Factors Associated with Violent Behavior among Adolescents in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and factors associated with violent behavior among adolescents in Aracaju and Metropolitan region. The study included 2207 adolescents (16.03 ± 1.08 years old) enrolled in high schools of the State Public Network. Violent behavior was identified from question 14 of the YRBS-2007 questionnaire with responses categorized as “never” and “one or more times.” Higher prevalence in males in relation to risk factors for adoption of violent behavior was found: cigarette consumption (7.3%), alcohol consumption (39.1%), and marijuana use (3.4%). Data analysis used descriptive statistics and logistic regression with hierarchical model at two levels: (a) sociodemographic variables and (b) behavioral variables. For both sexes, association between violent behavior and cigarette smoking (OR = 3.77, CI 95% = 2.06–6.92 and OR = 1.99, CI 95% = 1.04 to 3.81, male and female, resp.) and alcohol consumption (OR = 3.38, CI 95% = 2.22 to 5.16 and OR = 1.83, CI 95% = 1.28 to 2.63, male and female, resp.) was verified. It was concluded that violent behavior is associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes among adolescents.

Fatores associados aos comportamentos de risco à saúde entre adolescentes brasileiros: uma revisão integrativa

“…In investigations carried out in Aracaju (Sergipe state) (19) and in Barra das Garças (Mato Grosso state) (46) , alcohol consumption by adolescents was associated with violent behavior. The impulsivity when not regulated can give rise to psychosocial risk behaviors, mainly with manifestations of violence, in which substances such as alcohol and others act as facilitators.…”

“…Silva et al, 2014 (19) To identify the prevalence and factors associated with violent behavior among adolescents in the greater Aracaju area.…”

“…It is essential to make condoms available in schools (33) , as well as access to hormonal contraceptives in health centers. Adolescents may not have the financial condition to purchase them in pharmacies and may be fearful of being recognized by other clients (19) . The alignment between schools and health services is essential for success in promoting safe sex between adolescents (19) .…”

“…A lack of publications on the reasons that led the boys to become more involved in violent situations when compared to the girls was noticed. This behavior was associated with the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs for both genders (19,22,24) . It is understood that the consumption of drugs, being licit or illicit, is directly related to violent situations and must be prevented.…”

Exploring associations of clinical and social parameters with violent behaviors among psychiatric patients

“…Several studies concluded that patients with psychiatric disorders commit serious crimes more frequently compared to normal patients without psychiatric disorders [3, 10–14]. In addition, some studies specifically focused on reviewing the social context and associations of interlinked variables, such as empathy deficits, aggression, and violent behaviors, among children and adolescents [15–18]. A number of studies and reviews have been conducted to assess the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors associated with violent behaviors in psychiatric patients.…”