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Bullying among nursing university students: Prevalence, characteristics, and public health implications

Fatema Alajaimi,Mohammed Al-Badi,Hoor Alhabsi,Maria AL Azri,Shahd Al-Ghawi,Maryam Alwahaibi,Sanjay Jaju,N. Alwahaibi

Published 2026 in PLOS Global Public Health

ABSTRACT

Bullying among university students poses a significant public health concern, yet limited research addresses its prevalence and impact in nursing education. This study assessed the prevalence, types, effects, and contributing factors of bullying among nursing students to inform institutional and educational interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025, using convenience sampling to recruit 240 students who completed a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and bullying experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. The prevalence of bullying was 26.3%, with verbal and emotional abuse most frequently reported, primarily by classmates in classroom settings. Reported consequences included disengagement, depression, and reduced motivation, while the majority of victims did not disclose their experiences. Early-phase students were at greater risk, and lower internet use was associated with reduced odds of bullying. These findings highlight the psychological and academic consequences of bullying. They underscore the need for institutional policies, supportive reporting mechanisms, and targeted health promotion strategies, particularly for early-phase students, to create a safer and more resilient learning environment.

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