IJCM_370A: Assessment of factors associated with School Dropouts among adolescent: A Cross- Sectional study conducted in urban slums of Berhampur city

Background: As per National Education Policy (NEP) report, the gross enrolment ratio for class 6-8, class 9-10 and class 11-12 was 91%, 79%and 57% respectively. Education plays crucial role in development of economic, social and income of a country. Dropping out leads to under employments, mental health, delinquency and a lower quality of life for young people. Objective: To assess the determinants of school dropouts among adolescent and factor associated with it among adolescent. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was conducted for 3 months from the month of November 2023 to January 2024. Multistage random sampling was done. Participants were interviewed using pre- tested semi- structed questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS in the Department of Community Medicine, MKCG Medical College, and Hospital. Results: All of the study population belonged to Hinduism, 64.29% were boys and 35.71% were girls. School dropouts were significantly less among adolescent whose mother were educated (65%) than in uneducated. The likelihood of dropout among older boys are 2times more than in younger boys who consumed any substances. Lack of interest in studies (38%), family reasons (29%) and paid work (22%) were predominant reasons among adolescents. Conclusion: There is need to improve socio- economic status, delay of marital ages of girls, and enhanced government incentives for education and spread awareness.