### Health Issues and Economic Challenges: Leading Causes of University Dropouts
**Tijuana, September 4, 2024** – Health concerns and economic problems are the primary factors driving university students to abandon their studies, according to Haydeé Gómez Llanos Juárez, Vice-Chancellor of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), Tijuana campus.
“These can vary in some cases,” says Gómez Llanos, noting that while not all dropouts are due to health reasons, mental health issues and economic difficulties are significant contributors. Despite the institution offering various scholarships, some students ultimately decide to leave.
Before students make the final decision to drop out, they receive counseling from the Academic Services Coordination to explore all possible alternatives. “If it’s an economic issue, we make them aware of the numerous scholarships available. For health-related problems, we have the Mental Health Committee that is actively seeking strategies to prevent mental health from becoming a dropout trigger,” added Gómez Llanos.
Earlier this year, UABC’s rector, Luis Enrique Palafox Maestre, reported that in 2023, two out of ten students who enrolled at UABC left their studies. This statistic nearly doubled when compared to 2022, which had a dropout rate of 12.5%.
Currently, the UABC Tijuana Campus, which includes the Valle de las Palmas, Playas de Rosarito, and the Center for Health Education University (CUES), has a student population of 32,000, with 21,000 housed in the Otay facilities in Tijuana.
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### Additional Insights and News on University Dropouts
**Health and Economic Struggles Impact Students Globally**
Recent studies reveal a similar trend worldwide, with health and economic issues being frequently cited as primary reasons for university dropouts. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics in the United States, financial pressure is one of the leading causes of students discontinuing their higher education.
In Europe, data from Eurostat highlighted that economic instability and mental health challenges significantly affect students’ ability to complete their studies. Universities across the globe are increasingly focusing on providing financial aid and mental health support services to address these pressing issues.
### Efforts to Mitigate Dropout Rates
Several universities are now implementing innovative programs aimed at reducing dropout rates. For instance, the University of California has introduced a comprehensive mental health initiative that includes anonymous counseling services and stress management workshops. Similarly, in Germany, the Federal Government is enhancing education funding to ensure students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can complete their degrees without financial burdens.
These global efforts emphasize the importance of addressing both economic and health-related challenges to ensure higher education is accessible and sustainable for all students.
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