Psychological distress is associated with poly-victimization among a nationally representative adolescent school survey in Curaçao

Abstract

This study aimed to assess psychological distress and poly-victimization among adolescents in Curaçao. In a cross-sectional Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in 2015 in Curaçao, 2,765 adolescents (median age of 15 years) responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Results indicate that among the six types of victimization measured, bullying victimization was the most prevalent (25.4%); 16.3% had been victimized by two or more types (poly-victimization = PV). In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, psychological distress, younger age, food insecurity or hunger, soft drink intake, carrying a weapon and low peer and parental support were associated with PV. Almost one in three students reported one type of victimization and almost one in six students reported two-five types of victimization (PV), and several associated variables were identified which can be utilized for planning interventions.