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Al Saadoon M, Eltayib RAA, Alhaj AH, Chan MF, Aldhafri S, Al-Adawi S. The Perception and Roles of School Mental Health Professionals Regarding School Bullying ( Suluk Audwani) in Oman: A Qualitative Study in an Urban Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:991. [PMID: 39200602 PMCID: PMC11353871 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21080991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
With increasing mental health risks among school populations and prevalent bullying, school mental health professionals (SMHP) are crucial globally. This study explores the perspectives of SMHP on bullying in Omani schools, focussing on definitions, types, current practices, and future strategies. Involving 50 Omani SMHP from Muscat Governorate with at least three years of experience, data was collected through structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis. Six key themes emerged: The definition of bullying, its components, common types, current anti-bullying practices, challenges, and future suggestions. Bullying, termed "سلوكعدواني" (Suluk Audwani), meaning aggressive behavior, includes five components: perpetrators, victims, harmful behavior, spectators, and psychosocial factors. Verbal bullying, physical bullying, and cyberbullying are common and vary by age. SMHP frequently employ awareness-raising and psychological first aid. Challenges include resistance from students and parents and institutional barriers. In the future, SMHP will emphasize greater awareness to effectively address Suluk Audwani. Oman has adopted international best practices to recruit SMHP. SMHP's perspectives on Suluk Audwani reflect both their training and Omani cultural influences. Future research should explore various social strata to improve evidence-based understanding and prevention of Suluk Audwani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Rawaa Abubakr Abuelgassim Eltayib
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; (R.A.A.E.); (M.F.C.)
| | - Amjad Hassan Alhaj
- Sociology and Social Work, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Moon Fai Chan
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman; (R.A.A.E.); (M.F.C.)
| | - Said Aldhafri
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
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Kamal M, Ali S, Mohamed K, Kareem A, Kirdi SM, Hani M, Hassan M, Al-Shibli S, Chandra P. Prevalence and determinants of school bullying in Qatar: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:400. [PMID: 37587414 PMCID: PMC10428532 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04227-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School bullying is a wide-spread phenomenon that manifests in various forms. It has both short-term and long-term devastating consequences on physical, mental and social wellbeing. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Qatar, has a relatively high prevalence of school bullying. This research aims at identifying the prevalence of bullying, particularly unsafe environments were bullying takes place, and its attributes at schools in Qatar. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 980 students from 10 schools in Qatar completed an anonymous self-completion standardized questionnaire to assess the different aspects of bullying from school students' point of view. RESULTS The prevalence of bullying victimization and perpetration was found to be 41.0% and 31.7% among school students in Qatar, respectively. Classroom (67.5%) and hallways (64.8%) were the most frequently indicated environments of bullying whereas library was the least indicated one (28.3%). Verbal bullying was the most used type of bullying by students. Overall, students in Qatar believe that bullying is considerably a significant issue at their schools, yet schools are safe place for them to be in. Gender, age, ethnicity, school grade and years living in Qatar showed significant differences among the students. CONCLUSION School bullying is a serious, yet a manageable global problem. Our findings re-demonstrated the alarming high prevalence of school bullying in Qatar, highlighted student related and school related factors which have implications for future multidimensional action and research and recommended measures to foster safety at school.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mai Hani
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Alsaleem MA, Alhashem HA, Alsaleem SA, Mahfouz AA. Bullying Prevalence among Secondary School Children in Khamis Mushait City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11100134. [PMID: 34677227 PMCID: PMC8533554 DOI: 10.3390/bs11100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bullying is a type of behavior that involves frequent, hostile activities expected to harm another person physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bullying behavior uses force, pressure, or threats to maltreat, forcefully dominate, or terrify another individual. The aim of this study was to assess the bullying prevalence and related features among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional investigation was performed among governmental and private secondary schools in Khamis Mushait city. Data were gathered from the study pupils using a pre-structured questionnaire. Bullying was assessed using the school climate bullying survey. The study included 300 secondary school students (163 females and 137 males). The overall rate of bullying was 64.7% (95% CI 59.1–69.9). The most prevalent type of bullying was verbal (41.7%, 95% CI 36.0–47.5) followed by physical (17.0%, 95% CI 12.9–21.7), and social (6.0%, 95% CI 3.6–9.3). Males had more than two times greater probability of having been bullied than females (aOR = 2.522, 95% CI 1.408–4.518). Similarly, students in first-level grade classes had more than three times greater probability of being bullied victims than those in the higher classes, i.e., second- and third-level grade classes (aOR = 3.417, 95% CI 1.159–10.07). More than half of the students tell teachers when other students are being bullied (53.7%) and tell a teacher or staff member at the school if they are being harassed (53.6%); teachers are doing anything they can to help if they are told that a student is being bothered (58.7%), and teachers are making clear to students that bullying is not tolerated (52.3%). In conclusion, in the present study, we reported a high prevalence rate of bullying among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Concerted efforts among teachers and health care providers in the region should be mandatory to deal with the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abadi Alsaleem
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Huda Aied Alhashem
- Family Medicine Department, Aseer General Directorate of Health Affairs, Abha 62523, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Safar Abadi Alsaleem
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Ahmed A. Mahfouz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (S.A.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Al-Saadoon M, Al-Adawi M, Al-Adawi S. Socio-Cultural Constraints in Protecting Child Rights in a Society in Transition: A Review and Synthesis from Oman. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2021; 14:239-267. [PMID: 32837628 PMCID: PMC7412292 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-020-09759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In line with international best practice, the Arabian Gulf countries have ratified the Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC), which has some clauses on child abuse and neglect. The present discourse, made from within an Arabian Gulf society, specifically Oman, reviews the socio-cultural differences of the region and explores the potential regional challenges for effectively implementing the CRC mandated child protection legislation. The international best practices evolved for individualistic, "guilt-based" societies, which may need to be modified to suit the "shame-based" collective societies in the Arabian Gulf where the individual autonomy is overridden by that of the family and society. This may mean that the entire spectrum of child abuse may need to be studied in-depth, starting from what constitutes child abuse and neglect, the methods adopted for identifying cases, setting preventive measures in place, applying penal and corrective action on the perpetrators, and helping the victims recover. It is posited that while modifying the laws may be straightforward, implementation of certain clauses may initially come into conflict with deeply engrained socio-cultural conventions on these societies which have different parenting styles and child-rearing practices. The country in focus is Oman. Pointing out the sparsity of research on the topic in the region, the study suggests additional research to understand how to reconcile these sociocultural constraints with the international best practices of protecting child rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Al-Saadoon
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Manal Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioural Science & Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al-Khoudh, 123 Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioural Science & Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al-Khoudh, 123 Muscat, Oman
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Parental Reported Bullying among Saudi Schoolchildren: Its Forms, Effect on Academic Abilities, and Associated Sociodemographic, Physical, and Dentofacial Features. Int J Pediatr 2020; 2020:8899320. [PMID: 33082790 PMCID: PMC7558772 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8899320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To determine the prevalence of bullying, its forms, and its effect on academic abilities and school attendance, as well as associated sociodemographic, physical, and dentofacial features among Saudi schoolchildren. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited a sample of 1131 parents of schoolchildren 8-18 years old and requested them to complete internationally accepted questionnaires for their children. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). Results A majority (89.2%) of schoolchildren were bully victims. Physical bullying (48.9%) was the most common form of bullying. The youngest schoolchildren (8-11 years) and those who disliked school classes or neither liked nor hated them, as well as those who were truant from school, were more likely to be victims. In addition, those who had worse grades because of bullying and those who were very often bullied because of good grades or because they showed an interest in school were more likely to be victims. With regard to targeted physical features, teeth were the number one target, followed by the shape of the lips and strength, while tooth shape and color were the most common dentofacial targets, followed by anterior open bite and protruded anterior teeth. Boys and the youngest schoolchildren were more often subjected to bullying because of these features (p < 0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of bullying, mainly in a physical form, was high among Saudi schoolchildren, with a negative influence on students' academic abilities. Problems related to teeth, in particular, which can be treated, were targets, mainly for boys and the youngest schoolchildren. More studies are required in Saudi Arabia to explore the issue further among schoolchildren themselves.
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Peyton RP, Ranasinghe S, Jacobsen KH. Injuries, Violence, and Bullying Among Middle School Students in Oman. Oman Med J 2017; 32:98-105. [PMID: 28439379 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2017.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Injuries account for a substantial proportion of the burden of disease in adolescents globally. This paper describes injury rates and associated exposures, and risk behaviors in Oman's 2010 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). METHODS This study used complex samples analysis to examine nationally-representative data from 1 606 students in grades eight, nine, and 10 who participated in the 2010 Oman GSHS. RESULTS In total, 34.0% of the students reported having at least one injury in the past year that caused at least one full day abscence from usual activities or required medical treatment. The most common injury type reported was a broken bone or dislocated joint. The most common injury cause was falling. Additionally, 38.4% of the students reported being bullied in the past month, 38.8% reported being physically attacked in the past year, and 47.6% reported being in physical fights. Both injured boys and girls reported experiencing significantly more bullying, fights, and attacks (odds ratio > 2) than their non-injured classmates, even though only 9.6% of injured students reported that their most serious injury in the past year was the result of an assault, and students reporting assaults did not have significantly higher odds of exposure to these types of peer violence. More than half of the bullied students reported that the most frequent type of peer victimization they experienced was being made fun of with sexual jokes, comments, or gestures. Sexual bullying was the most common type of bullying reported by girls and boys. CONCLUSIONS Promoting healthier peer relationships may help to reduce injuries in this age group as well as reducing the harmful effects of bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Peyton
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Shamika Ranasinghe
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Kathryn H Jacobsen
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
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Naidoo S, Satorius BK, de Vries H, Taylor M. Verbal Bullying Changes Among Students Following an Educational Intervention Using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2016; 86:813-822. [PMID: 27714870 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bullying behavior in schools can lead to psychosocial problems. School-based interventions are important in raising student awareness, developing their skills and in planning to reduce bullying behavior. METHODS A randomized controlled trial, using a school-based educational intervention to reduce verbal bullying, was conducted among grade 10 students in 16 urban and rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2013. Baseline and postintervention questionnaires, developed using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change theoretical model, were used to assess changes in verbal bullying. RESULTS Postintervention there were reduced verbal bullying experiences. Improved social norms and awareness of verbal bullying were associated with reduced verbal bullying experiences and behavior. Although less likely to bully others verbally, girls were more likely to experience verbal bullying. Students with no living father were more likely to bully others verbally. CONCLUSIONS The study findings indicate that a school-based intervention can positively impact on verbal bullying experiences and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloshni Naidoo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, Room 236, George Campbell Building, Howard College, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Benn K Satorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, Room 236, George Campbell Building, Howard College, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Hein de Vries
- Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, POB 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Myra Taylor
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, Room 236, George Campbell Building, Howard College, Durban 4041, South Africa.
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