Abstract:
The objective of the study was to assess the frequency and correlates of
emotional disorders among entrants to the University of Sri
Jayewardenepura. .
Entrants to the faculties of Arts, Management Studies, Science and Medical
Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1996 were assessed
using self administered, previously validated General Health Questionnaire
and a study specific questionnaire (GHQ), within three months of entry.
Emotional disorders were observed in 63% (n=1362) of the entrants. Out of
the 120 Medical, 242 Science, 500 Management and 500 Arts Students, 38,
63,63, and 68 percent respectively had emotional disorders. Correlates for
emontional disorders were different in the four faculties.
In the Faculty of Arts, students from underprivileged districts (76%), students
who perceived themselves as having financial (83%) and domestic
problems (82%) had higher frequency of emotional disorders.
Students from underprivieged districts (77%) at the Faculty of Management
Studies also-had higher frequency of emotional disorders. Those with
very high (75%) and very low (73%) parental income had a positive correlation
with emotional disorders.
196 Kattiriarachchi S. T. Ariyaratne C. V. Jiffry M. T. M
In the Faculty of Science, students from under privileged districts (75%),
and those who obtained higher marks in Advanced Level examination (physics
53%, Bio-Science 65%) were in more distress. Those who perceived
themselves as having domestic problems (81 %) had a higher frequency of
emotional disorders. Female students (70.7%) have more emotional distress
compared to the males.
In the Faculty of Medical Sciences, students who perceived as having domestic
problems (75%) had a higher frequency of emotional disorders. This
Study Confirmed the Ligh frequency of emotional disorders Observed among
university entrants.
Correlation of the occurrence of emotional disorders with psycho-social
factors varied between Faculties.
