Table 1 Variables considered in the analysis

Outcome variable

During the past 30 days, on how many days did you miss classes or school without permission? (Yes, No)

Explanatory variables

1. Age (11–13, 14, 15+ years)

2. Sex (Male, Female)

3. Grade (Grades 6 & 7 Form1, Forms 2–4)

In the following factors, the "Never or Zero" category was recoded as "No" and the rest of the categories as "Yes"

4. During the past 30 days, how often did you go hungry because there was not enough food in your home? (Yes, No)

5. During the past 30 days, on how many days were you bullied? (Yes, No)

6. During the past 30 days, on how many days did you have at least one drink

containing alcohol? (Yes, No)

7. During the past 30 days, how often were most of the students in your school kind and helpful? (Yes, No)

8. During the past 30 days, how often did your parents or guardians check to see if your homework was done? (Yes, No)

9. During the past 30 days, how often did your parents or guardians understand your problems and worries? (Yes, No)

10. During the past 30 days, how often did your parents or guardians really know what you were doing with your free time? (Yes, No)