Introduction:

adolescent high school dropout is a social, economic and cultural problem. Few national research studies have addressed this issue.

Objective:

learn the factors linked to high school dropout in adolescents of 12 to 19 years of age assisted by the Jardines del Hipódromo, Badano Repetto and Centro Cívico Salvador Allende Health Centers between August 20 and September 20, 2017.

Methodology:

observational descriptive study carried out through an anonymous survey that included all adolescents aged 12 to 19 who attended these centers and had dropped out of the academic system. Variables: age, gender, last year in school, grade repetition number, reasons for dropout, family characteristics, and stimuli received from family and peers.

Results:

79% (64/81) of adolescents responded the survey. The mean age was 17.2 years (range 12-19), female 60.9% (39/64). 60.9% of adolescents had not finished junior high school and the main reasons stated were: lack of personal interest 43.8% (28/64), grade repetition 42.2% (27/64) and lack of interest in the classes taught 32.80% (21/64). 14/27 reported having to repeat at least one grade 14/27, and 8/27 reported having to repeat the grade twice. The main reasons for having to repeat a grade were: absenteeism 15/27, followed by lack of interest 6/27. 82.8% of the adolescents thought completing their studies was important for their future. 93.7% reported they had family support, and 64.5% reported they had peer support.

Conclusion:

most of the adolescents surveyed did not complete junior high school and lack of personal interest and having to repeat a grade were reported as the main reasons for dropout. Adolescent high school dropout is a multifactorial problem that requires an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional approach.

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