Perspectives of School Health Education Program (SHEP) Coordinators on School Absenteeism Among Adolescent Schoolgirls in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: School absenteeism, particularly among adolescent schoolgirls, is a significant barrier to educational progress, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana, the Tamale Metropolis is facing challenges related to absenteeism, where girls are disproportionately affected due to socio-economic factors, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-cultural norms. The school health education program (SHEP) coordinators responsible for health-related programs in schools are crucial in addressing absenteeism, but their perspectives remain underexplored. Aim: This study seeks to explore the perspectives of SHEP coordinators on school absenteeism among adolescent schoolgirls in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. Methods: This qualitative study employed a purposive sampling approach, selecting 15 SHEP coordinators from both rural and urban schools in the Tamale Metropolis. The study population comprised teachers who serve as School Health Education Program (SHEP) coordinators in secondary schools within the Tamale Metropolis. Semi-structured interviews with 15 participants were conducted to gather in-depth insight into the coordinators’ perspectives on absenteeism. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns. Results: The results revealed several factors contributing to absenteeism, including poverty, inadequate sanitation facilities, menstrual health challenges, and socio-cultural practices such as early marriages. SHEP coordinators highlighted the lack of menstrual health management facilities in schools as a significant barrier to girls’ school attendance. Additionally, the study identified strategies such as providing menstrual health facilities, improved school infrastructure, and community involvement as effective measures to reduce absenteeism. However, challenges such as inadequate resources and the need for more substantial community support were also noted. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of school absenteeism among adolescent schoolgirls in Tamale. There is a need for comprehensive, multifaceted interventions to address issues, such as providing menstrual health support, improving school-community engagement, and implementing anti-bullying policies. By integrating the perspectives of SHEP coordinators, the study offers valuable insights into potential solutions to enhance girls’ education and reduce absenteeism. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive school health programs and community engagement in supporting the academic success of adolescent girls in Tamale. Future research should explore the effectiveness of these interventions in practice to further refine strategies for tackling school absenteeism.