Ten‐Year Secular Trends in Youth Violence: Results From the Philadelphia Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2003‐2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND Youth violence reduction is a public health priority, yet few studies have examined secular trends in violence among urban youth, who may be particularly vulnerable to numerous forms of violence. This study examines 10-year secular trends in the prevalence of violence-related behaviors among Philadelphia high school students. METHODS Repeated cross-sectional data were analyzed from 5 waves of the Philadelphia Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2003 to 2013. Sex-specific multivariate regression models were used to examine secular trends in multiple types of violence, accounting for age, race/ethnicity, and sampling strategy. RESULTS In 2013, the most prevalent violent behavior was physical fighting among boys (38.4%) and girls (32.7%). Among girls, the prevalence of sexual assault and suicide attempts declined between 2003 and 2013 (β = −0.13, p = .04 and β = −0.14, p = .007, respectively). Among boys, significant declines in carrying a weapon (β = −0.31, p < .001), carrying a gun (β = −0.16, p = .01), and physical fighting (β = −0.35, p = .001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Whereas the prevalence of some forms of violence stabilized or declined among Philadelphia youth during 2003–2013 time span, involvement in violence-related behaviors remains common among this population. Continued surveillance and evidence-based violence reduction strategies are needed to address violence among urban youth.

Trends in bullying victimization by gender among U.S. high school students

“…During these 6 years, school bullying was unchanged among female students (26.4–26.4%) but decreased significantly among male students (24.5–18.4%) (Schneider et al, ). Previous research with YRBS data from the city of Philadelphia has recommended the examination of trends in youth violence, including bullying victimization by gender (Pool, Patterson, Luna, Hohl, & Bauer, ). Since previous research has shown divergent trends in school bullying victimization by gender, further investigation is needed to examine these trends.…”

Análise temporal e avaliação de desigualdade em vitimização por bullying verbal, violência física familiar, violência sexual e envolvimento em brigas com uso de armas, entre adolescentes brasileiros

“…A variável escolaridade materna apresentou cerca de 18%, 17% e 23% de dados faltantes Idade (anos) ≤ 13 24,4 (23,3-25,5) 19,0 (18,1-19,9) 20,3 (19,3-21,4) 14 47,2 (46,3) 50,1 (49,0-51,2) 52,4 (51,3-53,6) 15 18,2 (17,2-19,3) 19,4 (18,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)2) 18,5 (17,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)4) ≥16 10,2 (09,4-10,9) 11,5 (10,(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)4) 8,8 (8,…”

“…Ensino fundamental incompleto 36,1 (34,5) 33,1 (31,9) 27,1 (25,6) Ensino fundamental completo 14,6 (14,1-15,1) 15,7 (15,(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)3) 13,8 (13,(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)5) Ensino médio completo 31,1 (30,2) 34,9 (33,9) 34,8 (33,8) Ensino superior completo 18,2 (17,0-19,4) 16,3 (14,(5)(6)(7)…”

“…Violência doméstica 9,5 (9,0-10,0) 11,6 (11,1-12,1) 16,2 (15,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)8) Briga com uso de arma de fogo 4,0 (3,7-4,3) 6,9 (6,6-7,3) 5,6 (5,2-6,0)…”

“…Briga com uso de arma branca 6,1 (5,4) 8,3 (7,7) 8,2 (7,(6)(7)(8)7) Bullying verbal 14,2 (13,(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)7) 16,5 (15,(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)1) 21,7 (21,4)…”