Citation

Jordanova Peshevska D, Raleva M, Filov I, Sethi D, Jordanova T, Hamza KH, Tozija F, Ilievska VD. Open Access Maced. J. Med. Sci 2014; 2(2): 384-389.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje)

DOI

10.3889/oamjms.2014.066

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: One of the main objectives of this paper is to analyze the associations between physical abuse and neglect and health risk behaviours among young adolescents in the country.

METHOD: A representative sample consisted of total 1277 students (58.6% female and 41.6%), aged 18 and above. About 664 of them are in last (fourth) year of secondary school and 613 respondents are first- and second-year university students. The data were obtained using Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaires (Family Health History Questionnaire) for collecting information on child maltreatment, household dysfunction and other socio-behavioural factors, applying WHO/CDC-recommended methodology. Statistical significance was set up at p<0.05.

RESULTS: Physical abuse (21.1%) and physical neglect (20%) were reported with similar prevalence rates. Disciplining children by spanking or corporal punishment was presented with very high rate of 72.4%.

CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated a relationship between physical abuse and later manifestation of health risk behaviours such as: smoking and early pregnancy. Physical neglect increased the chances for drug abuse, drink-driving, having early sex, having more sexual partners. © 2014 Jordanova Peshevska et al.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; female; male; Physical abuse; prevalence; education; suicide attempt; drug abuse; health behavior; questionnaire; smoking; human experiment; social status; health hazard; neglect; punishment; physical abuse; unsafe sex; Article; young adult; Health risk behaviours; unplanned pregnancy; Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaire; Republic of Macedonia; adolescent sexual behavior; concurrent sexual partnership; Corporal punishment; Family Health History Questionnaire; Physical neglect