Head and face injuries in brazilian schoolchildren victims of physical bullying: a population-based study

ABSTRACT

To investigate the occurrence of head and face injuries in Brazilian schoolchildren victims of physical bullying. Material and Methods:A population-based study was conducted on a stratified sample of 525 adolescents aged 13 to17 years of both sexes. Data on sex, age, occurrence of physical bullying, form of aggression, affected body region and presence of oral lesions were collected. Two questionnaires were used one on bullying model TMR (Training and Mobility of Researchers) and another to record injuries in the maxillofacial region. The bivariate analysis used the Chi -square and Fisher's exact tests, with significance level of 5 %. Results:Among victims of bullying, 19.4 % were victims of physical bullying, more often among males (63.6 %). Face injuries were reported by 36.4 % of students, and involvement of the oral cavity reported by four individuals with lesions located in soft tissues. There was no association between sex of the victim and affected body region and between sex and form of aggression (p > 0.05). Head injuries were more frequent among boys (42.9 %), while face injuries were more frequent among girls (37.5 %). There was association between age of victims and the presence of injuries in the neck region (p = 0.04). Conclusion:The occurrence of physical bullying was more common among boys and face was the most affected body region. Injuries in the oral cavity involved soft tissues, especially lips, and no face and dental fractures were found...