An Examination of the Relationship Between Poverty and School Absenteeism Due to Illness in Niger State
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Background of the Study
Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial driver of socio-economic development. However, in many developing regions, poverty significantly impacts school attendance, particularly through increased susceptibility to illness (UNESCO, 2024). Niger State, one of Nigeria’s largest states, has a substantial population living in poverty, with many families struggling to afford basic healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation, all of which contribute to poor health outcomes among school-aged children (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
Children from low-income households are at higher risk of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and other health issues that can lead to frequent school absenteeism (WHO, 2024). Inadequate access to healthcare, lack of proper sanitation, and poor living conditions increase children's vulnerability to illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal diseases (UNICEF, 2023). When children fall sick, families often lack the financial resources to seek timely medical attention, leading to prolonged absences from school.
Furthermore, poor health reduces cognitive performance and academic productivity, creating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for upward mobility (Adewale et al., 2024). The inability of children to attend school regularly due to health-related issues ultimately affects their long-term educational achievements and economic prospects. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government and international organizations to improve healthcare and school enrollment, the problem of school absenteeism due to illness remains persistent in Niger State.
This study seeks to examine the relationship between poverty and school absenteeism caused by illness, shedding light on the health and education challenges faced by children in impoverished communities.
Statement of the Problem
School absenteeism due to illness remains a significant barrier to educational attainment in Niger State, particularly among children from low-income families. While previous studies have explored factors influencing school attendance, limited research has specifically examined the link between poverty, illness, and absenteeism (Eze & Yusuf, 2024).
Children from poor households often experience repeated absences from school due to illnesses that could be prevented or treated with better healthcare access. Many families cannot afford medical expenses, nutritious food, or clean water, increasing children’s exposure to preventable diseases (Okafor et al., 2023). Moreover, the absence of school-based health programs exacerbates the issue, as children who fall ill remain untreated for extended periods.
Given these concerns, there is an urgent need to assess the impact of poverty on school absenteeism caused by illness. This study will provide empirical evidence on the health-related barriers to education in Niger State and suggest interventions to reduce school absences due to preventable health conditions.
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the relationship between poverty and school absenteeism due to illness in Niger State.
2. To identify common health conditions contributing to absenteeism among children from low-income households.
3. To explore interventions that can improve school attendance by addressing health-related barriers.
Research Questions
1. How does poverty influence school absenteeism due to illness in Niger State?
2. What are the most common illnesses causing school absenteeism among children from poor households?
3. What strategies can be implemented to reduce absenteeism related to illness among school children?
Research Hypotheses
1. Poverty has a significant impact on school absenteeism due to illness in Niger State.
2. Children from low-income households are more likely to miss school due to preventable illnesses.
3. Improving healthcare access for low-income families will reduce school absenteeism caused by illness.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on school children from low-income households in Niger State, examining the relationship between poverty, health, and absenteeism. Limitations include potential difficulties in obtaining accurate self-reported absenteeism data and variations in healthcare access across different regions.
Definition of Terms
• School Absenteeism: The frequent absence of students from school due to illness or other factors.
• Chronic Illness: Long-term health conditions that may cause recurring school absences.
• Health-Related Barriers: Factors such as malnutrition, disease, and lack of healthcare access that affect education.
• Preventable Diseases: Illnesses that can be avoided through vaccination, hygiene, and proper healthcare.
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