Prevalence and Factors Associated with Involvement in Physical Fights among Adolescents in Brunei Darussalam: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Involvement in physical fights among adolescents is a major public health concern with significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. However, evidence regarding its prevalence and associated factors in Brunei Darussalam remains limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in Brunei Darussalam. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adolescent involvement in physical fights.

Results: Among 1,733 adolescents, 29.0% reported involvement in physical fights. Multivariable analysis revealed that exposure to physical assault (AOR = 3.92; 95% CI: 2.94–5.24), bullying victimization (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.23–2.32), cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.58–4.68), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI: 0.98–5.33) were independently associated with involvement in physical fights. Conversely, not walking or biking to school was identified as a protective factor (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.47–0.96).

Conclusion:involvement in physical fights among adolescents in Brunei Darussalam was most strongly associated with prior exposure to physical assault and bullying victimization, followed by substance use behaviors, including cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. In contrast, supportive peer relationships, greater parental monitoring, and not walking or biking to school were associated with lower odds of involvement in physical fights. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both psychosocial risk factors and protective social environments in adolescent violence prevention strategies.