Study on adolescent health and associated factors: Comparison between rural and urban areas of West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a very delicate phase of life – a period of rapid physical and psychological changes, and a period strife and storm. Mental and psychological problems among adolescents are fairly common. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study and compare the mental health status and physical activity pattern among rural and urban school-going adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both coeducational schools of rural and urban field practice area of Calcutta National Medical College between March 2019 and May 2019. After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 357 adolescents were randomly selected as our study group. After taking permission from school authorities and ethical committee, the study was undertaken. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, strength and difficulty questionnaire, and international physical activity questionnaire. Data collected were compiled and presented in tabular form and expressed in frequency and percentages. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: It was seen that 16.8% of study populations have a mental illness. Among the study group, 24% has peer problem followed by conduct related issues in 22%. The total difficulty score is slightly higher in urban (18.5) than rural (15.3) study population. Girls had more emotional problems, whereas conduct problems, hyperactivity, and pro-social issues were more prevalent among boys. Hyperactivity was less prevalent among adolescents with sedentary behavior. Conclusion: One in six adolescents had mental illness in our study. Awareness and implementation of mental illness-related programmers and incorporation of life skills education and sports, yoga, etc., and can guide the community to understand and identify and help adolescents struggling with behavioral and mental issues.