Year: 2025 | Month: October-December | Volume: 9 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 28-35
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20250405
Awareness Regarding School Refusal Among Parents: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Bimala Adhikari1, Mahesh Kumar Shahi2, Archana Bagale3, Kritima Maharjan4
1Assistant Professor, PAHS-SONAM, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
2Assistant Professor, Mid-West University, Birendranagar, Surkhet, Nepal
3Assistant Professor, PAHS-SONAM, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
4RN Fairfield Nursing Home, Beverly Hills, Sydney, NSW
Corresponding Author: Bimala Adhikari
ABSTRACT
Background: School refusal is a complex phenomenon characterized by persistent reluctance or refusal to attend school, often associated with anxiety, somatic complaints, or psychosocial difficulties. Parental awareness is critical for early identification and intervention.
Objective: To assess the level of awareness regarding school refusal among parents attending the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) of Patan Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 70 parents using a structured interview schedule. Convenience sampling was employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation).
Results: Nearly half (47.1%) of respondents demonstrated good awareness, 30.0% had average awareness, and 22.9% had poor awareness. While 94.3% identified traumatic experiences as a cause, only 35.7% understood the meaning of school refusal. Most recognized parental support (82.9%) and teacher communication (80.0%) as management strategies, whereas awareness of preventive measures and broader psychosocial consequences was limited.
Conclusion: Although many parents were aware of causes, symptoms, and management of school refusal, significant gaps remained regarding its definition, prevention, and long-term consequences. Educational interventions targeting parents are necessary to improve early detection and support.
Keywords: school refusal, parental awareness, school absenteeism, Nepal, child mental health
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