Significant Mental Health Risks Identified Among Adolescents in New Study
Mental Health Concerns Among Adolescents
New Delhi, July 5: A recent study reveals that approximately 25% of school-aged adolescents are at risk of developing mental health issues, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention strategies.
Conducted by researchers from the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute in Puducherry, the study emphasizes the importance of proactive measures both at home and in educational settings.
According to the researchers, including Kavita Vasudevan, Head of Community Medicine, adolescence is a pivotal time marked by significant biological and psychosocial changes. They recommend regular mental health screenings in schools to facilitate early detection and treatment of mental disorders.
The research aimed to assess and compare the prevalence and risk factors linked to mental health issues among adolescents in urban and rural areas of Puducherry.
The study involved adolescents aged 13 to 17 years from government schools in both urban and rural settings, evaluating their mental health status.
Published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, the findings indicated that out of 329 adolescents surveyed, 25.5% were identified as being at risk for mental health disorders.
Urban adolescents exhibited higher levels of hyperactivity and emotional symptoms compared to their rural counterparts.
Notably, significant disparities were observed between urban and rural adolescents regarding factors such as family income and parental occupation. Teachers reported that behavioral changes and declining academic performance were the most common indicators of mental health issues.
The researchers advocate for early detection and intervention to improve health outcomes, stating, "Interventions should involve school staff and family members to raise awareness about mental health importance." They also recommend incorporating life skills education to help adolescents manage mental health challenges.