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Children living in poverty face numerous challenges that negatively affect their wellbeing and thus their ability to learn. The consequences of poverty that interfere with students' learning include inattentiveness, demotivation, and feelings of powerlessness, shame, and anger. To reach these children, with the goal of helping them become healthy, effective learners, Labhya partners with governments to co-create scalable and localized wellbeing and social-emotional learning programs for children across public education systems. They provide end-to-end support through cocreation of curriculum, teacher capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and support in effective implementation. Richa Gupta, CEO & Co-founder at Labhya, provides answers to questions about this organization's high-impact initiative. Labhya is an education nonprofit that has pioneered the wellbeing movement in India. In partnership with Indian governments, Labhya integrates wellbeing programs into the school day. Social-emotional learning is an internationally acknowledged best education practice, which has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for social change and poverty reduction. It plays a critical role in education, enabling children to develop the skills and abilities they need to succeed in school and beyond. Research demonstrates that the integration of social-emotional learning in schools leads to better education and employment outcomes and improves children's mental wellbeing in the long run. The four key pedagogies -- mindfulness, self-reflection, stories, and reinforcing activities -- are carefully integrated into the curriculum to ensure holistic development and wellbeing among students. According to the author, the programs are localized and trauma-informed, delivered in local languages, and adapted to suit the diverse settings of their children.

This paper discusses the main findings of a study on the impact of the first COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown and university closure in India on the research scholars (PhD and MPhil) of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). An online survey was employed using the quantitative descriptive methodology. With responses from 530 research scholars, this is one of the first quantitative studies to assess the pandemic's effect on the research work, finances, and mental health of researchers in India from March to June 2020. Given the existing social inequality in higher education, the survey reflects the researchers' dismal state of reality as reported during the first 4 months of the pandemic. Research work witnessed a standstill with large-scale disruption in travel and every other scholar encountering unreliable electricity or internet connectivity. Untimely disbursal of fellowships intensified their already existing financial hardship. Nearly 90% of scholars reported stalled fieldwork, a lack of clarity regarding extension of their research programme, and financial woes as some of the top reasons for their anxiety. Using the chi-square method, the study predicts that dropouts from research programmes are likely in the context of the pandemic, which correlates significantly with socio-economic backgrounds (caste, class and gender) of research scholars. Further, the results show that the challenges faced by terminal, mid-stage, and course-work scholars are unique, emphasizing on the need for targeted interventions beyond extended research deadlines. Non-addressal of these immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term repercussions on the lives of India's researchers and academic workers. It will only deepen existing inequalities in higher education, leading to gentrification of research degrees in India.

Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood and the most important stage of a human being. Adolescence is a period of stress and storm. Students cannot adjust with their new-fangled role in life. They can have Emotional, Mental, Behavioural, and Adjustment problems known as "disorders". Behavioural patterns that appear in adolescents include consuming alcohol, smoking, using other substances, sexual behaviour, violence, etc. An individual experiences fulfilment when the psychological and physiological requirements are fulfilled. If an individual fails in satisfying the needs, it makes him/her disappointed and depressed. Behavioural disorders of adolescent students are depression, stress, anxiety, risky sexual behaviours, aggressive behaviour, violence, and disobedience. Adolescents find it difficult to adjust with family and society. With regard to somatic variation and problems, he/she is confused with the role of adolescence. The academic performance of the adolescent students at school are greatly affected by these problems. The fact that the behavioural and adjustment problems can be reduced by Yoga is the main aim of this paper. As a solution to their problems, the techniques of Yogasana, Pranayama, and Meditation are given to the Adolescent students to control the mind. The reason for this paper is to give an insight of Yoga and how Yoga helps the adolescents to lesser their stress and stay calm. It benefits the young people not only in school, home, and the community, but throughout their life. The result of Yoga intervention gives positive effects on both physical and mental health of the adolescent students.

India, one of the fast growing and developing nations of the world, is doing well in growth, but it is not up to the mark in some fields. In science and technology, it is doing at par with other developed nations, and markable achievements are being touched. But in health or human growth, most of the population is not clear about the importance of health and human potentials. Many portions of the population are not aware of the positive aspects of human beings that can help them to flourish. The study has been done to find the psychological well-being of academic achievement and gender. For the study, a sample of 519 senior secondary school students from different senior secondary schools of Kulgam and Anantnag districts of Kashmir valley were selected. The sample was drawn by using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. The tools of data collection were Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) developed by Dr. Devendra Singh Sisodia and Ms. Pooja Choudhary (2012) and academic achievement as the marks obtained by senior secondary school students in the board examination conducted by JKBOSE. The data obtained from these students were then analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques with the help of SPSS version 22. The paper also makes some suggestions, keeping the findings of the study in mind to enhance the psychological well-being of our budding human resource.

Aim: The paper assesses the India's research output on "Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health" indexed in Scopus database. Materials and Methods: The Scopus database was used to search for the articles published from India. Results: The search showed that since the onset of the pandemic upto 24th of April 2021, 1210 publications emerged from India, amounting to 6.87% share of the global output on the topic and averaged 5.97 citations per paper. India stood at 5th position in terms of number of publications on mental health, with highest number of publications emerging from United States (26.9%), followed by United Kingdom (13.35%), China (9.83%) and Italy (8.27%). About one-third (30.91%) of the publications involved international collaborations, with maximum number of collaborations were with United States, followed by United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Brazil. The most common keywords in the research included, 'mental health', followed by 'anxiety' and 'depression'. The research output came from 478 organizations, with maximum research coming from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. About three-fourth (76.85%) of the mental health research emerged from institute other than these 3 institutes. Five out of the 10 most productive authors and 5 out of the most impactful authors were from institutes other than the 3 major institutes. Conclusion: To conclude, this bibliometric analysis suggest that, researchers from India contributed to about 7% of the global mental health research on Covid-19 and India stood at 5th position among the various countries in terms of global mental health research on Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The doctorate degree ranks third on the academic hierarchy, and is commonly viewed as an approval on a student by an institution, to conduct original research in at least one academic discipline. Several motivations drive the need to acquire a doctorate degree, and they include intrinsic interest, employment considerations, personal, and professional development. To achieve this feat, some students pursue their PhD abroad for several reasons as discovered by this study. Using a quantitative approach, this paper reports on the findings of an online survey distributed to 1901 Asian and African students pursing their PhD to investigate their experiences, and determine their satisfaction, and its relationship with their personal and professional growth. Findings reveal that most students were satisfied with their decision to pursue a PhD in another continent, but were dissatisfied with some properties that made up the process. This included their relationship with their supervisors, their study-work-life balance, and its effects on their mental health. As you are reporting on a study that has already happened, write in past tense.

Objectives: The diagnosis and effects of complicated cancer treatment often cause psychophysical distress in the patient. The psychosocial concerns that arise because of the diagnosis and treatment-seeking process of cancer are often overlooked. Considering the significance, the study attempts to understand the effect of treatment-seeking processes on the psychosocial health of tobacco-related cancer (TRC) patients., Methods: Using explanatory sequential design, 100 participants were interviewed in the quantitative phase of the study, followed by in-depth interviews of 11 participants who had diverse treatment-seeking experiences. Hindi version of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20) was used to examine the TRC patient's common mental disorders (CMD)., Findings: A high incidence of CMD (73%) was reported by cancer patients in the Barak Valley of Assam. TRC patient's socio-demographic characteristics, health attributions and general existential questions regarding the diagnosis of cancer were found to influence their mental health. Also, it was revealed that informational supports were negatively correlated with the CMD of the patient., Conclusions: The study suggested for strengthening social support and networks at different levels to improve patient's psychosocial health. Emphasising on building small social institutions, it advocates for engaging practitioners of modern and alternative medicine to comprehensively address patient's psychosomatic needs., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The current Web of Science-based paper provides a scientometrics analysis of research publications in Psychology in India from 1989 to 2020. The data analysis was done using bibliometric software, including VOS viewer, Biblioshiny (R Studio), and MS Excel. The publications and citation structures are analyzed first, followed by the most cited papers and most favored journals. Further, top authors and institutions are analyzed as significant research areas. The results show that Andrade C from the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore is the most productive author. At the same time, Patel V from Sangath, Goa, is the most influential author. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences is most productive among the institutions, while the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, is the most influential. The results indicate that the International Journal of Psychology is a key journal in publishing India's scientific production in Psychology. The results also show that culture, HIV, depression, anxiety, attention, cross-culture, gender, and mental health are significant research topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present age of stress and strain, the science of well-being tries to focuses on what makes an individual flourish. It studies how human assets rather than deficits are contributing toward goodness of an individual, as a promising new area of research. Advances in understanding the behavioral, biological, and social pathways to well-being will benefit individuals, organizations, and society. The life of individuals particularly the students in their schools, coming from different places of living, needs to be studied to have the vision of influence on psychological well-being of students. The study was carried on a sample of 519 senior secondary school students from different senior secondary schools of Kulgam and Anantnag districts of Kashmir valley. The sample was drawn by using multi stage stratified sampling technique. The data obtained from these students were then analyzed by using appropriate statistical techniques with the help of SPSS version 22. The paper analyzes the influence of the school environment and the effect of place of living and type of school on the psychological well-being of senior secondary school students. It also makes some suggestions, keeping the findings of the study in mind to enhance the psychological well being of our budding human resource.

The present paper is an outcome of research conducted by authors to examine the effect of gender, degree of impairment and type of school on the mental health of students with visual impairment. The study employed multi-stage random sampling technique to draw a sample of 200 visually impaired students from 52 inclusive and 5 special schools situated in different parts of Haryana State, India. Mental Health Battery for students with visual impairment, consisting of 61 items to assess their mental health status. Multiple regression and two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data. The results revealed that three independent variables (gender, degree of impairment and type of school) made a joint contribution of 22.1% to the prediction of mental health of visually impaired students. Significant main effect of degree of visual impairment on mental health was observed whereas no significant main effect for gender was established.

Aim: This research aimed to determine the impact of problematic mobile phone use on negative mental health outcomes among nursing students in India, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the overall well‐being and adaptability of future healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three randomly selected nursing colleges in South India, employing validated and standardized tools such as the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. Results: The study included 402 nursing students with an average age of 20.47 years, revealing a 39% prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone usage. Positive correlations were observed between mobile phone problematic use and age, depression and insomnia. Additionally, strong negative correlations were found between satisfaction with life and self‐esteem. Depression and satisfaction with life served as chain mediators in the impact of self‐esteem on problematic mobile phone use, and both self‐esteem and satisfaction with life negatively predicted problematic mobile phone use. Conclusion: The study highlights a prevalent issue of problematic mobile phone use among nursing students, indicating a pressing need for timely intervention, as it correlates with depression, sleep insomnia, low self‐esteem and life dissatisfaction. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Over the last decade, using mobile phones has been prevalent among today's children and young people, coinciding with an increase in poor mental health in this population.Problematic mobile phone use may consist of various issues, including addiction/dependence, financial troubles, risky use (i.e. while driving) and restricted use (i.e. in prohibited places).From an epidemiological standpoint, prevalence rate estimates vary widely and there is little research and understanding regarding the aetiology of problematic and addicted mobile phone usage, particularly its progression. What this paper adds? The prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone use among nursing students is very high and needs immediate attention.There is a negative impact of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students.Positive life satisfaction and self‐esteem are protective variables that negatively predict problematic mobile phone use, while their influence is mediated by a chain reaction involving reduced depression, emphasizing the interconnected psychological dynamics. The implications of this paper: Further research is needed on the influencing factors of problematic mobile phone use and interventions to prevent mobile phone addiction among nursing students.The influence of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students can affect their clinical practice and productive life therefore the appropriate policies should be implemented.Implementation of short and rapid counselling services for the nursing students by the nurse educators should incorporate into the curriculum to achieve a better quality of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the pressing issue of suicide among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in India, which encompass key forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Assam Rifles and National Security Guard (NSG). Together, these forces are integral to India's internal security, border protection and emergency response capabilities, employing approximately nine lakh personnel. Despite their crucial role, CAPF personnel face intense occupational stress, long deployments and high-risk duties, leading to severe mental health challenges. Recent data presented by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to the Lok Sabha highlights an unsettling trend: in 2022, 136 personnel died by suicide, following 157 in 2021 and 143 in 2020. As of mid-2023, 71 suicides have already been reported. Historical data further illustrate the persistence of this issue, with suicide cases fluctuating, but generally increasing over the past decade. This paper aims to comprehensively analyze these suicide trends among CAPF personnel, examining the year-wise data from 2011 to 2023 to identify patterns and potential causes. Key contributing factors such as occupational stress, lack of adequate mental health support, and socio-economic pressures are explored in depth. The research also investigates the impact of policy changes and mental health initiatives within the CAPF framework. Concluding with actionable recommendations, the paper advocates for enhanced mental health services, regular counseling, stress management programs, and a supportive environment that encourages seeking help. These measures are crucial for addressing the mental health crisis within the CAPF and improving the overall well-being and operational efficiency of these essential forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The importance of evidence-informed health policymaking is widely recognized. However, many low- and middle-income countries lack evidence-informed mental health policies due to insufficient data, stigma or lack of resources. Various policies address adolescent mental health in India, but published knowledge on their evidence-informed nature is limited. In this paper, we report results of our analysis of the role of evidence in adolescent mental health policymaking in India., Methods: This paper reports findings from the document analysis of key policy documentation (n = 10) and in-depth interviews with policy actors including policymakers, researchers, practitioners and intermediaries (n = 13). Framework analysis was used, informed by the components of a conceptual framework adapted from the literature: actors, policy and evidence processes, nature of evidence itself and contextual influences., Results: Results show that adolescent mental health policies in India were generally evidence-informed, with more key evidence becoming generally available from 2010 onwards. Both formal and informal evidence informed mental health policies, particularly agenda-setting and policy development. Mental health policymaking in India is deemed important yet relatively neglected due to competing policy priorities and structural barriers such as stigma. Use of evidence in mental health policymaking reflected differing values, interests, relative powers and ideologies of policy actors. Involvement of government officials in evidence generation often resulted in successful evidence uptake in policy decisions. Policy actors often favoured formal and quantitative evidence, with a tendency to accept global evidence that aligns with personal values., Conclusions: There is a need to ensure a balanced and complementary combination of formal and informal evidence for policy decisions. Evidence generation, dissemination and use for policy processes should recognize evidence preferences by key stakeholders, while prioritizing locally available evidence where possible. To help this, a balanced involvement of policy actors can ensure complementary perspectives in evidence production and policy agendas. This continued generation and promotion of evidence can also help reduce societal stigma around mental health and promote mental health as a key policy priority., (© 2024. Crown.)

Purpose: Around the world, prison complexes have always been fundamentally taxing environments. The strained atmosphere within these prisons often contributes to the deterioration of mental health, mostly those who may already be psychologically vulnerable. This paper aims to understand whether there exists a relationship between the built environment of prisons, particularly the central prisons of India and its effects on the mental health of inmates., Design/methodology/approach: By means of literature reviews, the study parameters were found to be connectivity to nature, lighting, acoustics, colour, air quality and thermal comfort. The data collected through interviews and email correspondences with identified experts were analysed thematically using a deductive approach to derive a set of practical recommendations, which could be implemented in Indian prisons., Findings: The built environment of prisons impacts the prison population by further contributing to depressive symptoms. The effects of the built space persist regardless of social factors. A well-designed environment is healthy for its occupants and would yield positive changes. However, it is not the sole contributor to depression; social interactions, prison management, societal acceptance and meaningful activities are equally relevant factors. The sole focus of this paper is the relationship between the built environment and the mental health of inmates., Originality/value: There is a paucity of research into the intersection between prison architecture and the mental health of inmates in the Indian subcontinent. This paper that addresses the gap may have significant consequences on how criminal reform is perceived, and also encourage further research in this field., (© Emerald Publishing Limited.)

This paper discusses the need for multi-cultural methodologies that develop knowledge about the maternity experience of migrant women and that are attuned to womens maternity-related requirements under multi-cultural conditions. Little is known about the transition to parenthood for mothers in a new country, particularly when the country is New Zealand. This paper will challenge the positivist hegemony of previously completed research on migrant women by reflecting on my own experience as a researcher grounded in a broadly-based, pluralistic set of critical epistemologies that allowed me to uncover the issues and contexts that impacted on the experience of migrant women. It concludes by proposing that, where research occurs with minority groups, multiple research strategies are incorporated in order to prevent the reproduction of deficiency discourses. (Contains 1 footnote.)

Globalisation as a worldwide integrating force leads to changes in the social structures, values and mindsets of people. Parents raise their children expecting they would take care of them in old age but the globalised economy has given rise to a materialistic culture in which children migrate to other cities or countries. Parents accept this in the best interest of their children. Loneliness, depression and other mental health issues among the elderly population are common as a result. This paper is an attempt to explore spirituality as an adaptive tool in such situation. Data is collected from 20 elderly respondents living alone or with their spouses in the residential colonies in Delhi/NCR through semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed under the premise of Structuration Theory. It has been seen that spirituality is considered as a coping mechanism and a tool to manage their daily lives in a happier and more peaceful way.

Purpose: Contextual to the recognition of the complex interplay between health and behavioral aspects, integrated behavioral health (IBH) has emerged. Although this model is becoming popular in the Western world, its presence in the global context is not promising. This paper aims to explore the need for IBH in India and address its barriers to implementation and possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach: We analyzed the case of IBH and its potential implications for India using the current evidence base, authors' reflections and experience of implementing similar programs. Findings: This paper identifies contextual factors, including increased instances of non-communicable diseases and psychosocial and cultural determinants of health, that necessitate the implementation of IBH programs in India. The key features of different IBH models and their applicability are outlined. The current status of IBH and potential challenges in implementation in India in terms of human resources and other factors are delineated. We also discuss the potential models for implementing IBH in India. Originality/value: Integrating behavioral health in primary care is considered an effective and sustainable model to promote health and well-being across various target populations. Towards this end, this paper is the first to discuss the contextual factors of IBH in India. It is a significant addition to the knowledge base on IBH and its possible implementation barriers and strategies in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in India face additional health inequities compared to their male peers, as gender norms constrain agency for prevention and self-care. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns deepened health inequities and often worsened mental health, but the impacts on agency are unclear. This exploratory sequential mixed methods paper examined mental health and COVID-19 elements that exacerbated or mitigated adverse consequences for AGYW in low-income communities in Mumbai., Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with AGYW (aged 15-25 years; N = 60) and adults (parents, healthcare providers, community-based organization representative; N = 30). We administered a structured survey to AGYW (N = 150) to assess health concerns, depression and anxiety symptoms (using the PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scales), and experiences during COVID-19. We analyzed qualitative data using the constant comparative approach in Atlas.ti, and quantitative data using R and SPSS., Results: Qualitative data revealed that AGYW faced stressors and had limited agency during lockdowns due to limited access to education, financial insecurity, and community violence. Quantitative data indicated that limited agency in the context of COVID-19 was significantly associated with depression and anxiety. Financial resources to address COVID-19 created new employment and leadership opportunities for AGYW to become COVID educators and preschool teachers; participation in these opportunities was associated with less anxiety., Discussion: Pandemic stress was difficult for low-income AGYW in Mumbai. Mitigating programs for COVID-19 control helped address acute needs and enable capabilities. Exploring similar themes among a broader population of youth can help design strategies and opportunities for young people in low-income communities during health emergencies.

Aim: To review the international evidence base on interventions to support the mental health of family carers of children with brain injuries in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Methods: Searches were conducted with five electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL) using search terms related to "family carers", "brain injury", "children" and "low and middle income countries". Studies were independently screened using predetermined eligibility criteria by two authors. Data were extracted from included studies using standardised data extraction and quality appraisal tools. These data were then subjected to narrative synthesis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to govern the review process. Findings: One study met our inclusion criteria and described an acquired brain injury called nodding syndrome which occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study was conducted in Ghana and provided group-based psychotherapy to carers and their children. As such we found no study which sought to solely support the mental health of family carers. Conclusions: There has been a lack of focus in the literature on the mental health of family carers of children with brain injuries in LMIC. Considering the vital importance of caregivers in supporting their children it is imperative that service providers and researchers devise programmes to better meet their needs. The mental health of family carers should be better supported to improve their overall wellbeing, which will in turn improve the wellbeing of their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores how chronicities and chronic relationships are fostered at a state-sponsored community psychiatry clinic that has been affiliated with a Sufi shrine in western India. The clinic provides free psychotropic treatment to patients, most of whom are pilgrims visiting the shrine. While the clinic has been lauded for its collaborative approach of blending 'medicine and prayer' in the provision of mental health care, observations of clinical encounters reflect the prevalence of a strongly medicalized perspective of mental illness, where local narratives of distress are reframed as globalized categories of mental disorder, thereby permitting pharmacological intervention. Importantly, in a context where free medicines are offered just as other freebies are in development initiatives in India, this results in the creation of long-term, 'chronic' relationships with patients who only seem to return for medicines, never recovering. This paper illustrates how 'chronicity', in many ways, is built into the project from the beginning itself. It becomes evident in the assumptions of the officials and psychiatrists that mental illness is chronic, in the case files of patients that record their consultation and medication histories, and in the clinical conversations about the importance of compliance to treatment. Given that historically, community mental health emerged in the context of reducing long hospital stays and deinstitutionalizing mental health care, it is important to reflect on how these policies and practices result in the creation of a cadre of chronic out-patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces awards given to several papers including the Marfatia Award to "Immunological Changes in Depression Before and After Treatment," Bhagwat Award to "Are Childhood Externalising Disorders the Harbinger of Early Alcohol Dependence?" and BPSS Award to "P 300: An Electrophysiological Endophenotype in OCD."

Health is crucial for personal happiness, productivity, and fulfillment. It impacts physical well-being, mental health, longevity, academic and professional success, and interpersonal relationships. It reduces healthcare costs, contributes to economic growth, and promotes community well-being. This paper explores the status of the healthcare system in rural India. Paper reviews available research and also collects data from rural hospitals. It also considers efforts by the Indian government and other organisations, such as Ayushman Bharat, which is acknowledged for its aim to strengthen primary healthcare and protect economically vulnerable populations. However, addressing these complex issues requires continuous efforts, adequate funding, and proactive measures in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and policy reforms. The presented data reflects rural areas' ongoing challenges, underscoring the pressing need for proper treatment and care. By prioritising the presented aspects, the healthcare landscape in rural India can witness positive transformations and ensure improved healthcare outcomes for its population. In this paper, the possible problems and solutions addressed which has been observed while visiting hospitals in rural areas of northeast India. Research findings emphasise the significance of implementing supply chain strategies in improving healthcare delivery. It concludes that the potential of Medical 4.0 applications with seven common effective findings can save numerous lives in rural areas by providing timely access to healthcare solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The COVID-19 outbreak has significant psychological effects because of reduced support system and social quarantine, making women the worst-hit population of shadow pandemic, i.e. domestic violence. While food shortages, unemployment and increased domestic-work burdens are the immediate effects of the lockdown, women at home have to bear its far-reaching impacts in the long term in the form of domestic abuse, making the study of the psychological impact of domestic violence against women imperative. This paper aims to identify the factors and causes responsible for domestic violence and its psychological impacts on women in different aspects. This paper further focuses on the reasons behind an escalation in psychological violence against women. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on extrapolating data from various journal articles, Indian Government reports, newspaper articles and other printed materials that are recent, relevant and discuss domestic violence and mental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers use Indian National Commission for Women's (NCW) data on complaints received regarding violence against women and domestic abuse in the year 2020 and 15 journal articles that discuss domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 period in different countries to discuss social inequalities and power relations impact on women' mental health. Findings: The findings suggest that economic instability during the pandemic and social and cultural norms of India ignited psychological abuse against women during the pandemic. The number of monthly complaints of dowry death, dowry harassment and protection of women against domestic violence reflect on increased registered complaints in the postlockdown period in the year 2020. The number of monthly complaints received by the NCW from January 2020 to December 2020 in India represents that WhatsApp chat is a powerful tool for reporting domestic violence. Originality/value: The pandemic lockdown has an adverse psychological impact on women, making them suffer from posttraumatic symptoms, substance abuse, panic attacks, depressions, hallucinations, eating disorders, self-harm, etc. This paper strives to reflect upon mitigation strategies to curb domestic violence in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stakeholder engagement is essential to the design, implementation and evaluation of complex mental health interventions like peer support. Theory of Change (ToC) is commonly used in global health research to help structure and promote stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle. Stakeholder insights are especially important in the context of a multi-site trial, in which an intervention may need to be adapted for implementation across very different settings while maintaining fidelity to a core model. This paper describes the development of a ToC for a peer support intervention to be delivered to people with severe mental health conditions in five countries as part of the UPSIDES trial., Methods: One hundred thirty-four stakeholders from diverse backgrounds participated in a total of 17 workshops carried out at six UPSIDES implementing sites across high-, middle- and low-income settings (one site each in India, Israel, Uganda and Tanzania; two sites in Germany). The initial ToC maps created by stakeholders at each site were integrated into a cross-site ToC map, which was then revised to incorporate additional insights from the academic literature and updated iteratively through multiple rounds of feedback provided by the implementers., Results: The final ToC map divides the implementation of the UPSIDES peer support intervention into three main stages: preparation, implementation, and sustainability. The map also identifies three levels of actors involved in peer support: individuals (service users and peer support workers), organisations (and their staff members), and the public. In the UPSIDES trial, the ToC map proved especially helpful in characterising and distinguishing between (a) common features of peer support, (b) shared approaches to implementation and (c) informing adaptations to peer support or implementation to account for contextual differences., Conclusions: UPSIDES is the first project to develop a multi-national ToC for a mental health peer support intervention. Stakeholder engagement in the ToC process helped to improve the cultural and contextual appropriateness of a complex intervention and ensure equivalence across sites for the purposes of a multi-site trial. It may serve as a blueprint for implementing similar interventions with a focus on recovery and social inclusion among people with mental ill-health across diverse settings., Trial Registration: ISRCTN26008944 (Registration Date: 30/10/2019)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Every woman, man, youth and child has the human right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, without discrimination of any kind. This is enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Enjoyment of the human right to health is vital to all aspects of a person's life and well-being, and is crucial to the realization of many other fundamental human rights and freedoms. Furthermore, the social rights of victims of crime and their sensitive needs for mental health support is based on the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, 1985 (Resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, non-binding principles upon member nations). Remarkable developments have taken place both internationally and nationally when it comes to prioritising child rights, but the links between child abuse, child labour and the care for a child's mental health are still absent. The role of mental health of rescued and victimised children is also absent in Indian case law. In cases of legislations concerning children and their rights, the author contends that mental health considerations must become an inextricable component of law, and therapists must be included in the legal framework both as an appreciation of evidence and for the future benefit of the child as a long term remedy. The author also stresses that specialist services should be made directly accessible to child victims, and professionals made available to provide individual support for each child.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 on the vulnerable geriatric population. Design/methodology/approach: Ten individual interviews of people above 70 years of age were conducted in 2021. The data was collected through interviews and observation. The authors observed the people from the age. Findings: The geriatric population faced physical challenges like poor sleep and digestive health along with neglect of their persisting ailments, which needed attention. Mental issues were also very serious, such as fear of death, anxiety, stress and depression. This paper urges the policymakers to focus on coming up with support systems for the geriatric population and finding long-term solutions to mitigate the repercussions faced by them. Originality/value: This paper attempts to underline the mostly unnoticed physical and psychological issues troubling usually neglected strata of the population as they do not make a part of an income-earning segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the pain and suffering of elderly age people during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was an unpleasant experience for old age people. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, primarily, the information has been collected through interviews and observation. The researchers interviewed the older people and discussed their experience during the lockdown, and they also observed their activities during that period. Findings: The main results of this paper suggested that lockdown appeared as double-edge sword for old age and elderly people. They are not allowed to go outside to safeguard their lives, and inside the home, they are facing issues of anxiety, fear and mental trauma. They are not able to complete their daily routine, and it is hampering their mental strength. Originality/value: The paper is based on firsthand information received from an old-age couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses findings of the 'PROWELLMIGRANTS'2 project, which qualitatively investigated COVID‐19 impacts on migrants' well‐being and mental health in Kerala, India. It draws on a novel conceptual framework that combines assemblage‐thinking with theories of social contracts in disasters. The paper first explores how past development processes and contemporary migration policies in Kerala, and India more widely, generated conditions of vulnerability for migrant workers in Kerala prior to the pandemic. Next it shows that Government of Kerala interventions, in some cases supported by the central Government of India, temporarily addressed these vulnerabilities during the pandemic. In acknowledging the helpful response of the Kerala government, we problematise its stance on migrant workers during 'normal' times and speculate that permanently addressing these conditions of vulnerability would be a more logical approach. We acknowledge this involves overcoming many wider barriers. Thus, the paper also contains national‐level policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Study of Discrimination and Stigma Outcomes (INDIGO) Partnership is a multi-country international research program in seven sites across five low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia to develop, contextually adapt mental health stigma reduction interventions and pilot these among a variety of target populations. The aim of this paper is to report on the process of culturally adapting these interventions in India using an established framework. Methods: As part of this larger program, we have contextualized and implemented these interventions from March 2022 to August 2023 in a site in north India. The Ecological Validity Model (EVM) was used to guide the adaptation and contextualization process comprising eight dimensions. Findings: Six dimensions of the Ecological Validity Model were adapted, namely language, persons, metaphors, content, methods, and context; and two dimensions, namely concepts and goals, were retained. Conclusion: Stigma reduction strategies with varied target groups, based on culturally appropriate adaptations, are more likely to be acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the intervention, and to be effective in terms of the program impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health is a significant area for social work education and practice as the profession focuses on enhancing the social functioning and well-being of individuals, groups and communities. The field of mental health requires professionals from multidisciplinary fields who undergo rigorous training to acquire the necessary professional knowledge and equip themselves with specific skills. The current paper attempts to situate and reflect the author's experiences of working with post-graduate social work students in University of Delhi. Through case vignettes, the author presents diverse mental health challenges faced by the students and analyses wide-ranging psychosocial factors that play a significant role in this context. The paper also discusses the implications posed by such challenges on social work education while attempting to make number of suggestions to promote positive mental health among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a major public health concern among Indian adolescents. Pre- and post-natal depression can often alter fetal development and have negative consequences on the physical and mental health of the mother. This paper aims to draw attention to the prevalence of depression and its correlates among currently married, ever-pregnant adolescents from two Indian States, i.e. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Methods: This study utilizes data from a subsample (n = 3116) of the prospective cohort study Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) among 10 to 19 year-old adolescents. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the prevalence of depression by sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. To further access the predictors associated with depression a logistic regression model was applied. Results: Around one-tenth (9%) of pregnant adolescents had depression. Regression analysis indicated that substance use, religion, autonomy, considering attempting suicide, premarital relationship, violence, dowry, adverse pregnancy outcome, menstrual problem, and parental pressure for the child immediately after marriage were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: This study confirms the pre-existing annotation that teen pregnancy is linked with depression. Findings indicate that Adolescent mothers experiencing violence, and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at increased risk of developing depression. These study findings call for an urgent need to address depression among adolescent mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the role of psychiatric social workers in treating children facing social, mental, and environmental challenges, commonly addressed in child guidance. These professionals are trained to address a diverse array of issues stemming from children's various backgrounds. The study explores the expansive scope of responsibilities within child guidance, spanning mental hospitals and local health sectors. In India, numerous child guidance clinics cater to children's mental health needs, where psychiatric social workers engage in both theoretical and clinical practices. This research-based paper investigates the problem-solving approaches of psychiatric social workers in hospital settings concerning children's behavioral and mental health issues, which often pose challenges for parents, families, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, mental health rehabilitation centers run income generation programs (IGP) for therapeutic engagement, skills training, and income generation of clients. The centers have evolved IGP models relevant to their settings. There is a paucity of published literature on practices employed by the centers. Methods: This paper compiles data gathered from visits to 13 centers between November 2018 and April 2019. Information was collected through observation and interviews with staff involved in IGP, using a semi-structured pro forma designed for study. Results: Most centers were based in south India (n = 11) and urban areas (n = 12). Each center ran two to seven IGP. Each center involved 20–50 clients in IGP. Clients involved in IGP were aged 20–60 years. The centers ran a range of IGP, including the manufacturing of household consumables, paper products, textile products, handicraft products, food products, and jute products; animal husbandry and horticulture initiatives; and running cafeterias and petty shops. IGP were mostly selected based on market demand and sales value of products (n = 11); ease of doing (n = 5); interests, abilities, exposure, and experience of clients (n = 5); and availability of resources (n = 3). Products were priced primarily to cover input and labor costs (n = 8), and many centers sold products below the market rates (n = 5). Running stalls during public events was a common strategy for the sale of products (n = 9). Personal contacts and "word of mouth" publicity were used for advertisement (n = 6). Four centers involved family members in IGP. Conclusion: The nature of IGP varied in terms of setting, available resources, and profile of clients availing the services. Marketing and sales were a challenge. A supportive framework of policies and schemes is essential to promote IGP at mental health rehabilitation centers. This report may be helpful for professionals and centers planning to set up an IGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a country of unparalleled diversity within both the cultural and ecological spheres of life. This paper examines the author's experience exploring and inquiring into the mental health implications of mining and mining induced displacement within several Adivasi (tribal) communities in Andhra Pradesh, India. Through collaboration with Samata, a local Non-Government Organization (NGO), a qualitative pilot study was conducted to explore potential effects of mining on three communities that have been threatened by mining for a number of years. A particular focus is paid to women and the unique challenges they currently face.

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to explore how minimal-self impacts the body image, projecting it as a reflection of one's approach toward their health and mental well-being. Methods: The study takes qualitative data from two countries India and Germany and draws on a qualitative study of 20 individuals who are involved in some kind of physical activity for a long time. This paper examines the body image perspectives fromGrimms Brothers fairytale characters showcasing fit and healthy perspectives on Snow White side and projected and superfluous perspectives on Evil Queen side. The study also provides a model deciphering the rationale for both the reflections. Results: The body image projection from Snow White perspectives (success & dedication, self-esteem, bodybuilding, and cosmetic surgery) relates to positive reflection of oneself with focus on fitness, discipline, and mental rejuvenation in life. Notably, Evil Queen perspectives (unrealistic makeover, dark side of social media, gain an edge over others, and mental benchmarking with fair skin) reveal these facets as motivators to equip their body as means of physical non-verbal communication assets. Conclusion: Analysis shows that there is no clear white or black viewof health and fitness projection via body image but it's a gray line that gives wholesome fitness either a holistic mental peace or a competitive or success-oriented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single parent adoption (SPA) is a relatively new construct worldwide and in India. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has laid down criteria for adoption in general and SPA in particular, in conjunction with the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children), 2015. There is scant literature on this topic of SPA, more so in India, that looks into the various psychological nuances of SPA from a mental health professional's (MHP) perspective. This review paper aims to assess SPA from the perspective of a MHP that will focus on its various legal nuances as well as the psychological connotations attached to it. For this, a search strategy was employed that included a thorough literature search from two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) with relevant keywords related to the topic. The various legal issues pertaining to SPA in the current scenario, the psychological issues and challenges faced by single parents, the behavioral outcomes of adoptees who are adopted by single parents, and ways to deal with the various obstacles of SPA are discussed., Competing Interests: None

Pregnancy is a period of major physiologic, hormonal, and psychological change, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and mental disorders. Mental disorders and malnutrition are associated with adverse pregnancy and child outcomes, with potential long-standing impact. Common mental disorders during pregnancy are more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In India, studies suggest the prevalence of depression is 9.8%-36.7% and of anxiety is 55.7%. India has seen some promising developments in recent years such as increased coverage of the District Mental Health Program; integration of maternal mental health into the Reproductive and Child Health Program in Kerala; and the Mental Health Care Act 2017. However, mental health screening and management protocols have not yet been established and integrated into routine prenatal care in India. A five-action maternal nutrition algorithm was developed and tested for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen nutrition services for pregnant women in routine prenatal care facilities. In this paper, we present opportunities and challenges for integration of maternal nutrition and mental health screening and a management protocol at routine prenatal care in India, discuss evidence-based interventions in other LMICs including India, and make recommendations for public healthcare providers., (© 2023 The Authors. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Knowledge co-production can improve the quality and accessibility of health, and also benefit service users, allowing them to be recognised as skilled and capable. Yet despite these clear benefits, there are inherent challenges in the power relations of co-production, particularly when experts by experience (EBE) are structurally disadvantaged in communication skills or literacy. The processes of how knowledge is co-produced and negotiated are seldom described. This paper aims to describe processes of co-production building on the experiences of EBE (people with lived experience of psychosocial or physical disability), practitioners and researchers working together with a non-profit community mental health programme in North India. We describe processes of group formation, relationship building, reflexive discussion and negotiation over a 7-year period with six diverse EBE groups. Through a process of discussion and review, we propose these five questions which may optimise co-production processes in communities: (1) Who is included in co-production? (2) How can we optimise participation by people with diverse sociodemographic identities? (3) How do we build relationships of trust within EBE groups? (4) How can we combine psychosocial support and knowledge co-production agendas in groups? and (5) How is the expertise of experts by experience acknowledged?, Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

This paper points to an underexplored relationship of reinforcement between processes of quantification and digitisation in the construction of mental health as amenable to technological intervention, in India. Increasingly, technology is used to collect mental health data, to diagnose mental health problems, and as a route of mental health intervention and clinical management. At the same time, mental health has become recognised as a new public health priority in India, and within national and global public health agendas. We explore two sites of the technological problematisation of mental health in India: a large-scale survey calculating prevalence, and a smartphone app to manage stress. We show how digital technology is deployed both to frame a 'need' for, and to implement, mental health interventions. We then trace the epistemologies and colonial histories of 'psy' technologies, which question assumptions of digital empowerment and of top-down 'western' imposition. Our findings show that in India such technologies work both to discipline and liberate users. The paper aims to encourage global debate inclusive of those positioned inside and outside of the 'black box' of mental health technology and data production, and to contribute to shaping a future research agenda that analyses quantification and digitisation as key drivers in global advocacy to make mental health count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]