Reasons for School Absence in Past Month, by Parent Education Level

Year(s): 2017-2019

Kern CountyPercent
Reason for AbsenceDid Not Finish High SchoolHigh School DiplomaSome CollegeAt Least 4-Year Degree
Didn’t Miss Any School34.4%34.8%34.3%40.9%
Illness (including respiratory and dental problems)22.7%25.4%23.1%23.5%
Felt Very Sad, Hopeless, Anxious, Stressed, or Angry0.2%0.2%0.3%0.1%
Didn’t Get Enough Sleep1.0%0.9%1.0%0.6%
Didn’t Feel Safe at School1.4%1.6%0.9%0.9%
Had to Work0.4%0.3%0.2%0.2%
Had to Care for or Help a Family Member or Friend1.2%1.6%1.0%1.0%
Wanted to Spend Time with Friends Not from School0.3%0.3%0.3%0.2%
Wanted to Use Alcohol or Drugs0.3%0.1%0.1%0.1%
Was Behind in Schoolwork or Unprepared for Class0.4%0.3%0.3%0.4%
Was Bored with or Uninterested in School0.7%0.4%0.4%0.3%
Was Suspended0.6%0.4%0.4%0.2%
Other Reason9.0%9.3%9.6%11.3%
Two or More Reasons27.6%24.4%28.3%20.3%