Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Grade Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Santa Barbara CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGrade 7Grade 9Grade 11Non-Traditional
Didn’t Miss Any School51.0%45.3%42.1%27.0%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)21.1%22.7%22.6%17.2%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.1%0.1%0.1%0.3%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep0.6%0.9%0.8%1.7%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School0.9%1.1%0.9%3.6%
Had to Work0.0%0.2%0.2%0.0%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.9%0.8%1.0%1.8%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.3%0.2%0.1%0.3%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.1%0.2%0.2%0.7%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.1%0.4%0.0%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.2%0.6%0.6%0.9%
Was Suspended0.4%0.4%0.4%3.3%
Other Reason12.2%9.9%8.9%7.4%
Two or More Reasons12.0%17.6%21.6%35.9%