Bullying Victimization and Its Relation to Suicidal Ideation among Secondary School Students in Sharkia Government - Egypt

Shlenda, Asaad Abd El-Rhaman; Gado, Osama; Zakaria Ameen, Amira Alaa; Abdelsalam, Heba Ahmed

doi:10.21608/zumj.2023.242633.2961

Bullying Victimization and Its Relation to Suicidal Ideation among Secondary School Students in Sharkia Government - Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

² M.B.B.Ch. Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Resident of Psychiatry

³ Lecturer of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

10.21608/zumj.2023.242633.2961

Abstract

Background: Adolescent suicide is a severe public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and adolescents who are victims of bullying have a higher risk of suicidal behaviors. Early detection of any suicidal thoughts or behavior among the students in this critical period is highly essential for early management and prevention of a dangerous and fatal outcome.

Aim: To explore the association of bullying victimization at different frequencies and types with suicidal ideation.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at some randomly selected secondary schools at Sharkia governorate, Egypt on male and female students aged 15 to 18 years old with all socioeconomic classes were included. Psychometric assessment was done using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders, Bullying Behavior Scale, Bullying Victimization Scale and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation.

Results: There was a statistically significant association between bullying and suicidal ideation as 32 students out 59 students who had suicidal ideation were victims of bullying. Also, there was a statistically significant association between bullying and suicidal attempts as 7 students out 9 students who reported suicidal attempts were victims of bullying.

Conclusion: Bullying victimization raises the probability of suicidal thoughts and attempts in secondary school students. There was a statistically significant association between bullying victimization at different frequencies and types with suicidal ideation.

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