What school-based interventions work to improve attendance in secondary school students with persistent absence? A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Absence from school is an increasing concern internationally, with significant consequences for children's mental health, academic achievement, and future opportunities. The multifaceted causes of absenteeism, including factors like emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), have prompted a variety of interventions aimed at addressing this complexity. These efforts include recent plans from the UK government. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of school-based interventions targeting persistently absent secondary school students, to inform evidence-based strategies.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases in health and education for studies published up to April 2024. Eligible studies assessed school-based intervent

SUBMITTER: Middleton A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832960 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature