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

Abstract

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.