Perceptions of key stakeholders on peer led strength building program for suicide prevention among young adolescents: A qualitative study from Karnataka, India.

Context: Adolescent suicides are a significant public health concern in India and understanding the intersecting perspectives becomes imperative for the prevention of various mental health concerns. Aim: Assessing perceptions of various key stakeholders, that is, mental health experts, school and college teachers, and District Mental Health Program staff about peer-led strength building programs for suicide prevention. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional qualitative design using two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with mental health experts and teachers and one FGD with DMHP staff was conducted. The sample comprised 45 participants from Bengaluru urban district. Materials and Methods: The data were analyzed manually by the method of direct content analysis, and themes were determined using existing literature. Results: The teachers and the DMHP highlighted the need for an intensive training program/module that is necessary to be developed in order to train the peer leaders first. The mental health experts opined that creating a network will help in easy identification of the cases and appropriate treatment could be provided without delays. Conclusions: This study indicated that suicide is a preventable public health emergency and inaccessibility to existing as well as proper support systems was perceived as a major concern. Therefore, peer-led programs are beneficial in steering and improving help seeking behavior in suicidal adolescents.

Development of an IEC resource (brochure) on suicide prevention for college students: A qualitative study in the Indian context.

BACKGROUND: Information Education Communication (IEC) materials play a vital role in behavior change by raising awareness about health issues. In India, suicide is the leading cause of death in the age group of 15-39 years, exemplifying the pressing need for raising awareness about suicide prevention. This study aimed to develop a brochure on suicide prevention for young adults with the help of scientific methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative research design was used in the study, and purposive sampling was used to collect the data. The study analyzed the awareness level and existing knowledge gap about suicide prevention among college students with the help of focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted independently among mental health experts, college teachers, and college students. Based on the findings from the FGDs, a comprehensive brochure was developed. The qualitative data collected by FGDs were analyzed using direct content analysis. RESULTS: The findings of the FGDs helped identify the knowledge gaps with regard to young adult suicide prevention, and a brochure was prepared to address the same. CONCLUSION: The development of young adult suicide prevention IEC resources pertinent to Indian settings is crucial. To bridge the knowledge gap on suicide prevention among college students and raise awareness, a brochure was developed based on scientific findings of the FGDs.

Efficacy of video-based relaxation technique to minimize stress in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The uncertainty of the pandemic and rapid changes brought forth stressors for young adults as learning shifted to the online mode and most recreational activities required screen time. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based diaphragmatic breathing relaxation technique in reduction of stress levels amongst young adults during COVID-19 pandemic. A quasi-experimental design with a sample size of 30 young adults undertook pre- and post-tests of subscale of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21-items (DASS-21), negative emotion questionnaire, and hair cortisol concentration through enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay technique. The findings indicate that there was a reduction in stress levels as majority of the items on the stress subscale of DASS-21 revealed lower stress at significant level. In addition, post-intervention participants reported a reduction in experience of negative emotions. Therefore, indicating that the diaphragmatic focused video-based intervention was effective in lowering stress and negative emotions.

Social media for public health: Reaping the benefits, mitigating the harms.

With more than 4.26 billion social media users worldwide, social media has become a primary source of health information, exchange, and influence. As its use has rapidly expanded, social media has proven to be a "doubled-edged sword," with considerable benefits as well as notable harms. It can be used to encourage preventive behaviors, foster social connectivity for better mental health, enable health officials to deliver timely information, and connect individuals to reliable information. But social media also has contributed to public health crises by exacerbating a decline in public trust, deteriorating mental health (especially in young people), and spreading dangerous misinformation. These realities have profound implications for health professionals, social media companies, governments, and users. We discuss promising guidelines, digital safety practices, and regulations on which to build a comprehensive approach to healthy use of social media. Concerted efforts from social media companies, governments, users, public interest groups, and academia are essential to mitigate the harms and unlock the benefits of this powerful new technology.

Perceived Difference in Handling Stress and Self-Care Strategies at Workplace among Public Sector Employees of Land Resources Development Department.

The perception of the employees on handling stress at workplace and effectiveness of stress management programs varies due to multiple internal and external factors. Thus, the present study aims to measure the perceived level of difference in psychosocial stress at workplace following a stress management program. This was an interventional study conducted among 30 public sector employees working in Land Resources Development Department. The study tools used were K10, World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), and a work-life balance questionnaire which were quantitatively analyzed using paired t-test, and also, thematic analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of the stress management program. Stress management abilities improved on the work-life balance questionnaire with a P value of 0.027 after the intervention and a significant difference in the environment domain with a P value of 0.041 was found on WHOQOL-BREF. Thematic analysis showed a perceived reduction in negative reactions to work stress and improvement in self-care strategies after the intervention. This study highlights the subjective experience of work stress and stress management abilities that need to be addressed through the effective collaborative model of a stress management program.

Effectiveness of multi-disciplinary structured training program on mentoring and mental well-being for officers and instructors in the Indian Air Force.

Background: The military environment is characterized by unpredictable situations, intensive training, demanding workload, and job-associated stressors, which make it highly stressful. Mentorship and mental well-being training could be beneficial to both officers and the new adolescent recruits of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a multi-disciplinary structured training on mentoring and mental well-being among officers and instructors in the IAF. Methods: Seventy IAF officers/instructors underwent a week-long multi-disciplinary structured training program, which was conducted at a tertiary care neuro-psychiatric hospital in South India. A quasi-experimental design with a single-group pre- and post-test was adopted. Outcome measures included a) knowledge on mentorship and mental health and b) self-perceived competence in addressing mental health distress. Results: Post training, there was a statistically significant improvement in scores on mentorship/mental health knowledge and a significant increase in self-perceived competence in addressing mental distress. Conclusion: Mentorship and mental well-being training for officers and instructors in the IAF improved mental health knowledge and self-perceived competence. Therefore, administration of regular and in-depth structured mental health-related training interventions could be beneficial not only to the officers but also to the new recruits/mentees in the IAF.

Potential for Increased Epilepsy Awareness: Impact of Health Education Program in Schools for Teachers and Children.

Background Epilepsy, although a common disorder, yet is highly stigmatized. Under this condition, children with epilepsy are more vulnerable to stigmatization, social isolation, lack of support, and psychological and emotional problems. Thus, there is an immediate need of literature focusing on intervention studies to change the attitudes of school teachers and children. Methods The study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about epilepsy among school teachers and children; provide educational training program to teachers; and check the efficacy of training program imparted by teacher and trainer. Results Repeated measure of analysis of variance shows that knowledge ( F = 1,134.875, p < 0.001), attitude ( F = 2,429.909, p < 0.001), and practice ( F = 2,205.122, p < 0.001) are significantly different between pre- and posttests indicated by Pillai's trace test. Similarly, from the Pillai's test, knowledge ( F = 49.317, p < 0.001), attitude ( F = 125.304, p < 0.001), and practice ( F = 178.697, p < 0.001) are significantly different among teachers, trainer imparting training to children, and teachers imparting training to children. It is seen that KAP scores significantly differ between two time points and across the three groups. Among all the groups, teachers imparting training to children had high level of practice. Conclusion Inclusion of health education programs in the textbooks and health education schemes for teachers and school children are crucial ways to bring a change in their attitude, behavior, and practices toward epilepsy.

Exploring the knowledge and attitude of public about mental health problems: A pilot intervention for effective mental health promotion.

CONTEXT: The knowledge about mental health problems among the general public is comparatively quite low. The pilot study was conducted with an aim to increase the knowledge of the day-to-day mental health problems which people can have among the mass. AIMS: The aims of this study are (1) to assess the knowledge and attitude about mental health problems of the selected sample and (2) to build the capacity in providing first aid for mental health to the selected sample through training. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was used in assessing the knowledge and skills of the participants of the first aid for mental health problems. It was conducted in the institute itself. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 89 participants were taken to participate in the cross-sectional study. Using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, a brief training, and a feedback form, capacity building for first aid for mental health problems was provided. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The capacity building program for first aid for mental health problems appears to be effective in improving the knowledge and attitude with regard to the mental health problems. The findings from the program indicated lack of knowledge in understanding of mental health, knowledge of causation, and treatment of mental health problems. Feedback of the training program indicated that it improved the ability of the participants in recognizing persons undergoing mental health problems and brought about a change in their beliefs about mental health, attitudes, and need for prompt referral. CONCLUSIONS: The program was successful in increasing the confidence of the participants in providing help to someone with a mental health problem and referring to appropriate mental health professional. This shows that there is an immediate need for empowering general public with knowledge and skills to provide support to people with mental health problems.

Potential for Increased Epilepsy Awareness: Impact of Health Education Program in School on Teachers and Children.

Background Although epilepsy is a common disorder, it is highly stigmatized. Not only public but even teachers are not free from stigmatization and cultural barriers. Under this condition, children with epilepsy are more vulnerable for stigmatization, social isolation, lack of support, and psychological and emotional problems. At the same time, there is an immediate need of literature focusing on intervention studies to change the attitudes of school teachers and children. Materials and Methods The study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices about epilepsy among school teachers and children; provide educational training program to teachers; and check the efficacy of training program imparted by teacher and trainer. Results Repeated measure of analysis of variance shows that knowledge ( F = 1134.875, p < 0.001), attitude ( F = 2429.909, p < 0.001), and practice ( F = 2205.122, p < 0.001) are significantly different between pre- and posttest indicated by Pillai's trace test. Similarly, from the Pillai's test knowledge ( F = 49.317, p < 0.001), attitude ( F = 125.304, p < 0.001) and practice ( F = 178.697, p < 0.001) are significantly different among the teachers, trainer imparted training group of children, and teachers imparted training group of children groups. It is seen that knowledge, attitude, and practice scores significantly differ between two time points and across three groups. Among all the groups, teachers imparted training group children had high level of practice. Conclusion Inclusion of health education programs in the textbooks and health education schemes for teachers and school children is a crucial way to bring a change in their attitude, behavior, and practices.

Exploring knowledge, attitude, and practices in relation to epilepsy among undergraduates for effective health promotion: Initial evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The condition of epilepsy has a considerable effect on a person's social and personal life. Currently, a knowledge gap exists regarding the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy among graduate students. The objectives of the study were to initially explore the knowledge, attitude, practices and to examine their inter-relationship among graduate students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 3rd year Bachelor of Science graduate students from colleges near Hombegowda nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka were included from three colleges. To achieve the objective mentioned, an instrument was framed and approved by specialists in the field. RESULTS: About 26% believed that epilepsy is a mental illness, 64% reported that it is not a disease of the brain, 96% believed it to be a hereditary disease. Attitude shows that 29%, 33%, and 49% believed that Epilepsy can disturb anybody's normal life, education, and occupation, respectively. About 31% reported that if they see a person with epileptic attack they ran away. Knowledge score have significantly (P < 0.001) positive correlation of r = 0.810 and r = 0.794 with both attitude and practice, respectively. Attitude and practice also have significantly (P < 0.001) positive correlation (0.856) with practice. This clearly shows that if knowledge increases, persons will have positive attitude and good practices whereas less knowledge leads to faulty attitude and practices. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to include health education programs for school children and college students irrespective of streams, as it is crucial to bring an alteration in the presently observed perspective, behavior, and practice.

Perception of employees on mental health at a leading botanical garden, India: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health issues in India is increasing. The lack of knowledge about mental illnesses and negative beliefs about treatment usually lead to delayed treatment. Mental health literacy is a prerequisite for early recognition and intervention in mental disorders. AIMS: The study was undertaken with the aim to explore the awareness of mental health among the employees of the botanical gardens to address this massive issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two focus group discussions were carried out with five and ten members from two diverse groups of population respectively. RESULTS: The study highlights that the signs and symptoms of mental illness were not well recognized by the participants except few.The study also shows the presence of misconceptions among the sample regarding mental health and the role of mental health professionals. This indicates the need for mental health literacy among the community. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the knowledge of the employees of the botanical garden regarding mental health was limited. This limited knowledge may be a prominent cause of poor treatment turn up. Therefore a need of systematic sensitization program to increase mental health literacy is highlighted through the study.