Association Between Bullying and Psychological Health Among Senior High School Students In Ghana, West-Africa

Background: School-based bullying, a global challenge, negatively impacts the health and development of both victims and perpetrators. This study examined the relationship between bullying and selected psychological variables among senior high school (SHS) students in Ghana, West Africa.

Methods: The study utilized data from the 2008 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). A total of 7,137 students participated in the 2008 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) with 40.1% reporting being bullied. Prevalence rates of being bullied (95% CIs) were calculated by each demographic group as well as each psychological variable. Multiple logistic regression was used to model the relationship of being bullied (physical/non-physical) on the linear combination of demographic variables.

Results: SHS 1 (lowest grade) students were 3 (95% CI: 2.45-3.68) times more likely to be bullied compared to SHS 3 (highest grade) students. Being bullied in general significantly increased the odds of reporting negative psychological health compared to those who reported not being bullied. Odds ratios were as follows: signs of depression, 1.97 (95% CI: 1.75-2.21); suicide ideation, 1.72 (95% CI: 1.45-2.05); being so worried that it affects sleep, 2.10 (95% CI: 1.77-2.49); and loneliness, 1.82 (95% CI: 1.49-2.22). There was no significant difference in self-reports of negative psychological health when comparing students who experienced physical forms to those who were bullied in non-physical ways.

Conclusion: Bullying is a major problem among SHS students. We recommend strengthening of existing proactive anti-bullying programs by taking into account the association between bullying and the psychological health of students.