Prevalence of School Violence and Its Association with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Female Middle School Students in a Mountainous Province of Northern Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.170620266634Keywords:
Mental health, Adolescent, Violence, Students, VietnamAbstract
Background: School violence remains a public health concern in Vietnam, yet evidence from Northern mountainous regions is limited. The objectives were to assess school violence prevalence and its association with mental health outcomes among female middle school students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 699 students. Data collection occurred Jan–Jun 2025, with analysis through Jan 2026. Validated questionnaires and DASS-21 were used. Multivariate logistic regression estimated adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) while controlling for age, ethnicity, area, and lifestyle.
Results: Violence prevalence was 71.5%, with psychological (68.2%), economic (35.5%), and physical (32.9%) modalities recorded. Anxiety was most frequent (28.5%), followed by depression (21.3%) and stress (10.6%). Physical violence was a consistent independent predictor for depression (aOR=2.55), anxiety (aOR=2.22), and stress (aOR=2.47). Additionally, insufficient sleep was associated with depression and stress; prolonged social media usage (>3 hours/day) with anxiety and stress; and lack of physical exercise with increased odds of depression.
Conclusion: Female students face a significant prevalence of victimization and emotional impairment. Interventions should integrate violence prevention with promotion of healthy sleep and exercise habits to safeguard student mental health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Quang Viet Nguyen, Son Duc Nguyen, Hoa Quynh Thi Nguyen, Duong Thuy Thi Truong, Thu Hoai Le
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