Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Sexual Orientation

Year(s): 2017-2019

Merced CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceGay / Lesbian / BisexualStraightNot Sure
Didn’t Miss Any School30.7%44.4%45.8%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)20.9%24.6%14.4%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.0%0.1%1.0%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep2.2%0.4%1.0%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.2%0.9%1.1%
Had to Work0.0%0.1%0.1%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend0.8%1.2%2.4%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.0%0.1%0.0%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.0%0.1%0.0%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.2%0.2%0.1%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.3%0.3%0.1%
Was Suspended0.2%0.2%0.8%
Other Reason10.2%11.0%9.9%
Two or More Reasons33.2%16.5%23.3%