Browsing by Author "Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.J.M."

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Perceived Distress in College: Problem in Adjustment in a Social and Cultural Context
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2014) Nakandalage, H.A.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.J.M.; Madurapperuma, B.D.
This study examines the psychological distress associated with socio-cultural/economical influences among first-year students of the University of Colombo during the 2009/2010 academic year. A self-administered questionnaire was adopted with two distinctive sections: 1) the General Health Questionnaire version 30 (GHQ - 30) for determination of distress levels and 2) pilot and validated questionnaire for gathering socio-economic, education pressures, and physical stress. Information was gathered from 156 university students (68% male and 32% female) of four faculties. Of the students, 49% had distress. Students in the Law faculty showed the highest distress (53%) followed by Medical (48%) and Arts and Science (47%) faculties. Male students had a higher level of distress than female students.The most influential factors for psychological distress among first-year students were permanent residence, mode of residence during university education, and family income. Students who were having more interactions with their peers had lower distress levels. Furthermore, our results suggested that the first-year students of the University of Colombo were mainly suffering from adjustment problems to the new environment. Pre-orientation, guidance and counseling programs could be utilized as preventive measures to reduce the upsurge of psychological distress. Expansion of hostel facilities and financial assistance for needy students would be better rehabilitative measures to improve the psychological environment in universities.
Psychological distress among students from five universities in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2002) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.J.M.; Wijerathne, S.; Williams, S.S.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of university students that are psychologically distressed when compared to an age and sex matched population sample and to describe the factors that may contribute to their distress. DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparison study. METHODS: The general health questionnaire (GHQ 30), previously validated in Sinhala, was administered as a screening test to random samples of undergraduates in 5 universities. Age and sex matched controls from the respective communities were also administered the screening test. The undergraduates also filled in a pre-tested questionnaire with personal details. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical significance between groups. RESULTS: Among the undergraduates, 104 (39.8%) had scores for psychological distress whereas only 67 (25.7%) from the community sample had scores for similar distress. This difference was significant (p = 0.0007). A significantly greater proportion (p = 0.009) of those entering from rural schools were psychologically distressed than those from suburban and urban schools, and a greater proportion living in rented rooms and hostels were (p = 0.001) distressed than those travelling from their homes. CONCLUSIONS: The psychological distress among undergraduates was significantly greater than among the general population. More students who enter from rural schools seem to be distressed than those who enter from suburban and urban schools.
A study on emotional distress amongst university students
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1999) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.J.M.; Wijerathne, S.
OBJECTIVES: 1. To detect emotional distress among jniversity students. 2. To evaluate the role of different :actors influencing the above. METHODS: A previously validated screening test (general iea!th questionnaire - GHQ 30) adapted in Sinhalese was administered to random samples of undergraduates in 5 jniversities (Sri Jayawardenapura, Colombo, Peradeniya, vloratuwa, and Open University). There were 261 students [171 males), in the 19-33 year age group. Age- and sex-matched controls were used from the community. 3hi-square test was used to detect statistical significance. 3HQ score of 6 or greater indicated psychological and smotional distress. RESULTS: In the study sample (261), 104 (39.8%) had GHQ score 3 6 whereas in the control group (261) only 67 [25.7%) had GHQ score 3 6 (p=0.0006). 17/26 (65.4%) students who entered the university from remote areas lad GHQ score 3 6 compared with 36/99 (36.4%) from suburban areas and 51 /136 (37.5%) from urban areas who had GHQ score 36 (p=0.019). 36/125 (28.8%) students who travel from home had GHQ score 3 6 whereas 31/68 (45.6%) from university hostels and 37/68 [54.4%) from out side boarding places had GHQ score 3 3(p=0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: University students had significant emotional distress compared to the general population. Students who entered from remote areas were more distressed than those who entered from suburban and urban areas. Students who travei from home had less emotional distress compared to students who travel from university hostels and outside boarding places.