Page 76 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Design and Evaluation of a User-Centered Mobile Application to Support the
Mental Health of University of Ruhuna Students

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G.K.D.S. Piyasinghe* , N.K.M. Nuwarapaksha
Department of Information Technology, University of Ruhuna
dinushasanjeewani2001@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are common among university students

due to academic, social, and personal pressures. However, students often face barriers to accessing professional
support due to stigma, lack of time, and limited resources. This study aimed to design and evaluate a user-

centered mobile application to support the mental health of University of Ruhuna students by providing
accessible, confidential, and engaging self-care tools. The application included features such as mood
monitoring, mindfulness activities, self-evaluation surveys, digital diaries, and direct access to mental health

experts. The study addressed a research gap, as few mobile health applications are specifically designed for
Sri Lankan university students with a focus on confidentiality, ease of use, and cultural relevance. The target

population included undergraduate students at the University of Ruhuna. Using purposive sampling, a total of
100 students participated. The results indicated significant reductions in stress and anxiety levels, increased
engagement and motivation, and greater confidence in self-managing mental health. Students highlighted the

importance of confidentiality features, which encouraged consistent use. Data were analyzed using a mixed-
methods approach, combining descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to assess changes in stress and
anxiety, along with thematic analysis of qualitative feedback to explore user experiences. The study concludes

that a well-designed, user-centered mobile application can effectively enhance students’ self-management
abilities, reduce stress and anxiety, and complement existing university mental health services by providing
continuous, confidential, and accessible support. These findings underscore the importance of integrating user

feedback in digital mental health interventions and provide a foundation for scaling and long-term
implementation within the University of Ruhuna community.

Keywords: Mental Well-Being, Mobile Health, Self-Care, University Students, User-Centered Design

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