Abstract:

Background: Approximately 40% of students worldwide are involved in bullying as either bullies, victims or both. Bullying in schools can have a devastating impact on bullies and victims leading to depression, and even suicide. Like other parts of the world, Tanzania is suffering from bullying in its secondary schools but there is a lack of data about the prevalence, associated factors and outcome of bullying in Tanzania, the gap this study aims to fill.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with bullying victimization, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors among students at secondary schools in Mwanza, Northern- Western Tanzania.

Methods: This study used an analytical cross-sectional study involving four hundred and sixty-nine students at secondary schools in Mwanza city, North-Western, Tanzania. Researchers designed social- demographic questionnaire, the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI), Patient health questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9), and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) were used to collect data. Data processing and analysis was done by using STATA version 15 for Mac.

Results: The study found that 66.75% of students experienced bullying victimization, with a mean victimization score of 32.6 (SD 13.41), while 52.45% reported engaging in bullying behaviors, with a mean score of 27.94 (SD 9.33). Among the participants, 42.64% exhibited depressive symptoms, and 18.34% reported having suicidal thoughts within the past two weeks. Suicidal behaviors were noted in 10.45% of students, and 18.55% tested positive for lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts. In the study, no significant statistical associations were found between sociodemographic factors (age, sex, family type) and bullying behaviors, bullying victimization, depressive symptoms, or suicidal behaviors. However, gender-based violence was significantly associated with increased odds of bullying behaviors (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0, P = 0.022), bullying victimization (AOR 4.4, 95% CI: 2.2-9.2, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (AOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-4.5, P < 0.001). Additionally, living with grandparents increased the likelihood of depressive symptoms (AOR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.8-10.1, P = 0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights a significant prevalence of bullying behaviors, victimization, depressive symptoms, and suicidal thoughts among secondary school students in Mwanza city, Northern-Western Tanzania. These issues are exacerbated by factors such as genderbased violence and specific family living arrangements. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address these critical areas. to address the high prevalence of bullying and its associated mental health impacts, it is recommended that comprehensive anti-bullying programs be implemented in schools, with a focus on gender-based violence, family support, and accessible mental health resources.

Keywords: Bullying victimization, depressive symptoms, suicidal behavior, and secondary students.