Risk factors for low resilience among grade 10 adolescents in the Gampaha District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Resilience denotes the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for low resilience among Grade 10 adolescents in the District of Gampaha. METHODS: A case-control study with a computed sample size of 128 in each among cases (low resilience) and controls (high resilience) was conducted. Cases and controls were selected by applying simple random sampling to a descriptive study where the magnitude of resilience was determined. For data analysis bivariate (using chi-square test) followed by multiple logistic regression were applied. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Risk factors for low resilience were: one or both parents dead (AOR=3.4; 95% CI [1.1, 10.1]; p=0.031), mother’s educational level ≤GCE A/L (AOR=2.3; 95% CI [1.4, 3.6]; p=0.001), losing temper frequently (AOR=2.5; 95% CI [1.9, 3.4]; p<0.001), having <6 friends (AOR=1.4; 95% CI [1.03;1.9]; p<0.048), having <6 close friends (AOR=1.6; 95% CI [1.06, 2.5]; p=0.024), having conflicts with friends (AOR=2.0; 95% CI [1.03, 3.74]; p=0.040), lack of support from home (AOR=1.5; 95% CI [1.04, 2.20]; p=0.031), not seeking help when facing difficult situations (AOR=1.7; 95% CI [1.2, 2.3]; p=0.001), sleeping for <8 hours/day (AOR=1.4; 95% CI [1.2, 1.8]; p=0.007), lack of religious affiliations (AOR=2.6; 95% CI [1.2, 5.7]; p < 0.015) and non-attending Sunday school (AOR=2.1; 95% CI [1.5, 3.2]; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Eleven risk factors were identified. Recommend conducting cognitive behavioural therapy-based interventions regularly at the school level targeting to minimize the impact of the above risk factors.