Search Results (55)

Background: This study examined treatment outcomes for cannabis use disorder (CUD) among adolescents (12–17 years old) in the United States. Methods: Data from the 2018–2021 Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharges (TEDS-D) included 40,054 adolescents diagnosed with CUD. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression assessed treatment outcomes and factors associated with treatment completion. Results: Only 36.8% of adolescents completed treatment. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out (28.4%) and transferring to another facility/program (17.0%). Males and Black non-Hispanic adolescents had lower odds of completing treatment (OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.75–0.84), while Hispanic (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.08–1.18), Asian (OR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.3–1.86) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander adolescents (OR = 2.31, 95%CI: 2.04–2.61) had higher odds of completion compared to their White counterparts. Independent living arrangements, homelessness, arrests in the past 30 days and younger age (<15 years old) decreased the likelihood of treatment completion. Adolescents with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders also had lower completion rates (OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.77–0.86). Referral from schools/employers and treatment settings were associated with a higher success, particularly with stays of 4–6 months and 7–12 months. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted CUD treatment programs that support at-risk adolescents, especially those experiencing homelessness or facing legal issues. High dropout and transition rates suggest a need for continuity of care and program integration between facilities. Strengthening coordination among public health officials, community organizations, and stakeholders is essential to developing culturally responsive treatment interventions that address social determinants of health, substance use, and mental health in this vulnerable population. Full article

Many vocational education and training (VET) students in the Netherlands struggle with the transition from education to the labour market, resulting in high dropout rates. VET institutions are actively seeking effective mechanisms to support their students during this transition. This research explored valuable strategies identified by education professionals to facilitate a sustainable transition from education to the labour market. This study employed a realistic evaluation framework using CIMO-logic (which focuses on the Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome) for analysis in order to gain insight into the processes of change. In total, four cases were studied at two Dutch educational institutions. The research followed an inductive approach using within-case and cross-case analyses. Five key elements were identified: skills and competencies, Self-insight, Self-efficacy, Building a professional network, and bridging education and practice. In school-to-work guidance for VET students, these elements are relevant to consider in guidance programs. Full article

This study aims to predict and discover important factors for the learning performance of students belonging to two ethnic groups—Khmer and Chinese (Hoa) students—in Soc Trang with the use of random forest (RF) and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB) classifiers based on students’ demographics and grade point average (GPA) scores. The study involved 174 Khmer and Chinese (Hoa) students in Grade 10 in a high school in Soc Trang Province, Vietnam. The results showed that, for Khmer students, GNB was better than RF, with an F1 score of 100%. Mathematics was the most important subject leading Khmer students to very good or poor performance. For Chinese (Hoa) students, both classifiers showed the same accuracy performance. Scores in Literature and English in Semester 1 impacted Chinese (Hoa) students’ performance. The results of this study provide a reference for formulating a policy to improve the learning performance of minority students to prevent dropouts. Full article

This study investigates the dropout risk among first- and second-year high school students in the peripheral areas of Southern Italy, where the dropout rates are extremely high. It focuses on individual and relational factors associated with dropout, analyzing data from 645 students (M_age = 14.64) who completed a self-report questionnaire. The examined variables include self-efficacy, amotivation, future orientation, peer relationships, and students’ trust in teachers. Hierarchical regressions assessed the influence of grade levels on these dimensions. Our findings show a positive developmental trend in second-year students, including higher self-efficacy, better peer relationships, and reduced intentions to drop out. However, trust in teachers declines during this transition. Moreover, relationships with teachers show no significant improvement across grades. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of fostering trust between students and teachers as a protective factor against dropout. It also reveals the need for interventions targeting both students and the educational environment to improve teacher–student relationships and support students’ educational aspirations. By addressing these relational aspects, stakeholders can better mitigate dropout risks and promote school engagement during critical transitions in adolescence. Full article

This article examines the audiovisual representation of violence during the armed takeover of the Ecuadorian television channel TC Television on 9 January 2024, an unprecedented event in the country’s recent media history. Employing a film analysis methodology, the study deconstructs the live broadcast by segmenting it into visual sequences and analyzing elements such as narrative content, shot composition, camera movement, sound design, and editing techniques. The interpretive phase includes narratological, iconic, and psychoanalytic readings. From a psychoanalytic perspective, the study explores the emotional impact of the broadcast on viewers, focusing on responses such as fear, anxiety, identification, projection, and the activation of psychological defense mechanisms. It also reflects on the broader sociocultural consequences of such representations of violence in public media. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for public investment in inclusive and high-quality education as a structural response to youth vulnerability, school dropout, and the risk of recruitment by organized criminal groups in Ecuador. Full article

School dropout is a global issue that compromises individual and societal well-being. Researchers in psychology emphasize that dropout often results from a prolonged erosion of bonds between individuals, schools, and society, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts. School trust, described as the “connective tissue” within the school system, fosters psychological well-being and is associated with self-esteem, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and reduced depression. This study aimed to explore the interaction of various relational constructs related to school life, which could be used to improve student well-being and reduce the risk of dropout. A total of 645 high school students from impoverished and high-crime neighborhoods in Naples were involved in the cross-sectional study, investigating the role that school trust plays in relation to positive teaching, self-efficacy, and the sense of belonging. The results indicate that positive teaching significantly enhances the sense of school belonging through the mediating role of students’ trust in teachers. These findings highlight the crucial role of trust as a mediator in strengthening student–school relationships. Schools should prioritize fostering trust by promoting teacher transparency, consistency, and care. Such efforts can enhance students’ sense of belonging, ultimately mitigating dropout risk and restoring their connection with education. This systemic approach is especially vital in contexts with significant socioeconomic challenges. Full article

Sexual violence among school-aged girls is a global health problem. Research has shown that school-aged girls experience high rates of sexual violence that often go unreported. In Kenya, one in three girls experiences sexual violence before the age of 18. Sexual violence against girls can prevent them from safely attending school and cause health issues that affect school performance. This qualitative study explored community and environmental factors associated with sexual violence against school-aged girls in Kitui County, Kenya. A total of 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from Kitui South Sub County. The stakeholders were from six sectors, including the police, health, education, community, religious, and criminal justice sectors. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis to gain an understanding of the stakeholder’s perspectives and knowledge relating to sexual violence against school-aged girls. Stakeholders frequently identified the criminal justice system, culture and traditional beliefs, and threats to well-being as barriers to reporting sexual violence offenses. Girls who experience sexual violence often contend with shame from the community, and the effects of stigma include loss of resources, additional violence, poorer marriage prospects, unplanned pregnancies, school dropouts, or abandonment. Perpetrators often threatened or bribed the families of girls who experienced sexual violence with gifts or monetary incentives to prevent them from reporting the crime to local authorities, while the criminal justice system itself presents numerous challenges for victims. The reporting of sexual violence could be increased by focusing on intervention strategies that challenge attitudes, norms, and behaviors rooted in gender inequality. By addressing the underlying causes of stigma and inequality, we can create a safer environment for school-aged girls to report sexual violence and seek justice. Full article

The phenomenon of student dropout in higher education presents significant challenges for students, higher education institutions, governments, and society. The present study focuses on the dropout rates within the engineering programmes at one school of engineering in Mexico. This study uses a quantitative approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. Exploratory, descriptive, and correlational analyses of historical data from the University Information and Administration Integral System were performed. A logistic regression model was applied to assess the influence of various demographic, academic, and socioeconomic factors on the likelihood of student dropout. The results show some predictive variables, namely, Gender, Displaced students from home, High school GPA, and Mathematical skills. In conclusion, the group of students identified as the most likely to drop out comprised males who were studying very far away from home, who studied in a private high school in a general programme (not technological), and who presented lower grades in math. Since most dropouts were identified in the first two semesters, students who perform poorly in these semesters and have the former characteristics could benefit from special attention. Full article

Community schools represent a transformative approach to addressing systemic inequities in public education by integrating academic, social, and health services to create equitable learning environments. This study investigated the long-term impact of community school programming at an urban elementary school on middle school academic outcomes and college readiness indicators. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with rigorous inclusion criteria and propensity score matching, the researchers minimized the bias from baseline group differences to enhance the internal validity. The key findings indicate that students who attended the community school demonstrated significant increases in grade point average over time and were less likely to exhibit high school dropout risk factors compared to a demographically matched comparison group of students who did not attend a community school. A higher proportion of the community school students met college readiness benchmarks, underscoring the sustained impact of community school programming. These results align with the existing literature on the potential of community schools to mitigate academic disparities and highlight the importance of integrating holistic support into educational strategies. By demonstrating a robust methodological approach, this study contributes valuable evidence to guide policymakers and practitioners in scaling and optimizing community school models to advance educational equity and excellence. Full article

It is estimated that one in three students drop out of university by the end of the first year of study. Dropping out of university has significant consequences, not only for the student but also for the university and for society as a whole. A total of 1.154 Italian freshmen were involved in this study and were divided based on their intention to dropout from university. The intention to dropout was assessed using five questions, and motivation was assessed through the Academic Motivation Scale. Differences in socio-demographic factors, extra-curriculum activities, academic characteristics, and academic motivation between freshmen with low and high dropout risks were assessed for highlighting potential intervention for limiting dropout rates. The majority of the freshmen were female, from low-income families, had attended high school, and lived out of town; the most represented field of study was health professions. The results indicate that the variables increasing the likelihood of belonging to the high dropout risk group are as follows: unsatisfactory relationships with lecturers/professors and fellow students, low income, amotivation, and extrinsic motivation. This study underlines the importance of adopting new teaching approaches that include spaces and time dedicated to fostering relationships, supporting academic success, and promoting the psychosocial well-being of students. Full article

High student dropout rates are a critical issue in Somaliland, significantly impeding educational progress and socioeconomic development. This study leveraged data from the 2022 National Education Accessibility Survey (NEAS) to predict student dropout rates using supervised machine learning techniques. Various algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), probit regression (PR), naïve Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN), were employed to analyze the survey data. The analysis revealed school dropout rate of 12.67%. Key predictors of dropout included student’s grade, age, school type, household income, and type of housing. Logistic regression and probit regression models highlighted age and student’s grade as critical predictors, while naïve Bayes and random forest models underscored the significance of household income and housing type. Among the models, random forest demonstrated the highest accuracy at 95.00%, indicating its effectiveness in predicting dropout rates. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for educational policymakers and stakeholders in Somaliland. By identifying and understanding the key factors influencing dropout rates, targeted interventions can be designed to enhance student retention and improve educational outcomes. The dominant role of demographic and educational factors, particularly age and student’s grade, underscores the necessity for focused strategies to reduce dropout rates and promote inclusive education in Somaliland. Full article

Background/Objectives: Premature birth can lead to socio-emotional, behavioural and executive problems that impact quality of life and school performance in the long term. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week computerised training called Vis-à-vis to enhance these competencies in a cohort of very preterm (VPT) children aged 6 to 9. Methods: This pilot randomised controlled trial included 45 children born before 32 gestational weeks. Socio-emotional, behavioural and executive competencies were evaluated at three time points using computerised tasks, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Results: Among the eligible VPT children, 20% (n = 45) accepted to be part of the study, and 40% (n = 18) dropped out. Finally, 60% (n = 27) of the enrolled participants completed the study. Results showed a significant improvement in emotion knowledge and recognition immediately after the completion of the training. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that the implementation of this type of computerised training is feasible, but the overall compliance is unsatisfactory given the high dropout rate. Nevertheless, the positive effect of the training on emotion recognition encourages further exploration of these kinds of interventions to prevent adverse consequences in children born too soon. Full article

Transitioning from high school to university can be a challenging time for students, associated with uncertainty and stress, in part resulting from the vast number of subjects to choose from. Research has shown positive associations between intrinsic motivation and student well-being. Considering the detrimental roles that students’ stress and possibly dysfunctional coping strategies can play regarding general well-being, we investigate relationships between these constructs. Motivation for enrollment in a study program was analyzed in n = 201 first- and higher-semester students with regard to different facets of motivation. Part of the freshmen sample (n = 40) completed an additional follow-up survey in their second semester, expanding on stress and coping strategies. Cross-sectional results showed different patterns of intercorrelation among the motivational facets, but no significant differences between first- and higher-semester students. Longitudinally, only motivation based on social influences decreased over the course of the first semester. Motivation did not prove to be a suitable predictor for retrospectively judged stress during the first semester, but intrinsic motivation, especially, showed encouraging connections to some coping strategies. The findings can be used to improve student well-being and reduce dropout rates, as well as to design suitable marketing strategies for universities. Full article

This study was conducted to examine the effect of psychoeducation on attitudes toward violence and risky behaviors among refugee adolescents. This was a randomized controlled experimental study conducted with refugee adolescents (n = 101) studying in a high school in southern Turkey. After psychoeducation, it was determined that there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of antisocial behaviors, alcohol use, suicidal thoughts, unhealthy eating habits, and school dropout thoughts among adolescents according to the subdimensions of the risky behavior scale. Psychoeducation was found to be effective in reducing attitudes toward violence and preventing risky behaviors among refugee adolescents. Full article

The dropout rate in underdeveloped and emerging countries is a pressing social issue, as highlighted by studies conducted by The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. This study compares five feature selection techniques to address this challenge and improve the automatic detection of dropout risk. The methodological design involves three distinct phases: data preparation, feature selection, and model evaluation utilizing machine learning algorithms. The results demonstrate that (1) the top features identified by feature selection techniques, i.e., those constructed through feature engineering, proved to be among the most effective in classifying student dropout; (2) the F-score of the best model increased by 5% with feature selection techniques; and (3) depending on the type of feature selection, the performance of the machine learning algorithm can vary, potentially increasing or decreasing based on the sensitivity of features with higher noise. At the same time, metaheuristic algorithms demonstrated significant precision improvements, but there was a risk of increasing errors and reducing recall. Full article