INTRODUCTION: Youth bullying is a critical public health problem, with those exposed to bullying at risk for development of serious sequelae lasting into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to explore youths' perceptions regarding the role that advanced practice nurses and physicians play in addressing bullying. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used; focus groups were used to generate study data. Twenty-four adolescents participated in focus groups centered on exploring health care providers' roles in addressing bullying. RESULTS: Three themes emerged through qualitative analysis: (a) Not sure that's part of their job, (b) That's way too personal, and (c) They couldn't help anyway. Participants described a very limited role for health care providers in addressing bullying. DISCUSSION: Youths recognized a narrow role for health care providers in addressing bullying, characterizing bullying as a school- or-community-related issue rather than one influencing health.
INTRODUCTION: Youth bullying is a critical public health problem, with those exposed to bullying at risk for development of serious sequelae lasting into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to explore youths' perceptions regarding the role that advanced practice nurses and physicians play in addressing bullying. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used; focus groups were used to generate study data. Twenty-four adolescents participated in focus groups centered on exploring health care providers' roles in addressing bullying. RESULTS: Three themes emerged through qualitative analysis: (a) Not sure that's part of their job, (b) That's way too personal, and (c) They couldn't help anyway. Participants described a very limited role for health care providers in addressing bullying. DISCUSSION: Youths recognized a narrow role for health care providers in addressing bullying, characterizing bullying as a school- or-community-related issue rather than one influencing health.
Authors: Robert D Sege; Elizabeth Hatmaker-Flanigan; Edward De Vos; Rebecca Levin-Goodman; Howard Spivak Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2006-02 Impact factor: 7.124