Prevalence and Predictors of Bullying Victimization among in-School Adolescents in Sokoto Metropolis, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Bullying victimization is a common experience among adolescents. Victimization is associated with negative consequences including negative mental outcomes, poor academic results, and poor social relationships. We describe the various forms of bullying victimization and the predictors of victimization among in-school adolescents in Sokoto metropolis. Material and Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study among in-school adolescents in Sokoto metropolis. Using a multistage sampling technique, 450 respondents were selected from public and private schools We used an adapted, validated, pretested and interviewer-administered peer victimization scale questionnaire to collect information from respondents. We conducted a descriptive statistic, bivariate and multivariate analysis at 5% level of significance.Results: Of the 450 respondents, 182 (40.4%) were in early adolescence and 220 (48.9%) were females. The mean age of respondents was 15.2 ± 1.9 years. Two hundred and thirty (51.1%), 102 (22.7%), 38 (8.4%), 161 (35.8) respondents had experienced physical, verbal, relational and damage-toproperty victimization respectively. Overall, 295 (65.6%) had experienced at least one type of bullying victimization. Being in junior class (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.1, 95% CI= 1.2-3.5) being in a boarding school (aOR: 3.4, 95% CI= 1.7-6.8), having friends that influence decisions (aOR: 2.5 (1.1-5.6), not smoking (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI = 1.1-10.0) and not knowing school policy on bullying (aOR: 2.1, 95% CI= 1.2-3.8) were independent predictors of bullying victimization. Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of bullying victimization among in-school adolescents in Sokoto metropolis. We recommend that school policy should protect junior students and those in boarding schools from victimization.

Prevalence and predictors of bullying among in-school adolescents in Nigeria

“…This finding is consistent with previous work conducted in Nigeria and other low-and-middle-income countries. 12 , 15 , 28 , 30 , 34 , 35 , 50 Another common type of bullying experienced in this study was verbal bullying, such as hurtful name-calling or making fun of tribes or families, followed by relational bullying, such as being ignored or spreading rumors, then cyberbullying. In contrast to physical bullying, verbal bullying was reported to be more common in some studies.…”

“… 21 , 24 , 48 Furthermore, the prevalence of bullying in this study was comparable to studies reported in Osun (50%), Ondo (27.5%), and Oyo (47.9%), 28 , 35 , 49 but was relatively low compared to studies conducted in Benin City (80%), Sokoto (65%), and Port Harcourt (82.2%) states in Nigeria. 27 , 30 , 32 Physical bullying was the most common type in this population because this is seen as either a sign of older students demanding respect from younger ones or the intimidation of peers to instill fear. Furthermore, children experience some sort of bullying from home as a sign of correction from parents or from school as corporal punishment.…”

“…This correlates with several previous studies that reported that an age younger than 18 years, being in a junior class, coming from a low socio-economic class, and several behavioral traits, are all associated with the prevalence of being a victim of bullying. 12 , 15 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 29 , 30 , 35 , 63 , 64 , 65 We believe that there is a significant association between psychosocial and demographic characteristics in relation to bullying because, in Nigeria, low socio-economic families go through more financial hardship, which in turn affects the children, making them feel insecure and vulnerable in school and among their peers, thereby leading to social isolation and negative emotions such as anxiety. Furthermore, students in junior classes are most likely to be bullied due to their younger age, lack of friends or peers, low self-confidence, and poor social skills.…”

“… 26 The estimated prevalence of bullying in Nigeria varies between 21% and 82%. 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 Being male, having previously used alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis, having been involved in cults or gangs, coming from a polygamous home, having less religious parents, not having a fulfilling relationship with teachers, and various other sociocultural factors, have all been associated with bullying in Nigerian students. 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 In addition, peer group influence and exposure to media were also found to be predictors of bullying among students.…”

Correlates of tobacco smoking among residents of an urban community in Northern Nigeria

“…Tobacco smoking is associated with an extensive list of health disorders as well as reduction of life expectancy (Raji et al, 2013). Smoking can make it harder for a woman to become pregnant.…”