Violence Related Behavior and Risk Factors for Physical Fighting among Thai Youth
Tawima Sirirassamee MD*, Dusadee Yoelao PhD**, Kanu Priya Mohan PhD**, Vitanya Vanno PhD***, Phonraphee Thummaphan PhD****, Supakorn Limkhunthummo MBA*****
Affiliation : * Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Faculty of Humanities, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand **** The National Institute of Educational Testing Service, Bangkok, Thailand ***** Faculty of Business Administration and Information Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Ayutthaya, Thailand
Background : Youth violence is an important national and public health concern worldwide. Young perpetrators of violence
may have their lives destroyed and wasted in the criminal justice system.
Objective : The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of violence related behavior and to identify the risk
factors for physical fight among Thai youth.
Material and Method: A population based, nationally representative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Thailand in
early 2013, with 920 respondents aged between 13 to 24 years. The Thai version of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance
System questionnaire from 3 categories, including unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol consumption, and sexual
behavior, was used. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and Odds Ratio.
Results : The highest prevalence of violence related behaviors was during the middle and late adolescent period but the
prevalence of violence on school property was highest during the early and middle adolescent period. The prevalence of
violence related behaviors were higher in males, non-students, and southern region groups. The highest adjusted ORs of
physical fighting was carrying a weapon (OR = 11.16, 95% CI = 6.54 to 19.04).
Conclusion : The prevalence of youth violence related behaviors emerged more in males, non-students and southern region
groups. The chance of participating in physical fights increased significantly when youths showed other violence-related
behaviors. Prevention programs should focus more on high risk groups and high risk behaviors.
Keywords : Youth violence, Violence related behaviors, Physical fighting
