A qualitative exploration of the determinants of youth violence using participatory action research: a Sri Lankan study

Abstract Background Youth violence is a significant health issue mainly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Violence is growing among Sri Lankan youth, yet research addressing it has been almost non-existent. Various personal and environmental factors place youth at risk of violence. The present study aimed to identify the determinants of youth violence from the perspectives of students and key informants of a Sri Lankan technical college. Methods The current study used the participatory action research (PAR) approach. The study was conducted at a technical college in Matale district, Sri Lanka with a sample of 74 students. Participants were involved in developing the focus group discussion (FGD) guide and key informant interview (KII) guide, which were the methods of data collection. Four FGDs and seven KIIs were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used in the data analysis. Participants were engaged and involved in the data collection and analysis where necessary in line with the PAR principles. Results The determinants of youth violence identified in the current study are presented under five themes: 1. individual-level determinants, 2. family-level determinants, 3. school-level determinants, 4. determinants specific to the technical college, and 5. societal-level determinants. Individual-level determinants reported by participants included poor awareness, inability to bear being defeated, frequent victimization, unemployment, psychological stress, and substance abuse. Family-level determinants reported were poor parental affection, guidance and parenting skills, distorted family connections and family disruption, pressure on education, witnessing domestic violence as a child, and discrimination within the family. School-level determinants included school dropouts, peer influences, discrimination at school, and the competitive education system. Furthermore, participants described subculture and diversity among students as determinants specific to the technical college. Societal-level determinants identified by participants included social discrimination, disadvantage, disparity and inequity, increase in the requirements and change in the goals of youth, justification, glamorization and normalization of violence, gaps in law enforcement, socio-political instabilities and the rise of inflation. Conclusions The PAR approach facilitated the identification of a variety of individual, family, school, and societal-level determinants of youth violence which may contribute to addressing violence in tertiary education institutes in Sri Lanka and other LMICs.