School absence negatively impacts academic performance and is more prevalent among students with health conditions and/or disabilities. Using data from the British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, we explored school absences, which were defined as missing one or more classes at school for any reason during the past 30 days, among youth with self-reported health conditions and/or disabilities. Using descriptive analyses, we explored the prevalence and factors that may contribute to school absences, including feelings about and treatment at school, and perceptions of safety while in different school locations or contexts. We found that, overall, students with health conditions and/or disabilities are more likely to report school absences than students without health conditions and/or disabilities. Further, within this population three specific groups reported more school absences: those with two or more health conditions and/or disabilities, those with mental or emotional needs, and those with physical needs. To address potential educational inequities for these students, targeted programmes and supports that address interpersonal and structural factors that contribute to school absence are needed.
Baumbusch et al. (Tue,) studied this question.