Assessment of mental health status among adolescents in Puducherry, India – A mixed method study

CONTEXT: Adolescence is a crucial period during which biological and psychosocial changes occur in an individual. The prevalence of mental disorders among Indian adolescents was 7.3%. Early recognition and intervention will help to have favorable outcomes. AIMS: To determine and compare the prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health illness among urban and rural adolescents in Puducherry. METHODS AND MATERIAL: An explanatory mixed-method design wherein the quantitative phase (an analytical cross-sectional study) was followed by qualitative phase (focus group discussion). Adolescents aged 13–17 years attending Government schools in urban and rural Puducherry were selected by stratified random sampling. Mental health status was screened using a validated Youth Report Measures for Children and Adolescents – SDQ and students with higher score were considered to be at risk of mental health illness. RESULTS: Among 329 adolescent, 25.5% are found to be at risk of mental health illness. The mean total score and sub-domain scores of hyperactivity and emotional symptoms were found to be significantly higher in urban when compared to rural. Among those at risk of mental health illness, significant difference between urban and rural area was seen with respect to variables like family monthly income and parent’s occupation. Behaviour change and deterioration in academic performance were the most common presentation as perceived by the teachers. CONCLUSIONS: One fourth of the adolescents were found to be at risk of mental health illness, so periodic screening could be done at schools, for early identification and proper treatment of mental disorders.