Date of Award

2-4-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Saleem Gulzar

Second Advisor

Dr Omur Cinar Elci

Third Advisor

Dr. Nazmul Alam

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Though the burden of mental health problems has been well-documented, perceptions of school-going adolescents have never been evaluated to understand the bigger picture of mental health. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of mental health and associated risk factors of mental health problems in school-going adolescents (grades 9th -10th). Through a mixedmethod approach, we evaluated the in-depth insights into participants’ mental health perceptions in the Ghizer district of Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan. The duration of the study was three months (June-August 2024). Findings from the two data sets reported convergence and consistency with the existing literature from other countries. It was found that school adolescents perceived mental health in terms of emotions, thoughts, behaviour, and biological processes. Social factors were perceived as the most influencing determinants of mental health followed by financial problems. The social stigma was reported to be the biggest barrier to accessing mental health treatment. Moreover, lack of mental health services and poor knowledge were also identified as barriers to help-seeking in-school- adolescents. Study participants preferred to rely on parents and siblings as main sources to address mental health concerns, however, lack of social and family support was highlighted as a major challenge. Educating parents, reducing stigma, and providing mental health services were some of the repeated recommendations forwarded by the study participants. Our study findings can help develop future interventions and programs to address the mental health problems of adolescents in schools and at the community level

First Page

1

Last Page

83

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