Violence among high school students in Malatya: a prevalence study

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Celbiş O., Karaoğlu L., Egri M., Özdemir B.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, vol.42, pp.343-350, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.3906/sag-1102-1394
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.343-350
  • Keywords: School violence, adolescent, prevalence, ADOLESCENTS, BEHAVIORS, WEAPON, DEATHS, STATES
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of violence-related behaviors on school property and to identify the predictors of youth violence among high school adolescents in Malatya.

Materials and methods: Using a cluster sampling method, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out involving 1175 students. Backward logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association existing between the potential risk factors and violence-related behaviors.

Results: Of the students, 24.5% had been in a physical fight, 5.5% were injured and had to be treated by a doctor or nurse, and 4.3% had carried a weapon on school property during the 12 months preceding the survey. Of the students, 4.7% reported that they were a gang member.

Conclusion: Male sex, gang membership, exposure to violence, family income, grade, and school type were predictors of violence-related behaviors. Further quantitative studies are recommended to examine the causes of and solutions for violence for students at risk.