Factors influencing school re-entry among adolescents in Kenya.

BACKGROUND The number of out-of-school children and adolescents has been increasing globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 23 million adolescents leave school due to poverty, teenage pregnancy, and unspecified illnesses. While the reasons for absenteeism are well-known, the factors involved in the decision to return to school have not been analyzed. This study aimed to identify the factors that promote primary school re-entry among chronic adolescent absentees in rural sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Qualitative data were gathered through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions involving nine pupils who returned to school after chronic absenteeism and 140 adult stakeholders in Mbita sub-county, Kenya. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method. RESULTS The results of thematic analysis showed that the factors promoting school re-entry can be categorized into four, namely: 1) social norm: "school for a better life"; 2) linkage of community and school; 3) supportive environment; and 4) using discipline to make adolescents serious about their education. CONCLUSION School re-entry among chronic absentees in Mbita sub-county is promoted by both community and school factors. It was observed that social norms regarded an education as a "passport to a better life." Adolescents, teachers, and community leaders view education as a means of improving one's socio-economic status. Two essential elements of health-promoting schools, a supportive environment and a linkage with community, effectively promoted returning to the school among adolescents. Introducing health-promoting schools was recommended to effectively implement a school re-entry policy in Kenya.