opción aumenta en 7,96 veces la probabilidad de deserción de la carrera, independientemente del semestre. También hubo una reducción en las tasas de deserción a medida que se realizaron intervenciones (ceremonia de bata de laboratorio, visita clínica guiada y patrocinio de estudiantes de primer año). Se concluye que las acciones implementadas para combatir la deserción en la carrera de Odontología incidieron positivamente en las tasas de deserción de la carrera en los semestres analizados (AU).

The study investigated aspects of evasion and evaluated the satisfaction of freshmen in the Dentistry course at a public higher education institution, in addition to reporting interventions to combat academic dropout developed during this period. This is astudy with an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative and qualitative phase, with the application of questionnaires; and another interventionist, with activities aimed at combating evasion. 74 students were interviewed, enrolled in the first year of the course, aged between 15 and 30 years old. Data were expressed as absolute and percentage frequencies and analyzed using Fisher's exact test or Pearson's chi-square test (p ≤0.05). Variables with significant association were submitted to the multinomial logistic regression model (RLM). It was observed that the degree of dissatisfaction with the course was higher among students with a lower age group (between 15 and 20 years old) and lower family income (up to 2 minimum wages). In addition, around 66% of possible dropouts had not yet had any kind of practical dental experience, while 69% of those intending to complete the course had already had some contact with clinical experiences. The RLM revealed that Dentistry not being the first option increases the probability of dropping out of the course by 7.96 times, regardless of the semester. There was also a reduction in dropout rates as interventions were carried out (lab coat ceremony, guided clinical visit and sponsorship of freshman students)were performed. It is concluded that the actions implemented to combat dropout in the Dentistry course had a positive impact on the dropout rates of the course in the analyzed semesters (AU).

Determinants of School dropouts among adolescents: Evidence from a longitudinal study in India.

INTRODUCTION: India has the largest adolescent population in the world. However, many unprivileged Indian adolescents are still unable to complete schooling. Hence, there is a need to understand the reasons for school dropout among this population. The present study is an attempt to understand the determinants of school dropout among adolescents and identify the factors and reasons that contribute to it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Longitudinal survey data- Understanding Adults and Young Adolescents (UDAYA) for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has been used to identify the determinants of school dropout among adolescents aged 10-19. The first wave of the survey was conducted in 2015-2016, and the follow-up survey in 2018-2019. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to observe school dropout rates and factors associated with it among adolescents. RESULTS: Results show that the school dropout rate was highest among married girls aged 15-19 years (84%), followed by unmarried girls (46%), and boys (38%) of the same age group. The odds of school dropout among adolescents decreased with an increase in household wealth status. School dropout was significantly less likely among adolescents whose mothers were educated as compared to mothers who had no education. Younger boys [AOR: 6.67; CI: 4.83-9.23] and girls [AOR: 2.56; CI: 1.79-3.84] who engaged in paid work were 6.67 times and 2.56 times more likely to drop out of school than those who were not. The likelihood of school dropout was 3.14 times more likely among younger boys [AOR: 3.14; CI: 2.26-4.35], and it was 89% more likely among older boys [AOR: 1.89; CI: 1.55-2.30] who consumed any substances as compared to those who did not consume any substances. Both younger [AOR: 2.05; CI: 1.37-3.05] and older girls [AOR: 1.30; CI: 1.05-1.62] who acknowledged at least one form of discriminatory practice by parents were more likely to drop out of school than their counterparts. Lack of interest in studies/education not necessary (43%) was the predominant reason among younger boys for school dropout, followed by family reasons (23%) and paid work (21%). CONCLUSIONS: Dropout was prevalent among lower social and economic strata. Mother's education, parental interaction, participation in sports and having role models reduce school dropout. Conversely, factors such as being engaged in paid work, substance abuse among boys, and gender discriminatory practices towards girls, are risk factors for dropout among adolescents. Lack of interest in studies and familial reasons also increase dropout. There is a need to improve the socio-economic status, delay the marital age of girls, and enhance the government incentives for education, give rightful work to girls after schooling, and provide awareness.

Longitudinal relationships between conduct problems, depressive symptoms, and school dropout.

School dropout can be an ongoing process of academic failure and disengagement starting as early as elementary school. Given the multitude of factors involved and the importance of early identification of vulnerabilities, this study examined whether (a) initial levels of conduct problems and depressive symptoms predicted school dropout, (b) the rate of change in conduct problems and depressive symptoms predicted dropout, (c) the interaction between trajectories of conduct problems and depressive symptoms affected the likelihood of dropout, and (d) whether there were sex differences in these associations. Using a dataset of 364 children ages 6-9 (T1) years who had displayed conduct problems, mean trajectories of conduct problems and depressive symptoms over 6 years were drawn using parallel process latent growth curve modeling. Results showed that both the initial levels of and rate of change in conduct problems predicted dropout, whereas trajectories of depressive symptoms did not. The interaction between trajectories of conduct problems and depressive symptoms was non-significant and sex differences were not observed. These results suggest that, for boys and girls presenting early conduct problems, although a higher initial levels of conduct problems increases the risk of school dropout, a larger decrease in these problems over time may reduce this likelihood. Recognizing and treating conduct problems consistently may be crucial in reducing the risk of dropout in children with early-onset issues.

Detection of hotspots of school dropouts in India: A spatial clustering approach.

School dropout is a significant concern universally. This paper investigates the incorporation of spatial dependency in estimating the topographical effect of school dropout rates in India. This study utilizes the secondary data on primary, upper primary, and secondary school dropout rates of the different districts of India available at the Unified District Information System for Education plus (UDISE+) for the year 2020 to contemplate the impact of these dropouts from one region to different regions in molding with promotion rate and repetition rate. The Global Moran's I, Univariate and Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association, and spatial models are utilized to investigate the geographical variability and to find the possible relationship between dropout rates and the school-level factors at the district level. The outcomes provide clear spatial clustering and precisely highlight the hot zone dropout regions with high repetition and low promotion rates. Based on this study's results, educational administrators can make evidence-based decisions to reduce dropout rates in hot zones of various regions of India. Furthermore, futuristic studies focusing on linking spatial hot zones with causal factors will add consistent data in assisting policymakers in taking necessary measures to develop a sound education management system.

Quantitative Assessment of High School Students' Poly-drug Use: Related Social Aspects and School Dropout.

INTRODUCTION: Poly-drug use has increased in recent decades, especially in young drugusing groups. Classic epidemiological indicators of drug use, such as prevalence and incidence of users of specific substances, are not adequate as measures of the possible harms of poly-drug use. We applied poly-drug use indicators, based on substance-specific harm scores reported by van Amsterdam and Nutt in 2015, to data from high school student surveys, showing their usefulness in identifying high-risk drug consumption. Analysing the 'correlation' between high-risk drug use of high school students and school dropout allows the evaluation of adopted prevention policies and may suggest more suitable approaches. METHODS: Each drug user is characterized by two specific scores: overall frequency of use of substances during the period of interest (FUS) and poly-drug use score (PDS). The poly-drug use score is a weighted average of the harm scores of the individual substances used multiplied by their respective frequencies of use. The PDS increases with the frequency of use, with the number of substances used, and with the specific harm scores of each substance. This indicator consists of two components, one representing the health harm score toward self and the other the social harm score toward others. RESULTS: The indicators have been applied to sample data involving youth population, specifically the ESPAD®Italia survey data on high school students conducted annually in Italy. The trends of poly-drug use at different ages of students, 15-19 years, over time, and gender have been studied. The results have been linked to educational outcomes, early school leaving and social aspects, making it possible to assess present prevention interventions and suggest appropriate planning of future prevention interventions. CONCLUSION: Poly-drug use indicators allow a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the risks of drug use. The analysis of the links between heavy use of drugs, school performance and dropout, and the social variables that influence them, shown in this work, suggests how best to plan secondary or indicated prevention interventions at school. The problem of including "new" NPS in analyses is also briefly discussed.

Fostering study crafting to increase engagement and reduce exhaustion among higher education students: A randomized controlled trial of the STUDYCoach online intervention.

The study demands-resources framework states that study demands increase exhaustion and study resources increase engagement. Study crafting describes a student's proactive adaption to demands and resources. To date, no intervention in the higher education context has aimed to foster study crafting. Accordingly, this study developed and evaluated the STUDYCoach online intervention, which aimed to increase engagement and reduce exhaustion by promoting study crafting. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a waiting-list control group. All participants (N = 209) completed a questionnaire before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention and at a 20-week follow-up (T3). Participants in the intervention group (n = 149) used the STUDYCoach over three consecutive weeks. Results showed that overall study crafting, decreasing hindering demands, and engagement significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention. All effects remained stable at follow-up. Notably, exhaustion decreased significantly in the intervention group from T1 to T3 and T2 to T3. Study crafting mediated the intervention's effect on engagement and exhaustion. Our study extends the study demands-resources framework and the literature on job crafting by confirming that study crafting interventions can be effective in higher education.

Dropout intentions in secondary education: Student temperament and achievement motivation as antecedents.

INTRODUCTION: As early school leaving and dropping out from education pose a challenge for later life adjustment, it is important to identify antecedent factors for the risk of school dropout to tailor individual support for adolescents. Consequently, this study examines the role of adolescents' motivational beliefs and behaviors (i.e., success expectations, planning, and task-avoidance) as well as their temperament (i.e., extraversion/surgency, negative affectivity, effortful control, and affiliativeness) in their dropout intentions in the first year of upper secondary education. METHODS: Participants were Finnish adolescents' (n = 536; 57% girls, mean age 12.39 at outset, standard deviation = 0.35) and their motivational beliefs and behaviors were measured in Grades 6 and 9. Their temperament was also measured in Grade 9. As for dropout intentions, they were measured in upper secondary education. The effects of gender, academic achievement, task value, and educational track were controlled for in the analyses. RESULTS: The results of latent growth modeling showed that, of motivational beliefs and behaviors, high success expectations and low task avoidance independently predicted lower dropout intentions. Success expectations in Grade 6 also mediated the effects of extraversion/surgency, negative affectivity and effortful control on subsequent school dropout intentions, whereas an increase in task avoidance in lower secondary school was a mediator between extraversion/surgency and dropout intentions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides novel understanding about how temperament is linked with motivational beliefs and behaviors and what roles they together play in subsequent school dropout intentions. Supporting students with different temperaments and achievement motivations would be important to prevent adverse consequences for both the individual and society.