In:
PeerJ, PeerJ, Vol. 6 ( 2018-06-04), p. e4865-
Abstract:
Bullying is one of the most important factors associated with child abuse. However, robust tests supporting the assumption that being bullied can contribute to child sexual abuse (CSA) among left-behind children (LBC) remain sparse. This study aims to investigate the association of bullying victimization with CSA among LBC in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six middle schools of Sichuan and Anhui province in 2015. The bullying victimization was assessed by seven items from the Revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. The experience of CSA was measured by ten items CSA scale with good consistency. Results A total of 1,030 children met the sampling criteria, including 284 LBC and 746 non-LBC. The prevalence of CSA was 22.89% in LBC and 20.19% in non-LBC ( p 〉 0.05). Bullying victimization was related to CSA among both LBC (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.52, 95% CI [1.34–4.73] ) and non-LBC (aOR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.58–3.53]). The association between bullying victimization and CSA was much higher among left-behind girls (left-behind girls: aOR = 7.36, 95% CI [2.16–24.99] ; non-left-behind girls: aOR = 2.38, 95% CI [1.08–5.27]). Also, LBC of a young age (11–15), children with siblings, living in rural areas and non-traditional family structure who were bullied were more likely to suffer CSA than their non-LBC peers. Conclusions Bullying victimization is associated with a significant increase in CSA among both LBC and non-LBC. Anti-bullying programs should target vulnerable populations including female LBC and LBC with siblings to reduce the risk of CSA.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2167-8359
DOI:
10.7717/peerj.4865/table-1
DOI:
10.7717/peerj.4865/table-2
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10.7717/peerj.4865/table-3
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-1
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-2
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-3
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-4
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-5
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-6
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-7
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-8
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-9
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-10
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10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-11
DOI:
10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-12
DOI:
10.7717/peerj.4865/supp-13
Language:
English
Publisher:
PeerJ
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2703241-3
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