Citation

Lieblein VSD, Warne M, Huot S, Laliberte Rudman D, Raanaas RK. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 2018; 77(1): e1421369.

Affiliation

Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Landscape and Society , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Ås , Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Union for Circumpolar Health, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/22423982.2017.1421369

PMID

29292677

Abstract

Although high school graduation is important for living conditions and health throughout life, many students do not complete. In Norway's northern most county, Finnmark, up to 45% of students do not complete high school. Contrary to prior research that has primarily focused on causes for dropout, this study's aim was to deepen understanding of factors that support high school attendance. A strengths-based participatory approach using photovoice addressed attendance factors as perceived by seven participating students from one high school in Finnmark. Qualitative content analysis of data generated through group dialogue about participant-generated photos and individual interviews identified six factors important for students' school attendance: a supportive school environment, a good learning environment, recuperation and recreation, family and friends, goals and ambitions, and place attachment. Related aspects of a supportive environment and belongingness, where school staff made important contributions to promoting a positive environment, were essential.

Language: en

Keywords

Upper secondary school; health promotion; high north; school dropout; youth