Effectiveness of a Culturally Tailored Psychoeducation Program in reducing Stigma regarding Mental illness and Increasing Help-Seeking behavior among Adolescents: A Community-Based Study in Erode

Mental health stigma is a major barrier to help-seeking behavior among youth in rural India. This study assessed the effectiveness of a culturally tailored psychoeducational program in reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking behavior among adolescents in Erode, Tamil Nadu, using a quasi-experimental design with a group. Sample of 400 adolescents aged 14-19 years. Participants in the intervention group (n=200) received a psychoeducational program. While the control group (n=200) did not receive it, results showed a significant decrease in stigma and a significant increase in help-seeking behavior in the intervention group. It focuses on the effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions to improve youth mental health attitudes in rural communities.