Association of Bullying Victimization and Loneliness on Suicidal Ideation and Anxiety Among 15-17 Year Old’s in Sierra Leone

Conference Year

2024

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the association between suicidal ideation or anxiety and bullying victimization and loneliness among adolescents aged 15-17 in Sierra Leone. Methods: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used from 1,419 surveys, controlling for age, gender, substance use, and social connectedness variables. Results: Bullying victimization significantly increased the likelihood of suicidal ideation (AOR:3.5; 95% CI 2.5-5.34). Adolescents experiencing bullying and loneliness had higher odds of worry (AOR:2.54; 95% CI 2.82-3.55). Conclusions: Bullying victimization was associated with suicidal ideations and anxiety among adolescents. Loneliness contributes to anxiety, but not suicidal ideation. Social connectedness did not appear to lessen these risks.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Elzerie Jager

Graduate Student Mentors

Abimbola Leslie

Status

Graduate

Student College

Larner College of Medicine

Program/Major

Public Health

Primary Research Category

Life Sciences

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Association of Bullying Victimization and Loneliness on Suicidal Ideation and Anxiety Among 15-17 Year Old’s in Sierra Leone

Objectives: Investigate the association between suicidal ideation or anxiety and bullying victimization and loneliness among adolescents aged 15-17 in Sierra Leone. Methods: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used from 1,419 surveys, controlling for age, gender, substance use, and social connectedness variables. Results: Bullying victimization significantly increased the likelihood of suicidal ideation (AOR:3.5; 95% CI 2.5-5.34). Adolescents experiencing bullying and loneliness had higher odds of worry (AOR:2.54; 95% CI 2.82-3.55). Conclusions: Bullying victimization was associated with suicidal ideations and anxiety among adolescents. Loneliness contributes to anxiety, but not suicidal ideation. Social connectedness did not appear to lessen these risks.