Violent Behavior among Adolescents: Findings from the National Survey of Palestinian School Children

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to provide data about the prevalence of violent behavior among adolescent school students living in Palestine and to determine the correlates of physical fighting. Method: This study involved the completion of a modified version of Health Behavior in School Age Children (HBSC) 2003/2004 survey questionnaire by 17,715 grade 6–12 students. Chi square tests and forwards stepwise multiple logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. Results: In the 12 months preceding the survey, 46.1% of students (n=8036) reported that they had been in a physical fight; 41.7% (n=7265) reported that they were involved in a fight which required medical treatment. During the last school term, 33% (n=5742) bullied others at school; 48.7% (n=8503) reported having been bullied at school; 23.3% (n=4054) reported that they carried a weapon on school grounds. In logistic regression analysesbeing male, current cigarette use, bullying, being bullied with a weapon, carrying a weapon, spending more time with friends and poor school image were found to be associated with fighting. Conclusion: Violent behavior is common in adolescent school students. There is a strong need for violence prevention programs in schools.