Physical Fighting Among Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objective : To assess the magnitude and factors associated with physical attack and fighting among adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods : A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,424 adolescents in eastern Ethiopia in 2016. Random sampling was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected by trained interviewers using an adapted, structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Statistical associations were determined using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CIs) and P-value<0.05. Results : Prevalence of physical attack and physical fights was 5.8%, and 26.4%, respectively. Adolescents who attended school (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) and who chewed Khat (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8) were less likely to experience physical attack. Male adolescents were two times more likely to engage in physical fights than female adolescents (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.8-3.2). In-school adolescents who attended secondary (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) or tertiary level of education (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.7) were less likely to participate in physical-fighting than those with primary level education. Adolescents who had ever engaged in physical work to earn money for food or drink were 1.9 times more likely to be physically attacked compared to those who had not (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.5). Conclusion : Physical attacks and fights were found to be common experiences of adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. Future research and programs should emphasize preventive health programs for reducing violence and promoting school enrolment and retention.