School bullying and some associated factors among students aged 13 – 17 in Nghe An 107 Province in 2017

Abstract

Our study described the prevalence of being bullied among students aged 13-17 and associated factors in this group in two districts in Nghe An Province in Vietnam in 2017. A cross-sectional study was performed with 1074 students. The study ananlyzed data from a survey about health risk behaviors and associated factors among school students. Its questionnaire was based on GSHS survey and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Students aged 13-17 in two schools, in urban and rural districts in Nghe An province, were selected for the research. There were two schools in Vinh city and two in Do Luong district. This study has identified that 16% of students reported that they were bullied during the last month. The majority of victims were bullied on 1 to 5 days over 30 days. Among bullied students, verbal bullying behaviors were more prevalent than physical behaviors (38% compared 9%). Being bullied was significant more prevalent among younger students and independent form gender. Students who reported ever having health risk behaviors including tobacco and alcohol consumption; and mental health problems were significant more likely to be bullied than those who never reported such problems. In conclusion, violence in school is becoming a persistent issue not only in Vietnam but also all over the world. Findings support that the development of prevention strategies for victims is crucial to reducing the effect of school bullying on children’s future.