Bullying and associated factors in adolescents aged 11 to 15 years.
BACKGROUND
Bullying among adolescents has become the subject of extensive research due to its negative effects on attitude and behavior. However, Brazilian literature on the topic is scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To assess bullying and associated factors among adolescents in a population-based sample in southern Brazil.


METHODS
Population-based, cross-sectional study with adolescents aged 11 to 15 years living in the municipality of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.


RESULTS
A total of 1,145 adolescents were included. Bullying behaviors and attitudes were found to be associated with the following factors: intentionally skipping classes, failing at school, using alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using illegal drugs, having engaged in sexual intercourse, carrying a weapon, being involved in an accident/being run over by any vehicle, and being involved in fights with physical aggression.


CONCLUSIONS
Bullying is associated with several behaviors that pose risk to the adolescents' physical and psychological health.
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Ricardo Azevedo da
RA
Silva
UCPel.
Taiane de Azevedo
Tde A
Cardoso
Programa de Suporte à Pós-Graduação de Instituições de Ensino Particulares.
Karen
K
Jansen
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Luciano Dias de Mattos
LD
Souza
Faculdade Assis Gurgacz, Cascavel, PR, Brazil.
Russélia Vanila
RV
Godoy
UCPel.
Ana Laura Sica
AL
Cruzeiro
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Bernardo Lessa
BL
Horta
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comportamento, Universidade Católica de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Ricardo Tavares
RT
Pinheiro