National youth survey-2012-13: Health profile and risk behaviors of the Sinhalese, Buddhist unmarried youth stratum

Objectives This article summarizes the preliminary findings of the National Youth Health Survey 2013, which aimed to assess the current health concerns of Sri Lankan youths and the factors influencing youth risk behaviors.Design, setting and sample The National Youth survey is a cross sectional descriptive survey. This analysis focusses an initial data taken from a stratified random cluster sample of 925subjects, who represent the Sinhalese Buddhist youths of Sri Lanka.Methods & measurements Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire applied in the community. Data on socio demographic details, physical health, mental health, life styles, substance abuse, sexual behaviors, and knowledge on sexual and reproductive health were gathered.Results Nearly, 40 % of youths were still schooling and further 19 % were following higher education. Almost quarter of youths were idling at home without engaging in gainful work or education. One fifth of youths did not attend school beyond secondary level. Around 16 % of them were not feeling happy about life, around 19 % felt life was not worth living and 6 % had strong suicidal feelings. Approximately 32 % males and 2 % females had ever smoked and 38% males and 3.2 % females reported ever having taken alcohol. Nearly 19 % percent males and 7 % females used abusive substances. Twelve percent males and 3 % females admitted ever having sex.Conclusion A considerable risk behavior and health burden is prevalent among youths.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v19i2.7575 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 2014 June 19(2): 02-10