PREVALENCE OF VANDALISM AMONG FEU-NRMF MEDICAL STUDENTS, NOVEMBER 2010

ABSTRACT: The study determined the prevalence, forms and causes of vandalism in Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Institute of Medicine as of November 2010. It further correlated prevalence with the socio - demographic profile of the respondents. A sample of 372 students was randomly selected from all year levels, and was asked whether or not they have committed vandalism during their stay in the institute using a two - part questionnaire. Forms of and reasons for vandalism, practiced by vandals or observed by non vandals, was obtained. Results showed that 87% of the respondents were non vandals and only 13% were vandals. Of the vandals, most were sophomores (45%), followed by freshmen (39%), juniors (14%) and seniors (2%). Writing on seats, walls and doors was the most common form of vandalism practiced and observed, while hatred to another person (communication and human relations causality domain), inability to openly communicate to parents (familial causality domain), boredom during classes (social causality domain), and peer pressure, adventurism and curiosity (extra - curricular causality domain) were the main reasons noted. Dual parenting and a higher birth order were also cited as predisposing factors Analysis revealed no significant correlation between vandalism and socio-demographic profile except for civil status, which showed a higher tendency for vandalism among singles (95.92%) than those who are married (4.08%).

Department of Community & Family Medicine