Peer bullying in adolescents and related factors

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of peer bullying and being exposed to bullying in adolescents and the factors associated with these behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a high school between February 2016 and November 2017. The study population was 203students. The 2013-2014 version of the questionnaire form (HBSCQ) used in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children study of the World Health Organization was used as the measurement tool. Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, Mann-Whitney U test were used in univariate analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to show the effect of social support to bullying. Results: The frequency of being exposed to peer bullying was 19.8%, and performing bullying was 23.7%.Being exposed to peer bullying was observed with a higher rate in those who migrated from another city (p=0.031). The average peer support score (p=0.001), family support score (p=0.039), and family communication score (p=0.028) were significantly lower in those who were exposed to bullying. The behavior of bullying was observed with a significantly higher rate in those with fewer siblings (p=0.028), had negative opinions about the school (p=0.024) and involved in a physical fight (p=0.001). According to the logistic regression analysis results, family support score was found to be protective against exposure to bullying. The protective effect of family communication and peer support scores continued to be significant after the adjustment. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the efficiency of social support in addressing and mitigating the effects of bullying among adolescents. School health programs should involve collaboration between teachers, administrators, parents, and students to create a unified approach to tackling bullying.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Peer Bullying
• School Health
• Social Support

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