A Comparative Study of Adolescent Mental Health Problems at Selected Rural and Urban Senior Secondary Schools of Haryana

Abstract

Mental disorders account for 14% of the global burden of diseases. One in two adolescents suffers from mental disorders in India. This problem arises not only from economic but also social and cultural factors as well as inadequate and under utilization of health services. To ignore adolescent, means ignoring the future of our nation. Studies on mental health and behaviour problems among the adolescent remain limited, so there was need for assessment and comparison of the adolescent mental health problems in rural and urban senior secondary schools. So, a comparative study of adolescent mental health problems at selected rural and urban senior secondary schools of Haryana was conducted with the objectives to assess and compare the adolescent mental health problems studying in rural and urban senior secondary schools, to determine factors affecting mental health status of adolescents studying in rural and urban senior secondary schools and to determine the association of levels of adolescent mental health problems with selected demographic characteristics. The non-experimental research approach was adopted for the study with descriptive and comparative research design. 402 adolescents (204 from rural senior secondary school and 198 from urban senior secondary school of Haryana) were selected by using total enumeration sampling technique. The tools used for data collection were open ended semi-structured questionnaire and strength and difficulty questionnaire. The open ended questionnaire consisted of seven questions with multiple response options. Findings showed that there was difference between the factors affecting the adolescent mental health status studying in rural and urban senior secondary schools. Overall, the mental health problems of adolescent studying in rural and urban senior secondary schools were almost same. Among adolescents in rural senior secondary school, 6.86% had high need for consultation regarding emotional symptoms. Whereas adolescents in urban seniors secondary school had high need for consultation regarding hyperactivity (4.04%), conduct (21.21%), peer problems (8.08%) and pro-social behavior (11.11%). Chi square value showing the association of levels of mental health problems with selected demographic characteristics i.e. gender, family type, family history of substance abuse, family history of mental health problems, home assignments, negative rewards, sports facility and involvement in other activities at home rather than study were found to be significant.