Gender Based Differences in Mental Health Outcomes among Young Adults in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Authors

  • Vurajana Varsha
  • Saptarishi Bose
  • Satyajit Patnaik
  • Dhananjaya Sharma
  • Paromita Roy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i3.19434

Keywords:

Gender differences, health-seeking behaviors, mental health awareness, stigma, young adults.

Abstract

Background: According to WHO “ Health is a state of physical, mental & social wellbeing” but mental health
needs are neglected due to the low availability of services & less community participation. Young adults are more
prone to get mental health problems due to transition both physically & mentally. Females have more mood
disorders & males have substance use disorders, gender disparities in mental health are not clear, so we aimed to
investigate the gender differences in mental health outcomes.
Objective: To assess individual & social factors responsible for mental health problems & to estimate the level of
awareness regarding mental health services available in the community.
Materials & methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out among young adults (18-25 years). Participants
were given (GHQ-12), a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was stored & tabulated in Microsoft
Excel. Mean, Percentages, and Chi-square tests were used to find the association & differences between various
factors using Microsoft Excel.
Results: Out of 240 students only 29% were found to have awareness regarding mental health services at a
community level. Female students were found to have higher stigma rather than males which is statistically
significant (chi square-6.285, p-value-0.018).
Conclusion: Males & females have mental health issues but there are no significant gender differences. Females
were found to have more stigma. Mental health awareness programs at institutes can promote good mental health.

Author Biographies

Vurajana Varsha

Post Graduate Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Saptarishi Bose

Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Satyajit Patnaik

Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dhananjaya Sharma

Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India,

Paromita Roy

Assistant Professor, Department of Dental, Great Eastern Medical School, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

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Published

2023-06-21

How to Cite

Vurajana Varsha, Saptarishi Bose, Satyajit Patnaik, Dhananjaya Sharma, & Paromita Roy. (2023). Gender Based Differences in Mental Health Outcomes among Young Adults in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 14(3), 380–384. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v14i3.19434

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