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Patterns and Correlates for Bullying among Young Adolescents in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Emmanuel O. Acquah

    (Centre for Learning Research, Department of Teacher Education, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland)

  • Michael L. Wilson

    (Unit of Adolescent Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku 20700, Finland
    Centre for Injury Prevention and Community Safety (CIPCS), PeerCorps Trust Fund, 352/64 Makunganya Street, Co-Architecture Building, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 22499 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

  • David T. Doku

    (Department of Population and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, University of Cape Coast, Ghana)

Abstract

Bullying is relatively common and is considered to be a public health problem among adolescents worldwide. The present study examined the risk factors associated with bullying behavior among adolescents in a lower-middle-income country setting. Data on 6235 adolescents aged 11–16 years, derived from the Republic of Ghana’s contribution to the Global School-based Health Survey, were analyzed using bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analysis. A high prevalence of bullying was found among Ghanaian adolescents. Alcohol-related health compromising behaviors (alcohol use, alcohol misuse and getting into trouble as a result of alcohol) increased the risk of being bullied. In addition, substance use, being physically attacked, being seriously injured, hunger and truancy were also found to increase the risk of being bullied. However, having understanding parents and having classmates who were kind and helpful reduced the likelihood of being bullied. These findings suggest that school-based intervention programs aimed at reducing rates of peer victimization should simultaneously target multiple risk behaviors. Teachers can also reduce peer victimization by introducing programs that enhance adolescents’ acceptance of each other in the classroom.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel O. Acquah & Michael L. Wilson & David T. Doku, 2014. "Patterns and Correlates for Bullying among Young Adolescents in Ghana," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:3:y:2014:i:4:p:827-840:d:41565
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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