Mental health of adolescent school children in Sri Lanka – a national survey

Objectives To assess prevalence of mental health
problems in adolescent school children and measure
impact of such problems on their well-being.
Method Study group was randomly selected from 14
districts of 7 provinces. Participants completed
validated self-assessment questionnaires, which
assessed symptoms of mental health problems and
their impact on emotional, educational and social
functioning.
Results 2007 adolescents aged 13-18 years
participated in study. 18.9% showed an abnormal
range in emotional and behavioural parameters of
assessment schedule. 12.6% reported a definite or
severe impact of their difficulties. Most impact was
felt in educational functioning (15.5%) and peer
relationships (12.4%). Males had significantly higher
prevalence for mental health problems compared to
females.
Conclusions Prevalence of mental health problems
among adolescents in Sri Lanka is similar to that
reported elsewhere in the world. Knowledge gained
can be utilized for providing school and community
based preventive mental health services.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2004; 33: 78-81

(Key words: Adolescence, epidemiology, mental health)

doi: 10.4038/sljch.v33i3.642