Abstract
BackgroundPhysical fighting is particularly detrimental for young people, often affecting other areas of their developing lives, such as relationships with friends and family and participating in risky behaviors. We aim to quantify the amount of problematic physical fighting in Namibian adolescents and identify modifiable risk factors for intervention.MethodsWe used the Namibia 2013 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). This survey collects health-related information on school-attending adolescents in grades 7 to 12. We defined physical fighting as having participated in at least two physical fights in the 12 months prior to responding to the survey. Factors that may be associated with physical fighting were identified a prior based on the literature and included age, sex, anxiety, suicide planning, truancy, physical activity, bullying victimization, presence of supportive parental figures, presence of helpful peers, extent of social network, and food insecurity. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify factors associated with physical fighting.ResultsA total of 4,510 adolescents were included in the study. A total of 52.7% female. 16.9% of adolescents reported engaging in at least two physical fights in the previous year. Factors associated with an increased odds of physical fighting included having a suicide plan, anxiety, truancy, food deprivation and being bullied. Increased age and loneliness were associated with a decreased odds of physical fighting.ConclusionThis study identifies problematic physical fighting among adolescents in Namibia. We recommend public health and school-based programming that simultaneously targets risk behaviours and conflict resolution to reduce rates of physical fighting.
Highlights
Physical fighting is consistently associated with serious injury and among adolescents is problematic as it is strongly associated with both bullying, family violence and weakened academic achievement (Pickett et al, 2002; Pickett et al, 2005)
Detailed contextual information on physical fighting risk factors is essential in order to better target adolescents in sub-Saharan African countries who may at particular risk of participating in physical fighting
We aim to provide an updated overview of the prevalence and risk factors for physical fighting among adolescents in Namibia using the Namibia Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in 2013
Summary
Physical fighting is consistently associated with serious injury and among adolescents is problematic as it is strongly associated with both bullying (perpetration and victimization), family violence and weakened academic achievement (Pickett et al, 2002; Pickett et al, 2005). Several risk factors for physical fighting have been identified in adolescents, such as male sex, poor mental health, drug use, bullying and younger age (Alikasifoglu et al, 2004; Rudatsikira, Muula & Siziya, 2008a; Pickett et al, 2012). These studies mainly take place in high income countries and quality information regarding the prevalence and general risk factors for physical fighting is lacking in low-income and sub-Saharan African countries. We recommend public health and school-based programming that simultaneously targets risk behaviours and conflict resolution to reduce rates of physical fighting
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