PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, there has been growing public and research interest in adolescents' experiences with various forms of bullying victimisation because of their psychological, emotional, and/ or physical consequences. The present study examined the prevalence of bullying victimisation and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.; METHODS: Using data fromthe Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) from 2010 to 2017 of eleven sub-Saharan Africancountries, a sample of 25,454 in-school adolescents was used for analysis. Statistical analyses included frequencies, percentages, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios(aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).; RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bullying victimisation among the respondents was 38.8%. The prevalence was lowest in Mauritius (22.2%) and highest in Sierra Leone (54.6%). Adolescents who felt lonely [aOR=1.66, 95% CI=1.53, 1.80], had history of anxiety [aOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.41, 1.66], suicidal ideation [aOR=1.28, 95% CI=1.17, 1.39], suicidal attempt [aOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.72, 2.02], current users of marijuana [aOR=1.59, 95% CI=1.38, 1.84], and truants at [aOR=1.43, 95% CI=1.34, 1.52] were more likely to be victims of bullying. Conversely, adolescents who had peer support were less likely to be victims of bullying [aOR=0.78, 95% CI=0.73, 0.82].Adolescents aged 15years or older had lower odds of experiencing bullying victimization compared to their counterparts aged 14years or younger [aOR=0.74, 95% CI=0.69, 0.78].; CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that age, loneliness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt,and current use of marijuana are associated with increased risk of bullying victimisation. School-wide preventative interventions (e.g., positive behavioural strategies- Rational Emotive Behavioral Education, [REBE], peer educator network systems, face-face counseling sessions, substance use cessation therapy) are essential in promoting a positive school climate and reduce students' bullying victimisation behaviours.