What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Mental Health, Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in The Journal of school health on May 1, 2026.

School absenteeism signals deeper mental health and substance use risks in teens

Truancy, Psychosocial Distress, and Risk Behaviors in School-Going Adolescents: Insights From a National School-Based Survey in the Philippines.

The Journal of school health • May 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This study examined the relationship between school truancy and various behavioral and psychosocial issues among Filipino adolescents (ages 13-17) using data from the 2019 Global School-Based Student Health Survey. The research found that approximately 32.6% of students reported missing school without permission in the past month, with higher rates among older and male students. Notably, truant students demonstrated significantly elevated odds of experiencing loneliness, anxiety, suicidal behaviors, bullying, and violence, suggesting that school absenteeism may serve as an important warning sign for underlying psychological distress.

The study also revealed concerning patterns in substance use among truant adolescents, with particular emphasis on gender differences. Female students who engaged in truancy showed notably higher odds of both alcohol and marijuana use compared to their male counterparts, indicating potential sex-specific vulnerability patterns. Truant students further reported limited parental support and peer isolation, suggesting that social disconnection compounds their risk for multiple behavioral and mental health challenges.

These findings underscore the critical importance of recognizing truancy as an early warning marker for adolescent vulnerability rather than a standalone behavioral problem. School-based screening programs and proactive psychosocial interventions tailored to gender-specific needs could identify at-risk youth before problems escalate. The research highlights how ecological factors like family support and peer relationships interact with truancy to shape adolescent health outcomes, suggesting that comprehensive, tiered support strategies addressing both psychological and social dimensions may be most effective in reducing health inequities among vulnerable student populations.

📄 Original Abstract

Truancy, or unexcused school absenteeism, is linked to adolescent psychosocial and behavioral problems and may serve as a behavioral marker of developmental and ecological vulnerability. This study examined associations between truancy and psychosocial distress, violence, limited social support, and substance use among Filipino students. Data were drawn from the 2019 Philippines Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) of adolescents in Grades 7-10 (ages 13-17). Truancy was defined as missing school without permission during the past 30 days. Twenty-three variables covering psychosocial problems, violence, social support, and substance use were analyzed using logistic regression, stratified by sex. About 32.6% of students reported truancy in the past month, with higher odds among older and male adolescents. Truant students had elevated odds of loneliness, anxiety, suicidal behaviors, bullying, violence, and substance use. Female students exhibited higher odds of alcohol and marijuana use relative to males. Truant students were more likely to report limited parental support and peer isolation. Recognizing truancy as an early warning marker can inform school-based screening, psychosocial support, and gender-sensitive interventions to reduce inequities. Truancy may reflect underlying psychosocial challenges, underscoring the need for proactive, tiered school-based identification and support strategies for at-risk adolescents.