students miss a month or more of
the school year, while about 19% of
all high school students are chronically
absent.
Common, preventable
causes of school
absences range from
infections such as
influenza to poorly
controlled chronic
conditions like
asthma. Socioeconomic
factors tied to
absenteeism include
unstable housing conditions,
transportation
Adults with less
education are
more likely to
be unemployed,
increasing the risk
of stress, depression
& reduced immune
system function.
difficulties, a history of maltreatment,
exposure to domestic violence, and
being called on to care for younger
family members.
Chronic absenteeism is linked with
health risks like smoking and substance
use. But poor school attendance
and educational achievement
also has more subtle health effects.
Adults with less education are more
likely to be unemployed, for example,
and less likely
to report feeling
control over their
lives and high levels
of social support.
This can leave them
more vulnerable to
the psychological
and the physical
tolls of stress, such
as depression and
reduced immune
system function.
The report highlights proven measures
to improve school attendance,
including increased hand washing,
school-located influenza vaccination
programs, access to school nurses
and counselors, and on-site medical,
oral health and nutrition services.
Among the AAP recommendations
• Stress the value of developing strong school
attendance habits as early as preschool.
Ask about the number of school days
missed in the past month at every visit,
when appropriate.
• Encourage families to share health
concerns with their school nurse.
• Provide firm guidance on when a child should
stay home sick and when to attend school.
• Avoid writing excuses for school absences
when the absence was not appropriate.
Encourage children who are well enough
to return to school immediately after their
medical appointments.
• Advocate for policies known to promote
school attendance. These include programs
that avoid suspension and expulsion and
promote a positive school climate.
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