A multi-country analysis of the prevalence and factors associated with bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from the global school-based health survey

Richard Gyan Aboagye,Abdul-Aziz Seidu,Collins Adu,Bright Opoku Ahinkorah,Eugene Budu,Raymond K. Ayilu,John Elvis Hagan,James Boadu Frimpong

doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03337-5

Abstract

BackgroundOver the past few years, there has been growing public and research interest in adolescents’ experiences with various forms of bullying victimisation because of their psychological, emotional, and/ or physical consequences. The present study examined the prevalence of bullying victimisation and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsUsing data from the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) from 2010 to 2017 of eleven sub-Saharan African countries, a sample of 25,454 in-school adolescents was used for analysis. Statistical analyses included frequencies, percentages, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe overall prevalence of bullying victimisation among the respondents was 38.8%. The prevalence was lowest in Mauritius (22.2%) and highest in Sierra Leone (54.6%). Adolescents who felt lonely [aOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.53, 1.80], had history of anxiety [aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.41, 1.66], suicidal ideation [aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.39], suicidal attempt [aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.72, 2.02], current users of marijuana [aOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.38, 1.84], and truants at [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.34, 1.52] were more likely to be victims of bullying. Conversely, adolescents who had peer support were less likely to be victims of bullying [aOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.82]. Adolescents aged 15 years or older had lower odds of experiencing bullying victimization compared to their counterparts aged 14 years or younger [aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.78]. ConclusionOur findings suggest that age, loneliness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt, and current use of marijuana are associated with increased risk of bullying victimisation. School-wide preventative interventions (e.g., positive behavioural strategies- Rational Emotive Behavioral Education, [REBE], peer educator network systems, face-face counseling sessions, substance use cessation therapy) are essential in promoting a positive school climate and reduce students’ bullying victimisation behaviours.

Highlights

Over the past few years, there has been growing public and research interest in adolescents’ experiences with various forms of bullying victimisation because of their psychological, emotional, and/ or physical consequences
Our findings suggest that age, loneliness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt, and current use of marijuana are associated with increased risk of bullying victimisation
The results revealed that age (χ2 = 7.60, p = 0.006), loneliness(χ2 = 469.28, p = < 0.001), anxiety (χ2 = 422.07, p = 0.000), suicidal ideation (χ2 = 438.64, p = < 0.001), suicidal plan (χ2 = 397.41, p < 0.001), suicidal attempt (χ2 = 865.34, p = 0.000), current marijuana use (χ2 = 170.44, p = < 0.001), truancy (χ2 = 391.59, p < 0.001), peer support (χ2 = 134.46, p < 0.001), parental or guardian supervision (χ2 = 26.28, p < 0.001), parental or guardian connectedness (χ2 = 108.60, p = < 0.001), and parental or guardian

Summary

Introduction

Over the past few years, there has been growing public and research interest in adolescents’ experiences with various forms of bullying victimisation because of their psychological, emotional, and/ or physical consequences. Bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents remains a serious concern because of its link with a host of mental health- anxiety disorder, depression; physical health- injuries, and academic problemsadjustment, low achievement across many countries worldwide [2, 3]. Bullying is defined as a harsh or aggressive behaviour directed at the victim by a perpetrator with the intent of causing psychological, emotional or physical harm as a result of an imbalance of power [4] or aggressive, intentional acts carried out by a group or an individual repeatedly and overtime against a victim who cannot defend him or herself [5]. Evidence suggest that bullying ranges from verbal attacks (e.g., name-calling, threats), physical behaviours (e.g., hitting, kicking, damaging victim’s property), and relational/social aggression (e.g., social exclusion, rumour spreading [5, 7, 8]) to current forms of abuse via internet and emerging technologies, popularly termed as cyberbullying

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion