Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-28, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Ayalneh Demissie, Tesfa G/Meskel, Kasim Kimo, Muhammedawel Kaso, Yehwalishet Demeke, Tahir Aman, Yonas Mulugeta, Addis Wordofa
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350131
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Adolescent peer violence is a critical public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. However, existing research in sub-Saharan Africa often focuses disproportionately on intimate partner violence or male-centered aggression, leaving a significant data gap regarding broader peer-to-peer dynamics in rapidly urbanizing Ethiopian settings. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for evidence that integrates psychosocial traits with environmental influences. This study addresses these gaps by utilizing the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM)—a framework that examines the interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors—to investigate peer violence in Asella, Ethiopia. We specifically explore the role of General Self-Efficacy (GSE), defined as an individual’s belief in their ability to perform across a variety of situations, as a potential driver of behavior. Our objective was to determine the magnitude of violence victimization and perpetration and to identify multi-level risk factors among school-going adolescents.
A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 542 adolescents (response rate = 99.5%) using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Magnitude was assessed through standardized behavioral scales, and psychological resilience was measured using the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale. Multivariable binary logistic regression was utilized to identify independent predictors across the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) levels.
The prevalence of violence victimization was 41.6% (95% CI: 37.3–45.9%) and perpetration was 33.8% (95% CI: 29.7–38.1%). Based on bullying roles, 15.0% were “Bully-Victims,” who reported the lowest mean self-efficacy score (25.5 ± 3.6). Multivariable analysis revealed that low self-efficacy (≤28) was the strongest predictor for victimization (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.95–4.26), while witnessing community violence was the primary driver for perpetration (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.77–3.59). Male gender and belonging to the lowest wealth quartile significantly increased the odds for both outcomes.
Adolescent violence in Asella is a multi-dimensional public health issue driven by a cycle of low individual agency and environmental normalization of aggression. Strategies to mitigate this burden must move beyond the individual level. We recommend a comprehensive response that integrates school-based self-efficacy enhancement, community-level peace-building initiatives to reduce the impact of witnessed violence, and societal-level poverty alleviation. Such a multi-level approach is essential to disrupt the interplay between psychological vulnerability and environmental risk.
1. Introduction
Background/Rationale Violence involvement, encompassing both perpetration and victimization, represents a critical global public health concern with profound effects on adolescent developmental trajectories, mental health, and academic outcomes [1–4]. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the magnitude of violence exposure remains alarmingly high [5–7], yet regional research often neglects the experiences of middle adolescents (ages 14–19) and frequently fails to adequately assess the interplay of risk and protective factors within a comprehensive, multi-level framework [8–10].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Ayalneh Demissie, Tesfa G/Meskel, Kasim Kimo, Muhammedawel Kaso, Yehwalishet Demeke, Tahir Aman, Yonas Mulugeta, Addis Wordofa. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence against reproductive-age women in Africa and Asia regions: Insights from 2022–2024 DHS datasets
- Evidence brief: Interrelated adolescent-level food insecurity and common mental health disorders in Harari Region, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
- Evidence brief: Technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
