Quality of life (QoL) in university undergraduates in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Quality of Life (QoL) of university students remains an under studied topic that can raise problematic situations if not addressed properly. Many university students are immersed in an environment of high levels of stress due to academic workload and responsibility. The main objective of the study is to investigate the Quality of Life among Sri Lankan undergraduates using a cross-sectional analysis, among a sample of 165 undergraduates. The study analyzed the Quality of Life of state and non-state university undergraduates via four domains: Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships, and environmental Health. Data collection was done primarily through WHOQOL-BREF scale. The regression analysis test was used to analyze the relationship between the domains. Results indicate that the higher level of QoL reported by female undergraduates, out of the four domains that were investigated in the study and overall undergraduate’s psychological health seems to be better than other studied domains. When comparing the two university categories, the highest level of QoL was reported from non-state universities. Thus, it is evident that QoL serves as a powerful mediator in the relationship between the academic and social life of undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Eventually this research paper contributes to the literature pertaining to QoL of undergraduates where policies and implications are required to sustain their future.