Factors Influencing Primary School Dropout in Punjab, Pakistan: Results from MICS 2017-18

The study focused on the determinants of primary school dropout in the province of Punjab in Pakistan. The study used the MICS (2017-18) dataset. Out of the MICS (2017-2018) data set, a total of 11621 cases were selected. The selected cases were all between the ages of 5 - 17 years, who were enrolled in a primary school in the year prior to data collection. Primary school dropout was the main dependent variable of the study. Out of the 11612 selected children that were enrolled in primary school in the year prior to data collection a total of 274 (2.4%) children had dropped out. Multiple logistic regression were performed to gauge the relationship between primary school dropout and the various demographic, economic, household level and individual level variables included in the study. The study revealed that some demographic, economic and individual level variables significantly increased the odds of primary school dropout. Specifically, children from urban areas (demographic) or poor families (economic) had a significantly higher likelihood of dropping out. There is a need for a comprehensive policy that provides a holistic strategy for eliminating the incidence of school dropout at the primary level. This strategy should involve multiple stakeholders including the government, civil society, international organizations and most importantly, the communities.