The relationship of bullying and physical violence to mental health and academic performance: A cross-sectional study among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the association between these health risk behaviors and mental health and academic performance. Methods A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 2011 and 2012. Adolescents attending intermediate and secondary schools were invited to participate through a multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests to identify associations, and odds ratios were calculated. Results A total of 9073 students participated. Twenty-six percent of adolescents reported exposure to bullying in the preceding 30 days, and one of every three adolescents reported exposure to physical violence at school during the past year. Both males and older adolescents were more likely to be exposed to bullying. Exposure to physical violence and bullying were both associated with higher odds of having more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those exposed to physical violence were at higher odds of having poorer academic performance. Bullying and physical violence among adolescent students in Saudi Arabia is prevalent and deserves special attention due to its harmful impact on the other aspects of students' wellbeing.
Source: International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research