Psychological Morbidity among Residential College Students

Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the health risks among residential college students as a result of the various developmental and environmental changes. Methods: In this study 183 residential college students between the age group 16-17 years were selected using purposive sampling from different colleges in Bangalore. After this General health Questionnaire (GHQ) was administered on these students and it measured the following factors: somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Content analysis was done to analyze the open ended questions. Results: The scoring and interpretation was done according to the manual. The results showed that out of 183 college students, 61 (33%) of them were above the threshold of distress. It was further noticed that due to academic pressure, irregular sleep patterns and drug addiction 31.1% of the students had positive scores on the anxiety category. 16.4% showed symptoms of depression as they had relationship problems, experienced some trauma, were away from family and close friend. A 26.2% portrayed social dysfunction due to dysfunctional thinking patterns, family issues, depression and language barrier. Another 26.2% exhibiting somatic symptoms was a result of ill-health, unhealthy food habits and environmental factors like climate, temperature and water. Conclusion: The study implies on sensitizing teachers about these challenges and its negative influence on growing individuals. It also highlights the ways to equip adolescents with ways to overcome these challenges through induction programs and activities that would enhance cohesion among peers.