PURPOSE: Identify risk factors associated to violent behavior among adolescent students. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a two-staged stratified cluster sampling design. It represents all junior and high school students of Puerto Rico. Students from 117 schools were administered an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Alcohol use was reported by 78.7% of students, and 14% reported illegal drug use. About 25% committed one violent act during the previous year, and 22% committed two acts or more. Drug use, alcohol use, not getting along with their parents, being a male, school failure and drug use by siblings were identified as risk factors for violent behavior. Church attendance was identified as a protective factor. DISCUSSION: Primary physicians can play an important role in violence prevention through early identification of family violence.
PURPOSE: Identify risk factors associated to violent behavior among adolescent students. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a two-staged stratified cluster sampling design. It represents all junior and high school students of Puerto Rico. Students from 117 schools were administered an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS:Alcohol use was reported by 78.7% of students, and 14% reported illegal drug use. About 25% committed one violent act during the previous year, and 22% committed two acts or more. Drug use, alcohol use, not getting along with their parents, being a male, school failure and drug use by siblings were identified as risk factors for violent behavior. Church attendance was identified as a protective factor. DISCUSSION: Primary physicians can play an important role in violence prevention through early identification of family violence.
Authors: Melissa C Mercado-Crespo; Martha L Coulter; Carol Bryant; Randy Borum; Kay M Perrin; Kristine Nodarse-Hernández Journal: J Relig Health Date: 2021-06-14