ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN URBAN AREA – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Mental health is a critical component of overall health, influencing resilience, emotional stability, and decision-making. However, the lack of precise assessment tools makes early identification and intervention challenging. Adolescence (10–19 years) is a crucial developmental stage marked by hormonal, psychological, and social changes, with factors such as poverty, inequality, harsh parenting, bullying, and academic pressure contributing to anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. WHO data indicates that 12.5% of adolescents globally experience mental disorders, yet adolescent mental health remains understudied. To assess the mental health Objective: status among high school students of an urban area. Methodology: This cross-sectional study assessed the mental health of school children aged 11-17 years in Belagavi city from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. A total of 900 students from four co-educational schools, selected from different city zones, participated. The sample size was determined based on a 27.7% prevalence of mental health problems. High school students from 8th to 10th standards were included, excluding those with known mental illnesses or on psychiatric medication. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee, J.N. Medical College, KAHER, Belagavi. Data collection involved personal interviews using a structured questionnaire and the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which assesses mental health. Students were categorized as normal, borderline, or abnormal based on SDQ scores, with total difficulty scores (0-40) indicating mental health risk. Result: The study found that 14.33% of students were at risk of developing mental health disorders, while an additional 22.78% fell into the borderline category. These findings highlight the need for early identification, school-based mental health interventions, and targeted strategies to promote adolescent well-being.