The Impact of Bullying Behavior, Substance Use, and Their Association with Attempted Suicide among High School Students: Insights from YRBS 2021 Data

Authors' Affiliations

Yan Cao, Center for Nursing Research, College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Sheryl Strasser, Department of Health Promotion & Behavior, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta.

Location

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Start Date

4-5-2024 9:00 AM

End Date

4-5-2024 11:30 AM

Poster Number

14

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Zheng Zheng

Faculty Sponsor's Department

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Master’s

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Poster Presentation

Presentation Category

Health

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Background: The physiological ramifications of bullying perpetration and substance use (specifically tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) are widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear whether these behaviors could serve as precursors to psychological or emotional issues among high school students. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a biennial nationwide inquiry conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, delves into various risk behaviors among students, including bullying perpetration, substance use, sexual activity, exposure to violence, and suicide attempts. In this study, the correlation between students engaged in bullying perpetration and the usage of common high school substances (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) was scrutinized to ascertain whether they exhibited a significantly higher tendency toward suicide attempts compared to their non-participating peers. Methods: 2021 Nationwide YRBS data (n = 17,232) were used in this study. Logistic regression was utilized to explore the relationship while controlling for potential confounding variables such as depression, gender, age, race, history of violence, weapon possession at school, and physical activity. This was followed by adjusted odds ratios, which controlled for the mother’s demographic variables, socioeconomic status, marital status, behavioral characteristics, and items related to children’s health. Results: Analysis revealed a notable escalation in suicide attempts among students who reported being bullied at school or using tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana, weapon possession (OR = 4.033, 95%CI = 3.628, 4.483; OR = 7.336, 95%CI = 6.121, 8.805; OR = 3.321, 95%CI = 2.976, 3.705; OR = 4.296, 95%CI = 3.834, 4.813; OR = 5.108, 95%CI = 4.075, 6.404, respectively). Intriguingly, while bullying perpetration and marijuana usage are often treated as serious offenses for high school students, tobacco consumption emerges as a stronger indicator of potential suicide attempts. Conclusion: Although numerous factors contribute to the complex interplay between bullying perpetration, substance use, and suicide risk, the findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring students identified as victims of bullying perpetration and users of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, as they may represent a particularly vulnerable population prone to suicidal behavior.

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Apr 5th, 9:00 AM Apr 5th, 11:30 AM

The Impact of Bullying Behavior, Substance Use, and Their Association with Attempted Suicide among High School Students: Insights from YRBS 2021 Data

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Background: The physiological ramifications of bullying perpetration and substance use (specifically tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) are widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear whether these behaviors could serve as precursors to psychological or emotional issues among high school students. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a biennial nationwide inquiry conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, delves into various risk behaviors among students, including bullying perpetration, substance use, sexual activity, exposure to violence, and suicide attempts. In this study, the correlation between students engaged in bullying perpetration and the usage of common high school substances (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) was scrutinized to ascertain whether they exhibited a significantly higher tendency toward suicide attempts compared to their non-participating peers. Methods: 2021 Nationwide YRBS data (n = 17,232) were used in this study. Logistic regression was utilized to explore the relationship while controlling for potential confounding variables such as depression, gender, age, race, history of violence, weapon possession at school, and physical activity. This was followed by adjusted odds ratios, which controlled for the mother’s demographic variables, socioeconomic status, marital status, behavioral characteristics, and items related to children’s health. Results: Analysis revealed a notable escalation in suicide attempts among students who reported being bullied at school or using tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana, weapon possession (OR = 4.033, 95%CI = 3.628, 4.483; OR = 7.336, 95%CI = 6.121, 8.805; OR = 3.321, 95%CI = 2.976, 3.705; OR = 4.296, 95%CI = 3.834, 4.813; OR = 5.108, 95%CI = 4.075, 6.404, respectively). Intriguingly, while bullying perpetration and marijuana usage are often treated as serious offenses for high school students, tobacco consumption emerges as a stronger indicator of potential suicide attempts. Conclusion: Although numerous factors contribute to the complex interplay between bullying perpetration, substance use, and suicide risk, the findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring students identified as victims of bullying perpetration and users of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, as they may represent a particularly vulnerable population prone to suicidal behavior.