Abstract
The aims of the present study were to evaluate possible gender differences in the prevalence of physical aggression among adolescents, and to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and physical activity participation with physical aggression in boys and girls. The sample was composed of 6,529 high school students (aged 15-19 years) from public schools of the state of Santa Catarina. A questionnaire was applied to collect data regarding sociodemographic factors, involvement in physical aggressions and types of physical activity. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models were performed. Boys reported more involvement in physical aggression episodes (36.9%) compared to girls (26.0%, p<0.05). Boys who lived in urban areas (OR: 1.45) and did not live with the family (OR: 2.22), as well as girls enrolled in the night shift were more likely to engage in fights (OR: 1.26). Adolescents aged 17-19 years had reduced chances of getting involved in fights (OR Boys: 0.66; OR Girls: 0.80) compared to younger ones. The practice of team sports among boys (OR: 1.56) and the combined practice of team sports and individual physical activities among boys (OR: 1.91) and girls (OR: 1.36) were associated with physical aggressions. It was concluded that boys were more likely to engage in fights, mainly younger boys, who did not live with family and lived in urban areas. In boys and girls, the involvement in physical aggression was greater among those who are engaged in team sports.
Highlights
Characterized as a multi-causal problem that has a strong relation with behavioral aspects, sociocultural and economic inequalities, violence has become a public health problem in Brazil, especially among adolescents[1]
The literature lacks of studies on interpersonal physical violence that seek to identify sociocultural and demographic factors associated with the occurrence of physical aggression in this population[3]
With regard to the prevalence of involvement in fights among adolescents, it is known that boys are more involved in physical aggressions when compared to girls[4,5,6], because they resort to violence more frequently to deal with interpersonal conflicts[5]
Summary
Characterized as a multi-causal problem that has a strong relation with behavioral aspects, sociocultural and economic inequalities, violence has become a public health problem in Brazil, especially among adolescents[1]. Violence in its different manifestations results in losses of physical and mental health, being related to school dropout, low school performance, suicidal ideation and violent behaviors[2]. The literature lacks of studies on interpersonal physical violence that seek to identify sociocultural and demographic factors associated with the occurrence of physical aggression in this population[3]. With regard to the prevalence of involvement in fights among adolescents, it is known that boys are more involved in physical aggressions when compared to girls[4,5,6], because they resort to violence more frequently to deal with interpersonal conflicts[5]. There is evidence that the behavior investigated is distinct between boys and girls, it is unclear in literature which factors are related in each sex
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