INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS AND INTERVENTION PRIORITIES FOR SCHOOL DROPOUT PREVENTION

School dropout is one of the most significant contemporary social and educational problems, with important implications for individual development, labour-market integration, and social inclusion. This study aims to identify the main risk factors associated with school dropout and the interventions considered priorities for its prevention, from the perspective of professionals working in the educational and social sectors. The research is descriptive in nature and uses a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component was based on an online questionnaire administered to 82 respondents, while the qualitative component involved 21 participants interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The findings from the two components were integrated at the interpretive level through a joint display matrix. The results indicate that, according to the participants’ perceptions, the risk of school dropout is associated with a range of interrelated factors and highlight the importance of early social interventions tailored to students’ needs. The study underscores the need to develop integrated educational and social support programmes aimed at reducing the risk of early school leaving and promoting educational inclusion.