New Delhi, A study has found that community-based anti-stigma campaigns and a digital mental health care tool helped reduce depression, self-harm, and suicide risks among vulnerable teenagers in Indian slums.
Researchers said young people living in urban slums are especially vulnerable due to additional pressures such as poverty, limited awareness, and a lack of access to mental health care.
The George Institute for Global Health implemented the Adolescents' Resilience and Treatment nEeds for Mental Health in Indian Slums project to mitigate mental health problems among adolescents living in economically disadvantaged urban communities in India.
After one year of the project, the group receiving the intervention showed a much better knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward mental health compared to those who did not participate.
The team found that the average difference in behavior and depression scores between the intervention and control group was statistically significant at the end of the intervention.
The model put forth in the study proved to be feasible and acceptable within community settings, despite barriers, including stigma, parental hesitation, distance to health care centres, and scheduling challenges due to school timing.
