The risk factors to youth violence: findings from the CARICOM youth crime and violence school survey, Bahamas

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for in-school violence among Bahamas public school students. DESIGN AND METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 from four public schools on New Providence island, Bahamas. Questionnaire focus was on school violence. Physical fighting, weapon carrying, and bullying were tested for associations for selected risk factors, including family structure, socioeconomic status, gang membership, attitudes toward school and delinquent behaviour, and delinquent peers. Bivariate associations were tested using Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s Exact Test (p <= .05). RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty eight students completed the survey (53% female); median age was 15 years (range 10 to 19). The average household size was 4. A third (34%) lived with both parents. Most parents had at least a high school education. More than half (55%) answered favourably for most school items. Forty six percent did not have friends who committed delinquent acts, and 68% felt most delinquent acts were morally wrong. Forty percent were in a gang, 7% carried weapons, 12% bullied, and 16% physically fought and/or injured someone. Students who were in gangs, had delinquent peers, and felt that delinquent acts were not wrong were more likely to bully, fight, carry weapons, and be in a gang. School connectedness was associated with all deviant activities except gang membership. Family make-up and socioeconomic status were not associated with delinquency. CONCLUSIONS: Schools should strongly monitor gang activity. Schools can also take advantage of students’ favourability toward school with after-school programs.