Level of Well-Being among School-Going Adolescents

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Introduction 

Authors Rajathi Sakthivel, Vice-Principal of the Department of Child Health at Hindu Mission College of Nursing in Chennai, and M. Hemamalini, Principal of the Department of Community Health at Hindu Mission College of Nursing in West Tambaram, underscore the significance of adolescent well-being. Adolescent well-being encompasses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a young person’s life during the crucial transition from childhood to adulthood. It signifies not only the absence of illness but also the presence of positive mental states, fulfilling relationships, and a sense of purpose. Prioritizing adolescent well-being is paramount as it lays the foundation for healthy development and future success.

Adolescent well-being is multifaceted, including family dynamics, peer relationships, school environment, socio-economic status, and access to healthcare. Communities can better understand and manage these factors by creating supportive environments that nurture adolescents’ holistic well-being, fostering resilience and empowerment during this pivotal stage of life. 

Background 

Adolescence is a crucial period for healthy development, and mental and physical well-being are pivotal for healthy development. This period marks a crucial transition from childhood to adulthood, during which adolescents experience significant cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Mental well-being encompasses emotional resilience, self-esteem, and coping skills, while physical well-being involves nutrition, exercise, and overall health. These aspects profoundly influence adolescents’ ability to navigate challenges and thrive in various life domains. 

Daily contexts, including family dynamics, peer relationships, school environments, and community influences, significantly shape adolescent well-being. Positive interactions and supportive environments contribute to higher levels of well-being, while negative experiences or stressors can adversely impact mental health. Understanding these daily contexts is essential for implementing effective adolescent interventions and support systems. 

Teenage mental health is a global issue, with various obstacles and risk factors in many places and societies. Socio-economic position, healthcare access, cultural norms, and societal expectations are some of the factors that have a significant impact on the prevalence and treatment of mental health difficulties among teenagers around the world. Global approaches to adolescent mental health must take into account socio-economic inequality and a variety of cultural circumstances.

Research Objective 

The primary aim of this study is to delve into the intricate landscape of adolescent well-being, mainly focusing on school-going adolescents in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu, India. Adolescence marks a critical juncture in human development, characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes. Adolescents face myriad challenges that can significantly impact their overall well-being amid these transitions. 

By honing in on the well-being of school-attending adolescents in South Tamil Nadu, this research endeavours to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing their mental and emotional health. Through a comprehensive assessment, the study aims to uncover the prevalence of depressive symptoms, identify potential risk factors, and highlight areas for intervention and support. 

By shedding light on the well-being status of adolescents in this region, the research seeks to inform targeted strategies and initiatives aimed at bolstering mental health resources, fostering supportive environments, and ultimately enhancing the well-being of this vulnerable population. 

Methodology 

Research Design: The study employed a uni-variable, descriptive cross-sectional design, allowing for a snapshot analysis of adolescent well-being among school-going students. 

Sampling Technique: Convenient sampling was utilized to select 120 adolescents aged 11-16 years from southern regions of Tamil Nadu, ensuring accessibility and practicality in data collection. 

Data Collection Tools: Data were collected using an Adolescent Well-being Questionnaire, which was adapted and translated into Tamil and distributed via Google Forms, facilitating efficient and remote data collection. 

Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), enabling comprehensive statistical examination and interpretation of findings. 

Ethical Considerations: Before data collection, moral principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and participant anonymity, were strictly adhered to, ensuring the protection of participants’ rights and privacy throughout the research process. 

Results 

In this study, 120 school-going adolescents aged 11-16 participated, representing various demographic backgrounds. Most participants were in the age group of 15-16 years (48%), with a nearly equal distribution between genders, wherein 59.2% were female. Regarding education, 51% of participants were in grades 10-11. Additionally, a significant proportion (80.6%) belonged to nuclear families; the predominant religion was Hinduism (87.3%). Furthermore, most fathers (39.3%) were engaged in business/agriculture, while mothers (41.6%) were involved in daily wage labour. 

The study also revealed that most participants (77%) were not receiving special classes or remedial education, 81% expressed interest in sports, and 82% were actively involved in social clubs. Moreover, 67% did not receive pocket money. These demographic characteristics provide insight into the study participants’ profiles, offering context for the findings related to adolescent well-being and its associations with demographic variables. 

Discussion 

Interpretation of Results

The findings of the study reveal a concerning prevalence of possible depressive disorders among school-going adolescents in South Tamil Nadu, with 78% exhibiting symptoms. This suggests a critical need for interventions to address mental health issues among this demographic. Moreover, the demographic analysis highlights significant associations between gender and grade, indicating that certain groups may be more vulnerable to mental health challenges. 

Comparison with Previous Studies

Comparisons with similar studies conducted in other regions underscore the universal nature of adolescent mental health concerns. The prevalence rates found in this study align with findings from studies in different cultural contexts, emphasizing the pervasive nature of adolescent well-being issues. 

Implications of Findings for Adolescent Well-being 

The high prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive mental health interventions. Addressing these issues early can prevent long-term negative consequences and promote healthier development. 

Role of Family, Peers, and School in Adolescent Well-being

The study emphasizes the influential roles of family, peers, and schools in shaping adolescent well-being. Supportive environments at home and school and positive peer relationships are crucial for promoting mental health and resilience among adolescents. 

Nursing Implications 

In nursing practice, it’s imperative to integrate strategies that prioritize adolescent well-being. This includes implementing behaviour modification programs in clinical and community settings to address potential depressive disorders among adolescents. Nurses can play a pivotal role in identifying early signs of mental health issues and providing appropriate interventions. 

Nursing education should emphasize the significance of early identification and intervention in adolescent mental health. This entails training future nurses to recognize behavioural changes and support adolescents in schools and communities. By equipping nurses with the skills to address adolescent mental health concerns, we can foster healthier outcomes for this vulnerable population. 

Community involvement is essential in creating supportive environments for adolescents. Nurses can collaborate with schools, families, and local organizations to develop programs and initiatives promoting adolescents’ mental well-being. This includes organizing awareness campaigns, facilitating support groups, and providing resources for adolescents and their families. Nurses can create a supportive network that enhances adolescent mental health and well-being by actively engaging with communities. 

Recommendations 

Understanding adolescent well-being is imperative for future research. Longitudinal studies offer valuable insights into the well-being trajectory throughout adolescence and adulthood. Additionally, exploring the effectiveness of various intervention strategies is crucial. Interventions may include mental health awareness programs, peer support groups, and counselling services tailored to adolescents’ needs. It’s also essential to consider the diversity within adolescent populations, including factors such as socio-economic status, cultural background, and gender identity. 

Research encompassing a wide range of adolescent experiences can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing well-being and help tailor more inclusive and effective interventions. Ultimately, prioritizing research in these areas can contribute significantly to developing evidence-based approaches for enhancing adolescent well-being. 

Conclusion 

The study highlighted alarming rates of possible depressive disorders among school-going adolescents in South Tamil Nadu, with a staggering 78% exhibiting symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of addressing adolescent well-being as an integral component of public health initiatives. Neglecting adolescent mental health not only impacts their immediate quality of life but also sets the stage for long-term social and economic repercussions.

As such, concerted efforts are needed to promote mental health awareness, provide access to support services, and implement preventive measures within schools and communities. It is imperative that stakeholders, including educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families, collaborate to create a supportive environment conducive to the holistic development of adolescents, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. 

For further details and in-depth analysis, refer to the full article available in PDF format through this link: https://www.texilajournal.com/nursing/article/2397-level-of-well-being

Acknowledgements 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the authorities of all the schools participating in this study. Their cooperation and support were invaluable in ensuring the successful completion of our research. 

We also express our sincere appreciation to the participants, the school-going adolescents, whose involvement and willingness to share their experiences contributed significantly to the richness of our data. Without their active participation, this study would not have been possible. 

Thank you for your generosity, openness, and commitment to advancing knowledge in adolescent well-being. 

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