Final answer:
Upper respiratory tract infections are often the leading cause of absenteeism among young women, although mental health disorders also play a significant role in educational absenteeism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest single cause of absenteeism from school and work among young women is difficult to pinpoint with certainty; however, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a common reason for people to miss school or work. Symptoms like fever, sore throat, and cough, along with the worry about missing work/class and the social expectation to stay home and rest, contribute to high rates of absenteeism. Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder, also significantly impact absenteeism rates as they can affect concentration, memory, and the motivation to engage in school activities. Nevertheless, the physical symptoms and widespread prevalence of URTIs often make them the leading cause of short-term absence.