Research view
Title: | Physical and verbal aggression among adolescent school students in Sharkia, Egypt: prevalence and risk factors |
Author: | Nagda M. Elmasry, Amira A. Fouad, Dalia M. Khalil, Khalid S. Sherra |
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.
Keywords:
aggression, risk factors, school adolescents
|
Journal: | Egyptian Journal of Psychiatry 2016, 37:166–173 |
Text: | |
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