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

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.