Health and health behaviour among late adolescents in Southern Sri Lanka

Abstract

Objectives: To present the rationale and design of the Southern Province A-level School Health Survey, to identify health status and health behaviour patterns, and to examine gender differences in these factors, among late adolescent school children in Southern Sri Lanka. Methods: A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, perceived health status, psychological well-being, substance use, physical activity, school violence, and sexual health. A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select students from the three districts in the Southern Province. Results: A total of 908 females and 903 males participated in the study. The majority (about 98%) was aged 18 years and 99% were Sinhalese. Over 80% of both male and female participants reported self-perceived physical and mental health as " very good " or " good. " Nearly 50% of both male and female respondents had experienced severe or moderate psychological distress in the 30-day period preceding the survey. Males were more likely to report substance use than females (Alcohol use: 10.5% verses 1.8%; Smoking: 5.1% verses <1%; Illegal drug use: 1.5% verses <1%). No gender difference was found in level of physical activity. About 64% of the males and 62% of the females were underweight. Males were more likely than females to be involved in violent activities at school (60.1% verses 46.8%). About 7% of male and 6% of female students reported having had some form of heterosexual experience in the previous year.