Abstract:
This study attempts to assess the socio-economic and health status of
the new entrants to the four faculties in the Sri Jayewardenepura University.
Data were obtained using a pre-tested pre-designed questionnaire.
Students from different faculties differed markedly in their socioeconomic
background as well as in their health status. The students entering
faculties of medicine and science had a larger proportion coming from
higher socio-economic group and better BMI and lower prevalence of anemia,
compared to the students entering faculties of arts and management.
The highest proportion of anemia (40%) and the Body Mass Index
Jess than 18.5(39%) detected among apparently healthy young adults is to
be taken note of as it is likely to lead to poor productivity of students.
