Behavioural and Psychological Impact of Covid-19 on a Group of Youth and Young Adults Repatriated Back to Sri lanka from the uk: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract. The COVID-19 pandemic affected international students around the world, including the Sri Lankan undergraduate and post-graduate students who were studying in the UK, and they were repatriated to Sri Lanka by the government last May. The current study aimed to explore and understand the impact on behaviour and psychological changes on this youth and young adult group of being under lockdown in the UK, repatriation, quarantine processes and self-isolation, as well as the experience during the journey from the UK to Sri Lanka. This qualitative study was planned and conducted in a quarantine environment based on the lived experiences of investigators, who were also students repatriated back to Sri Lanka from the UK due to COVID-19 pandemic, which is also the significance of this study. A convenient sample of sixteen (16) students (age ranged from 18 – 34) participated in the study. Data was collected using three investigative methods: questionnaires, researcher’s objective observations and semi-structured interviews (over the phone or online). Data analysis was done using thematic analysis method. There were three preliminary themes that emerged from the study: (1) Fear, worry and anxiety, (2) Adherence to safety precautions, and (3) Agitation. Findings indicate that the abrupt changes to their education and day-to-day lifestyles, perceived stigma and emotional imbalance during this stressful situation caused psychological as well as behavioural challenges and difficulty in coping among this group. Findings highlight the need for addressing their age-specific psychological needs when developing guidelines to manage similar situations in the future and to increase resilience.