Scoping Review on Interventions, Actions, and Policies Affecting Return to School and Preventing School Dropout in Primary School

Abstract

Background: Dropout is one of the most important social problems in the world and especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Efforts to prevent dropouts require giving due attention to different perspectives for applying them. The present study aims to identify the policies and interventions made in previous studies because reviewing evidence‑based interventions and learning from their strengths and weaknesses is likely to play an effective role in preventing students from leaving school and returning them to school. Methods: This scoping review study conducted on all available studies and documents related to students’ dropout. The study population includes articles searched in electronic sources that contain information related to the subject of dropout and out‑of‑school in primary schools. Appropriate keywords were extracted based on Mesh term and EMTREE and their synonyms and searched by a medical librarian. scientific sources and Gray literature published in Persian and English based on PRISMA standard criteria were reviewed. Results: A review of studies indicated that various interventions such as student interaction with school, educational interventions on students and teachers, family and local community cooperation, free nutrition, behavioral interventions, financial aid, and free education had positive effects on reducing dropout, absenteeism and encouraging students to return to schools. effect size was not reported for school dropout intervention. Conclusions: The findings have indicated that intervention with a combination of global and targeted strategies can affect dropout in developing countries. However, to confirm the effectiveness of this type of intervention, further research is required to be conducted in different countries and with different cultures.