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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.
ARTICLE HISTORY
Received 16 October 2017
Accepted 20 December 2017
KEYWORDS
Upper secondary school; school dropout; high north; youth; health promotion
Introduction
Graduation from high school is important for health and living conditions, with dropout linked to health and social problems later in life [1,2]. Relatedly, education is a primary social determinant of health, with duration and quality of life increasing with increased length of education [3].
Despite the many challenges associated with school dropout, approximately 27% of students in Norway do not graduate from high school (defined as not completing within 5 years of initiation), 33% for males and 22% for females [4]. In Norway, high school refers to 3 years of optional school that follow 10 years of mandatory school. The students can choose from a number of different programmes, both theoretical and vocational. Dropout rates from theoretical programmes are 14% and 41% for vocational programmes
[4]. The proportion of dropout varies between regions. In Finnmark, the northern most county in Norway, the share is as high as 45%, 54% for males and 36% for females.
In turn, governmentally supported programmes and reforms have been developed to prevent dropout, such as No Child Left Behind in the USA and the NyGIVproject in Norway [5]. Further knowledge development addressing preventative actions, that considers contextual factors, can optimise strategies to reduce rates. This study focuses on Finnmark given...