Ragging, a Form of University Violence in Sri Lanka—Prevalence, Self-Perceived Health Consequences, Help-Seeking Behavior and Associated Factors

Ayanthi Wickramasinghe, Birgitta Essén, Shirin Ziaei, Rajendra Surenthirakumaran and Pia Axemo
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Ayanthi Wickramasinghe: Department of Women and Children’s Health, International Maternal and Child Health Unit (IMCH), Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
Birgitta Essén: Department of Women and Children’s Health, International Maternal and Child Health Unit (IMCH), Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
Shirin Ziaei: Department of Women and Children’s Health, International Maternal and Child Health Unit (IMCH), Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
Rajendra Surenthirakumaran: Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, Jaffna 70140, Sri Lanka
Pia Axemo: Department of Women and Children’s Health, International Maternal and Child Health Unit (IMCH), Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 14, 1-13

Abstract: Ragging is an initiation ritual practiced in Sri Lankan universities for generations, although research is scarce. This practice has several adverse consequences such as physical, psychological, and behavioral effects and increased university dropouts. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different types of ragging: emotional/verbal, physical and sexual ragging, self-perceived health consequences, help-seeking behavior, and factors associated with the experience of ragging. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 623, second- and third-year students from the medical, and technology faculties in Jaffna University. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-squared tests. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with any type of ragging. Ragging was experienced by 59% of the students, emotional/verbal ragging being the most common. A total of 54% of students suffered one or more health consequences and mainly sought help from friends and family, with few seeking formal help. Factors associated with any type of ragging were faculty and year of study. This study emphasizes the urgent need to address this public health problem. It is important that there are adequate student support services, planning and implementation of effective interventions, as well as ensuring that existing policies are strengthened, to reduce or eliminate ragging in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: hazing; harassment; abuse; violence; university students; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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