Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Sexual Orientation

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Barbara Unified (School District)Percent
Reason for AbsenceGay / Lesbian / BisexualStraightNot Sure
Didn’t Miss Any School33.0%49.7%50.1%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)20.2%22.4%18.9%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.1%0.5%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep1.3%0.7%1.3%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.7%0.6%0.8%
Had to Work0.4%0.3%0.5%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.5%0.4%1.0%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.6%0.2%0.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.4%0.0%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.4%0.3%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.3%0.3%
Was Suspended0.4%0.2%0.8%
Other Reason8.1%10.0%8.5%
Two or More Reasons32.8%14.8%17.3%