Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of physical fighting among Albanian adolescents

This study examined the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of physical fighting among Albanian adolescents using nationally representative data from the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. The sample included 5454 schoolchildren aged 11, 13, and 15 years (response rate: 96%). Physical fighting was assessed through a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, with repeated fighting defined as three or more episodes in the past 12 months preceding the survey. Overall, 14% of adolescents reported frequent fighting, with boys significantly more likely than girls to engage in repeated episodes. Prevalence decreased with age, from 17% at 11 years to 10% at 15 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender, younger age, and higher family affluence were associated with increased odds of frequent fighting. These findings highlight gender and developmental differences in adolescent violence and underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies in Albania and similar settings.