Association between childhood bullying and subsequent health-risk behaviors among Saudi Arabian adults

Background: Bullying is widespread and the most underreported safety problem on school campus. It can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety, negatively impact their ability to learn, and has potentially far... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Bullying is widespread and the most underreported safety problem on school campus. It can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety, negatively impact their ability to learn, and has potentially far reaching negative implication. While extensive research has been conducted on childhood bullying and victimization in the western countries, there is lack of research in the middle-eastern countries. The objective of the study is to gain better understanding of childhood bullying and their association with health-risk behavior among Saudi Arabian adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional, national survey utilizing Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), supported by a grant from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) was conducted in 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Adults (N=10,156) aged ≥18 years were invited to participate. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each of the potential explanatory variables in relation to the outcome.

Results: Participant’s mean age 34.3±11.3 years, and 52% male. Thirty eight percent college educated, employed (51%), and married (59%). Fourteen percent of the participants reported being bullied during their childhood which include hit, kicked and pushed (22%); was made fun of because of nationality/color (8%), religion (8%), body/face look (14%) and sexual jokes (15%); was left out of activities on purpose (18%); and others (15%). Participants who experienced childhood bullying were 2.0 (95% CI 1.8-2.2) times more likely to smoke, 2.5 (95% CI 2.1-2.9) times more likely to drink alcohol, 2.7 (95% CI 2.3-3.2) times more likely to use drugs, and 2.5 (95% CI 2.2-2.8) times more likely to have ever had pre-marital sexual relationship.

Conclusions: Prevention of bullying should be in the national agenda in Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Education should play a major role in initiating specific regulation for prevention and intervention in school.