Social and families variables associated with university drop-out

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this research
is to identify which social and family problems
affect students at university dropout
risk. In doing so, we will analyze the
relationships between university drop-out
and specific variables such as sex, age,
educational level and socio-economic
status of parents. Method. We use an expost-
facto methodology, with descriptive
and inferential design. The sample is 86
students from the Degree of Pedagogy
and Physical Activity and Sport at the University
of Seville. These are students who
began their studies in the academic year
2009/2010 and did not enrol again in this
degree in the following two years. For data
collection we developed an ad hoc questionnaire
with 51 items. For the analysis
we used descriptive and contrast techniques.
Results. The results show how the
existence of social and family problems
affect students causing their drop out or
temporary abandonment; at the same time,
we detected which personal, family, institutional
or social factors determine the

student’s decision to drop out. 72% of the
sample justified their drop-out in social
and family variables while 26% alluded to
demotivation and preference for another
degree or institution. Discussion. These
results coincide with previous research;
in this way we make a series of proposals
that can serve as a reflection for academic
leaders to improve success rates and efficiency
in current degrees and to promote
an inclusive university.