SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Science and Humanities [SICASH]

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Open Access
Exploring the Determinants of Medical Insurance Expenses: A Quantile Regression Approach
(Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rathnayake, K; Somasiri, D; Abeygunawardana, T; Nugegoda, K; Fernando, N; Guruge, M. L.; Peiris, T. S. G.
Healthcare insurance costs are influenced by a combination of biological and socioeconomic factors. This study investigates how age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and discount eligibility affect medical insurance expenses in the United States, using data from 1,338 individuals. Due to the right-skewed distribution of expenses, quantile regression was applied at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, providing insights across low-, medium-, and high-cost groups. Results show that age and BMI consistently increase insurance expenses, with stronger effects among high-cost patients. Genderdifferences also emerged, with females incurring higher costs than males at certain expenditure levels. Discount eligibility significantly reduced expenses across all quantiles. In contrast, the number of children was not a significant predictor and was excluded from the final model. Compared to ordinary least squares regression, quantile regression provided a more accurate assessment of cost determinants in skewed data. These findings highlight the importance of adopting advanced modeling approachesin insurance pricing and suggest that targeted policies addressing individuals having high BMI and equitable discount programs could improve healthcare affordability and risk management.
Open Access
The Professional Life of Counsellors During the Economic Crisis of Sri Lanka
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ekanayake, T; Fernando, N
Economic recession periods can significantly heighten risks to the population's mental health and wellbeing while posing additional challenges to health systems. Despite being central to mental health care delivery, the experiences of professionals working through such crises remain underexplored. This qualitative study seeks to illuminate those experiences by addressing two core research questions: (1) What challenges have mental health counsellors in Sri Lanka faced during the economic crisis, and (2) What motivational factors have sustained their commitment under such adverse conditions? Semistructured interviews were conducted with six counsellors from Colombo, who participated voluntarily. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study uncovered four superordinate themes: ‘economic adversity and emotional dynamics’, ‘coping resources and protective factors’, ‘sense of fulfilment and personal growth’, and ‘professional support and availability of services’. The findings reveal that counsellors were deeply committed to providing psychological care despite economic uncertainty, social stigma, and limitations in service infrastructure. Participants emphasized the importance of both internal and external coping mechanisms, including personal resilience, peer support, and ongoing motivation rooted in a strong sense of purpose. Notably, many counsellors reflected on their growth and sense of fulfilment derived from working with vulnerable populations, highlighting the transformative nature of their roles during crises. While the study is limited by a small sample and the interpretative nature of qualitative research, it offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the mental health sector. Recommendations include strengthening practitioner support systems, enhancing professional infrastructure, and ensuring counsellors’ voices guide future policy and planning.

SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Science and Humanities [SICASH]

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