Abstract / Summary
Summary: Background: Previous studies usually examine interpersonal violence (IV) in sport using convenience samples, potentially biasing exposure estimates. This study aimed to estimate IV prevalence and identify associated factors in a population-based sample of Quebec adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based sample (Study on the Experiences of Adolescents in Sport Contexts in Quebec - ÉVAQ) nested within the representative Quebec Health Survey of High School Students (QHSHSS) was employed. Between November 2022 and June 2023, students from 485 high schools were recruited for the ÉVAQ through flyer distribution during their in-class completion of the provincial health survey. The analyses included participants aged 14–17 years, the group eligible to complete the sport IV questionnaire. Prevalence rates and prevalence ratios were produced using weighted random intercept Poisson regressions. Findings: A total of 19,642 (8978 boys [46%], 10,515 girls [54%], 149 other gender [<1%]) agreed to participate in the study leading to a final eligible sample of 9120 adolescents (4166 boys [46%], 4900 girls [54%], 54 other [<1%]), 14–17 years old. Psychological violence was the most common type of IV in sport reported (44.3%; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 38.3, 50.4), followed by physical violence (24.6%; 95% CI: 21.4, 27.7), sexual harassment (15.8%; 95% CI: 13.4, 18.2), instrumental violence (15.8% 95% CI: 13.8, 17.7) and sexual abuse (5.0%; 95% CI: 3.9, 6.1). Being female, identifying as a sexual minority, and having a lower perceived socioeconomic status were frequently associated with IV in sport. Early sport specialisation and moving away for sport also represent transversal associated factors for IV in sport. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that IV in sport is prevalent and constitutes a public health concern in youth sport that requires adequate monitoring and intervention. Moreover, the findings support the value of both universal and targeted prevention efforts to prevent IV in sport. Funding: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.