Physical and verbal aggression among adolescent school students in Sharkia, Egypt: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Background School aggression has become an increasing concern to public health professionals, clinicians, policy makers, educators, and the general public. It is a multifaceted problem with biological, psychological, social, and environmental roots. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and the influence of social, family, and school environments on the development of school aggression. Patients and methods A multistage stratified sample of 574 students of both sexes aged 13–18 years was selected from the preparatory and secondary schools chosen from Zagazig Center through the academic year 2014–2015. Sociodemographic characteristics of the students were evaluated using a self-reporting questionnaire. Aggressive behavior was assessed using the Aggressive behavior and hostility scale for adolescents (the parts of physical and verbal aggression). Results Physical aggression was severe in 0.7% of the sample, moderate in 8.5%, mild in 39.2%, and minimal in 51.7%. As regards verbal aggression, it was severe in 0.5% of the sample, moderate in 8.0%, mild in 40.5%, and minimal in 51.1% of the sample. Risk factors for aggression were male sex, age greater than 15 years, unfavorable school atmosphere, practicing sports, smoking, watching action movies, personal history of physical abuse, being second-born child of the family, attending urban schools, and a history of dropping class. Conclusion School aggression is a frequent and a serious problem among school adolescents. It is necessary to evaluate the level of seriousness and attempt to find effective preventing measures.