Assessing risk factors and impact of cyberbullying victimization among university students in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundCyberbullying is a global public health concern with tremendous negative impacts, not only on the physical and mental health of students but also on their well-being and academic performance. However, there are very few studies on cyberbullying among university students, especially in Myanmar. This study aims to determine the percentage of university students who suffered cyberbullying victimization in the last 12 months, and the association between students’ socio-demographic characteristics, adverse events following cyberbullying and cyberbullying victimization.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among university students aged 18 years and older at one medical university in Magway, Myanmar. A total of 412 students (277 males and 135 females) participated in the study. Data were collected from August to September, 2018 using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses (models I and II) were performed to estimate the unadjusted (UOR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn total, 40.8% of males and 51.1% of females in the study had suffered cyberbullying victimization in the past 12 months. In model I, students who had been studying at the university for 3 years or less (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.14–2.85), and who had witnessed psychological, physical or sexual violence, or cyberbullying in their neighborhoods, (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI 1.48–5.91) were more likely to have suffered cyberbullying victimization in the past 12 months. In model II, being a victim of cyberbullying was associated with difficulties in concentrating and understanding lectures (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI 1.72–9.11), and substance abuse (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.02–5.49). Non-resident students were at a higher risk of being cyberbullying victims than their resident peers (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.04–3.34).ConclusionTwo out of five students had suffered cyberbullying victimization in the past 12 months, and only half of the victims discussed their experience(s) with someone else. Students who suffered cyberbullying victimization faced academic difficulties and started or increased smoking, betel chewing or alcohol drinking. Counter measures to prevent and mitigate the adverse events related to cyberbullying victimization are urgently needed among university students in Myanmar. Periodic screening for cyberbullying, counseling services, cyber-safety educational programs, and awareness raising campaigns should be implemented.背景：网络欺凌（Cyberbullying）是一项全球性的公共卫生议题，负面影响深远，不仅损害学生的身心健康，更对其社会福祉与学业表现造成严重冲击。然而，针对大学生群体的网络欺凌研究仍较为匮乏，在缅甸地区尤为如此。本研究旨在明确过去12个月内遭受网络欺凌的大学生占比，并探究学生社会人口学特征、网络欺凌后续不良事件与网络欺凌受害之间的关联。 方法：本研究于缅甸马圭市一所医科大学开展，针对18岁及以上的在校大学生进行横断面研究。共计412名学生参与本研究，其中男性277名，女性135名。研究数据于2018年8月至9月通过自填式问卷（self-administered questionnaire）收集完成。本研究采用多因素logistic回归分析（模型I与模型II），分别估算未校正比值比（unadjusted odds ratio, UOR）、校正比值比（adjusted odds ratio, AOR）及95%置信区间（confidence intervals, CI）。 结果：本研究显示，过去12个月内，男性学生的网络欺凌受害率为40.8%，女性学生则为51.1%。在模型I中，在校时长不超过3年的学生（AOR=1.81；95%CI 1.14~2.85），以及在社区中目睹过心理、躯体或性暴力，抑或网络欺凌的学生（AOR=2.95；95%CI 1.48~5.91），其在过去12个月内遭受网络欺凌的风险显著更高。在模型II中，网络欺凌受害与注意力难以集中、听课理解困难（AOR=3.96；95%CI 1.72~9.11）以及物质滥用（AOR=2.37；95%CI 1.02~5.49）存在关联。非住校学生相较于住校同伴，面临更高的网络欺凌受害风险（AOR=1.86；95%CI 1.04~3.34）。 结论：每5名大学生中即有2名在过去12个月内遭受过网络欺凌，且仅有半数受害者曾向他人倾诉相关经历。遭受网络欺凌的学生往往面临学业困境，并开始或增加吸烟、咀嚼槟榔或饮酒的行为。缅甸大学生群体亟需开展针对网络欺凌受害相关不良事件的预防与缓解干预措施。建议定期开展网络欺凌筛查、提供心理咨询服务、开设网络安全教育课程，并举办相关认知提升宣传活动。