A comparative study on protective factors, mental health and violence among male adolescents students of urban and rural school of Udaipur (Rajasthan), India.

Background: Objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of protective factors, mental health issues, and violence among the urban and rural adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of two months duration was conducted among 280 male students of classes 9th and 10th of one urban and one rural school of Udaipur district of Rajasthan after taking prior permission and consent using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Significant observation was identified (p value < 0.0001) for missed classes among urban students than rural student (91.88% v/s 41.67%). Parents of urban students are more concerned for their homework (66.25% v/s 59.17%), problems and worries (63.75% v/s 58.33%), and activities in free time (53.75% v/s 49.17%). Mental health issues like loneliness (13.13% v/s 10.00%), worry (13.75% v/s 10.83%), and suicidal thoughts (9.30% v/s 6.60%) were higher among urban students but not significant. Issues on violence and bullying like physical fight (53.75% v/s 24.17%), bullying (43.15% v/s 15.0%), physical attack by family members (43.13% v/s 15.83%), and by teachers (51.25% v/s 11.67%) were significantly higher in urban adolescents (p value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Mental health and violence-related issues were prevalent more among urban students than those among rural students in spite of having more protective factors and parents concern suggesting the need of frequent supervision, counselling, monitoring and support of adolescents.

A study to evaluate adolescent health problems using focus group discussion.

Background: Adolescent health needs, behaviors and expectations are unique and routine health care services are not well geared to provide these services. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived reproductive health problems in group of adolescents in Jammu district of J&K state in India. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in an urban setting in Jammu. A convenient sample of 32 adolescents between 17-19 years of age participated in four focus group discussions. Participants were selected from four educational institutions selected by simple random technique. A pre-tested focus group guide was used for data collection. Male and female facilitators conducted discussions separately with young males and females. Results: Psychological distresses due to various reasons and problems regarding menstrual cycle and were reported as the commonest health problems. Conclusions: Adolescent health services are inadequate and a vailable services are not being delivered in an acceptable manner. Proper training of health care providers on youth friendly service provision is essential. A national level integrated health care program is needed for the adolescents.