EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AND STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS AND DIFFICULTIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN UAE

Background: Children’s mental health disorders may impact family relationships, including placing parents or caregivers at risk of psychological distress.

Objective: To study the prevalence of exposure to violence and stressful life events among adolescent groups in UAE.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in both preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai. The sample size required was 1679. Stratified random sample procedure with proportional allocation was carried out. Stratification was based upon regions, gender and type of school. Anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed by the researchers to the students.

Results: it was found that, exposure to violence sometimes or frequently was reported by 11.5% of the students. Concerning exposure to violence in school, it was found that 34.3% of the students were involved in a fight with other students in school and 17.5% of the students were exposed to violence from other students. As regards the exposure to stressful events, it was noticed that, 43.5% of the students were exposed for stressful events. it was found that 67.6% of students reported somewhat or certainly worry a lot and about one half of them or more had a lot of headache somewhat or certainly true. Regarding the conducted problems, the majority of the students (91.1%) reported somewhat or certainly true do as they are told, about 74% of the students reported that they are not fighting a lot and 90.4% of them also said that they don’t take things that are not theirs. As regards the hyperactivity, it was found that, about 92.0% of students reported somewhat or certainly think before they do things and finish the work they are doing while 63.5% are easily distracted.

Conclusions: Exposure to violent life event and stressful life event along with emotional and behavioral difficulties among UAE adolescent is not uncommon phenomena, it needs to be addressed. There is a need for application of a comprehensive anti-violence program. For violence interventions to be effective it must focus beyond the violent child and the victim to include peers, school staff, parents and the community. This program can be integrated in the school health program.