Family factors influencing violence in Thai adolescents and nursing strategies for prevention : a mixed methods study

• Main Author: Wongchum, Rungrudee
• Published: University of East Anglia 2013
• Subjects: 303.60835
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.658712

Adolescent violence has been an increasing concern in Thailand. There is evidence from the U.S.A and Europe that there are many contributing factors to adolescent violence. This study examined risk and protective factors associated with the family that influence violent behaviour in Thai adolescents and explored nursing strategies to prevent this. A mixed method study was undertaken using a survey with 400 adolescents, 12 semi-structured interviews with parents, and two focus groups with 5 teachers and 5 nurses in Northern Thailand. Inferential statistics (i.e. correlations, multiple regressions) were used on survey data to identify the association between family factors and violent behaviour and the prediction of adolescent violence. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to examine the data from adult interviews and focus groups identifying factors influencing violence and exploring nursing strategies to prevent adolescent violence. The results were that ineffective parental discipline, negative parental role models, inappropriate parental monitoring, and poor communication within the family were identified as risk factors. Moreover, violent peers, violence in the media, use of alcohol and drugs, positive beliefs about the use of violence, and lack of emotional control also contributed to adolescent violence. In contrast, factors preventing violence in adolescents were effective parental discipline, positive parental role models and monitoring, two-way communication and Buddhist beliefs. Also, pro-social peers, a supportive neighbourhood, and undertaking effective coping prevented adolescents ' from using violence. Nursing strategies which could prevent violence in adolescents included family assessment, health education, facilitating the development of healthy families, and coordinating community action. These need to be developed by providing nurses with specific skills training. The main results of the study demonstrate that factors, such as parental role models, and peer influences were similar to current evidence, however, factors such as Buddhist beliefs and "saving face" were unique to this study of Thai adolescents.