A Health Promotion intervention to reduce bullying among early adolescents in a rural school in Sri Lanka
Abstract
Introduction and Objectives Bullying is a leading health issue among school going adolescents, which needs immediate and effective actions. The aim was to develop and evaluate a health promotion intervention to reduce bullying... [ view full abstract ]
Introduction and Objectives
Bullying is a leading health issue among school going adolescents, which needs immediate and effective actions. The aim was to develop and evaluate a health promotion intervention to reduce bullying among early adolescents in a rural school in Sri Lanka.
Methods
All students (n=240) in grades seven to nine participated in the intervention based on health promotion approach. The study design was participatory action research using mixed methods. The researcher engaged the students by discussing their future dreams and facilitating them to understand how bullying reduces their wellbeing and hinders their progress towards fulfilling their dreams. During the process, students were stimulated to identify and address determinants for bullying among themselves. The collectively identified determinants were, poor understanding on bullying, the school culture, promotion of violence by media, senior role models and positive attitudes towards bullying and violence. The actions to address them were identified and implemented collectively by the students. Changes of identified determinants were monitored using participatory methods. A self-administered questionnaire developed by the researcher and tools developed by students were used to collectively evaluate the intervention. Quantitative data were analyzed using Chi-Square statistic and Z test for difference of proportions and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis method.
Results
The prevalence of verbal, physical and social bullying among participants reduced significantly along with the number of bullies and victims. . Students’ knowledge and awareness about bullying in the school improved significantly. School culture was changed positively with significant perceived improvement in values and attitudes.
Conclusion
The health promotion intervention conducted was effective in reducing bullying among adolescents in the selected school. The developed intervention model can be utilized to address bullying after modifications to the context of the setting.
Key words: Bullying, Adolescents, Heath promotion, Participatory action research
Authors
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Krishani Jayasinghe
(Rajarata University of Sri Lanka)
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Manuja Perera
(University of Kelaniya)
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Najith Guruge
(Rajarata University of Sri Lanka)
Topic Areas
IV. Behaviors 4.1 Mobilities and health 4.2 Spatial analysis of substance abuse and treatm , Topic #15
Session
LMIC-O-04 » LMIC Lessons Learned - Engaging Young People in Advancing a Culture of Health in their Communities (15:00 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
Abstract_USA.doc
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