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Papers by lena Ashok

Research paper thumbnail of Contextual factors influencing the urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies for older adults in low- and middle-income countries: a realist review

BMC Public Health

Transportation is among the key aspects that influence active ageing. This realist review intends... more Transportation is among the key aspects that influence active ageing. This realist review intends to understand the mechanisms of urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies in low- and middle-income countries for older adults and to identify factors, which influenced the success or failure of interventions. We followed the steps suggested by Pawson and colleagues for a realist review. Electronic databases were searched from inception until August 2020. Studies were screened based on titles, abstracts and full text. The quality of included studies was assessed based on rigour and relevance. The evidence was obtained from 36 articles with diverse study designs conducted in 36 low- and middle-income countries. Findings were validated through stakeholder consultations from three low- and middle-income countries. Of the various individual factors identified, behaviour change communication interventions were low-cost, had a long-term impact and were efficient in increasing a...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological well-being and coping strategies among secondary school teachers: A cross-sectional study

Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Research paper thumbnail of What predicts mental health literacy among school teachers?

Ghana Medical Journal, 2021

Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing high school teachers’ mental health literacy (MH... more Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing high school teachers’ mental health literacy (MHL) and predictors related to study outcomes.Design: Cross-sectional studyMethods: We employed 460 high school teachers who engaged with adolescents for at least six hours per week with a minimum of five years of teaching experience in southern India. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess their MHL. Descriptive analysis and backward logistic regression analysis were performed. A p-value < 0.05 was set as significant.Results: Teachers’ MHL on depression was less than desirable; however, they identified 288 (62.6%) adolescents with mental health problems during their career, and 172(59.72%) were referred to mental health professionals. On logistic regression analysis, teachers’ educational status, their marital status, teaching a class with an average strength of 31-60 students per class, previous mental health training and having self-efficacy concerning seeking information...

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge and attitude regarding STIs including HIV and RTIs among college adolescent girls in urban Udupi Taluk

Background:Adolescents compared to individuals in any other age group are most susceptible to sex... more Background:Adolescents compared to individuals in any other age group are most susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STls) including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and reproductive tract infections (RTls). Adolescents are vulnerable to STls including HIV that account for 31 percent of the AIDS burden in India. Objective:To assess knowledge and attitude among adolescent girls regarding STls including HIV/AIDS and RTls. Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 17-19 year old college going adolescents studying in degree colleges in the urban area of Udupi taluk. A total of 410 adolescent girls were selected using cluster sampling with proportionate allocation method. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and anonymity was maintained. SPPS version 15 was used to analyze the data. Findings were depicted as percentages and proportions. Results:Around 14% of the adolescent girls had comprehensive knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Poo...

Research paper thumbnail of Reproductive Health Matters among Indian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Journal of midwifery and reproductive health, 2017

Background & aim: Qualitative perspectives of the reproductive health (RH) facilities and Adolesc... more Background & aim: Qualitative perspectives of the reproductive health (RH) facilities and Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) are still unexplored issues among the Indian adolescents. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to explore the perceptions and awareness about the RH and its facilities among the adolescents in two districts in India. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 197 individuals (i.e., 102 boys and 95 girls within the age of 15-19 years), selected from two Indian districts through stratified purposeful sampling method. For the purpose of the study, 16 focus group discussions (FGD) were held using pre-tested FGD guide. All tape-recorded data were fully transcribed and thematic analysis was performed using inductive coding. Results: As the results indicated, a set of four themes, 12 subthemes, 52 open codes, and 12 categories was developed. The boys had lower parent-child proximity for discussing puberty changes, compared to the girls. They...

Research paper thumbnail of Work-Life Balance and Gender Differences: A Study of College and University Teachers From Karnataka

SAGE Open, 2021

Teaching responsibilities in today’s higher education sector are increasingly demanding. Apart fr... more Teaching responsibilities in today’s higher education sector are increasingly demanding. Apart from the focus on the quality of teaching-learning activities, teachers of today are evaluated for their active involvement in professional and societal growth. Women in academia shoulder equal responsibilities as of men, but in India, women play multiple roles in the non-work setting unlike men. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to find out the gender difference in Work-Life Balance (WLB) among teachers of higher education. Institutional Ethical Committee’s approval was obtained. Data was collected using the WLB questionnaire, from 127 male and 136 female faculties employed on a tenure basis in the Public Universities in Karnataka. The multiple regression analysis indicated an association of better WLB with the upper age group, male gender, and faculties of science discipline. Strategies at the organizational level and initiatives at the personal level are essential ...

Research paper thumbnail of ‘No, you should not beat our child because he will become aggressive:’ Applying a multi-method approach to explore intergenerational transmission of parenting practices

PLOS ONE, 2021

Background Exploring the cultural context of intergenerational continuity of warm and harsh paren... more Background Exploring the cultural context of intergenerational continuity of warm and harsh parenting informs parents motivations to adopt specific parenting behaviours. Objective Parents’ perceptions of being parented in the past and their current parenting as well as adolescents’ perceptions of current parenting were explored applying a multi-method approach. Methods Following written informed consent, a total of 24 interviews with 10 families (dyads of 14 parents and ten adolescents) from Udupi taluk in southern India was conducted. In the first stage, in-depth interviews were conducted with parent participants (Generation 1 (G1)) and in the second stage, adolescents (Generation 2 (G2)) participated in the photovoice component. Multiple forms of data including photographs, journals and interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model were collected and were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti(v.8). Results Subtle changes in reinforcing culture-specific gender norms between generati...

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of audio-visual and print media intervention on knowledge of cervical health among rural women in Southern India

Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2020

Background: Cervical cancer health education programmes are not accessible to rural women in deve... more Background: Cervical cancer health education programmes are not accessible to rural women in developing countries. Objective: Our study aimed at assessing the health literacy about cervical cancer amongst the rural women in Udupi district, southern India, before and following intervention using audio-visual aid/face-to-face interactive sessions versus pamphlets alone. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. A total of 166 women participated in the study. Participant groups were allocated into two interventional (Experimental/Control) groups. Participants in the experimental group received education through the video followed by face-to-face interaction with a health educator while those in the control group received a pamphlet. A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge about numerous risk factors, Pap smear test and treatment of cervical cancer (pre- and post-intervention test). The findings are presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired responses were compared for individual questions using McNemar test and P < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant. Results: Former to the intervention, 13.5% and 19.1% in the experimental and control groups, respectively, felt that personal hygiene was important to prevent cervical cancer. Both the groups had very limited knowledge regarding risk factors (93.6%; 94%), symptoms (96.3%; 97.6%) and knowledge that Pap smears can reduce the risk of cervical cancer (91.7%; 93.9%). The change in knowledge pre-and post-intervention in both groups increased significantly. Conclusion: Intervention with face-to-face interactive sessions showed a positive impact on knowledge regarding cervical cancer. These findings indicate both methods can be effective in providing health education in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of Parenting Dimensions and Adolescent Perceptions at the Root of Adolescent Behaviors

Asian Journal of Epidemiology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Parenting attitudes and dimensions as predictors of adolescent behavioural problems in the Indian context: A community-based study

Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘This is the place where I can be alone, no tension:’ Photovoice evidence for adolescent perceptions of their microsystem and psychological adjustment

Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020

Adolescents experience myriad emotions which occur in relation to their immediate social space wh... more Adolescents experience myriad emotions which occur in relation to their immediate social space which may shape their perceptions of members within the microsystem. The photovoice method uniquely provides participants with the means to capture their life through the lens of a camera while also enabling them to express emotions and meanings they attach to their particular life situations. We explore the various emotions adolescents attach to the spaces they occupy and how they link them to socialization in the context of the microsystem. This study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Udupi taluk, southern India. A total of 21 participants, ranging from early to late adolescence participated and provided multiple forms of data with 112 photographs, 21 journals on their daily interactions and one-on-one interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model. The analytical method involved compiling visual data from photographs, journal content and interview data pertaining to each participant as a single data file, developing codes using ATLAS.ti, version 8, and further developing sub-themes and themes as they emerged into narratives. Our study was able to elicit emotions and meanings that adolescents attached to social interactions with gendered nuances specific to the Indian cultural setting. Future applications of the photovoice methodology on research among adolescents have also been discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Parental Involvement – Perceptions of Parents and their Adolescent Children

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2020

Objective To explore the experiences of parents and their adolescent children, specifically the d... more Objective To explore the experiences of parents and their adolescent children, specifically the dimension of parental involvement in the lives of their adolescent children and how adolescents perceived it. Methods Following informed consent, a total of nine families with 22 participants took part in the study including nine adolescents, aged between 14 and 16 y, and 13 parents. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted at their homes following informed consent. Following transcription, the data was coded and themes were identified using Atlas.ti software. A grounded theory approach was undertaken in analysing the data. Results Two main themes were identified including perceptions of parental involvement in the lives of their adolescent children and family strategies to improve bonding. Adolescents' concerns centered on reduced interaction time with their family members. Concerns were also raised over the adolescents' increasing academic burden and parents particularly emphasized the increasing use of media and mobile technology by adolescents as deterrents to interaction. Though mothers functioned as primary caregivers, fathers also took on more active roles in the rearing of their children, stepping away from the traditionally viewed role of being a distant patriarchal provider. To improve interaction, parents devised creative strategies to increase time spent interacting with family members such as having dinner, performing household chores, playing games, or visiting places together. Conclusions The increasing academic burden and access to digital media were perceived as factors leading to reduced interaction between the parent-adolescent dyad. Creative parenting strategies to increase interaction were sought as a solution.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives on Mental Health Disorders-A Preliminary Study

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Micro- and Mesosystems in Shaping an Adolescent

Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 2018

Adolescence is a vulnerable period in an individual’s life during which several physiological and... more Adolescence is a vulnerable period in an individual’s life during which several physiological and psychological changes occur. Increasingly, across the globe, there is increasing incidence of mental health and behavioural problems documented, especially among the youth. The WHO states that mental health conditions and delinquent behaviours contribute significantly to the global disease burden. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is also marked by increasing manifestation of emotional and behavioural disorders with first episodes making their appearance in early adolescence. This review attempts to delve into the influence of microsystem and mesosystems as described by Bronfenbrenner on adolescent behaviours.

Research paper thumbnail of Mental Health Literacy Among Late Adolescents in South India: What They Know and What Attitudes Drive Them

Indian journal of psychological medicine

Early recognition of mental health problems gives an individual the opportunity for better long-t... more Early recognition of mental health problems gives an individual the opportunity for better long-term outcomes if intervention is initiated early. Mental health literacy is a related concept which is increasingly seen as an important measure of the awareness and knowledge of mental health disorders. This study aimed at assessing the mental health literacy, help-seeking behavior and beliefs and attitudes related to mental illnesses among adolescents attending preuniversity colleges. A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected preuniversity college students (n = 916). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Data were computed using STATA. Analysis and interpretation were carried out using descriptives and Chi-square test. Of the 916 respondents, 54.15% were male while 45.85% were female. The majority (78.60%) of the respondents ascribed to the Hindu religion, hailed largely from rural areas (57.21%) and were mostly studying in the 11(th) standard...

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2016

In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adole... more In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH.: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16–19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews.: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. “Pornography”, “wrong myths about RH”, “substance use”, and “sexual attractions” were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services.: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these s...

Research paper thumbnail of Modifiable life style associated risk factors for non communicable diseases among students of pre-university college of Udupi taluk

ABSTRACT Background Non-communicable diseases are diseases of longer period and are increasing. T... more ABSTRACT Background Non-communicable diseases are diseases of longer period and are increasing. This study was intended to find out the proportion of adolescents having modifiable life style associated risk factors. Materials and methods A cross sectional study was carried out in 15 pre-university colleges (PUC) of Udupi taluk, which were randomly selected, a class from each PUC was randomly chosen. WHO stepwise approach was used to collect data. A total of 838 adolescents in the age group 15 to 19 years were included. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 15. Chi square test was used to find the association. Results Current smoking was found in 1.67% of the participants. Nearly 16.94% participants were exposed to second hand smoke. About 2.15% of the participants were current alcohol drinkers. Junk food consumption was found in 64.08% of the participants. About 89.86% of the participants were physically inactive. Nearly 31.98% of the participants reported adding extra salt ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adolescents and Body Image: A Cross Sectional Study

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2015

Objectives To assess proportion of adolescents perceiving their body image as normal and to study... more Objectives To assess proportion of adolescents perceiving their body image as normal and to study association between body shape, self-esteem and body mass index; each with body image perception. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among pre university college (PUC) students of Udupi taluk. A total of 550 students in the age group of 15-19y were randomly selected from 11 PUC's: four were taken from government and unaided strata respectively and three from aided. The PUC's were selected based on proportional allocation from a total of 48 PUC's. From each PUC a class was randomly chosen as a cluster; all students in the class were included. Body shape questionnaire and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to assess body shape concerns and self-esteem respectively. Height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. SPSS version 15 has been used for analysis. Results were tabulated using frequency distribution and proportions. Multinomial logistic regression was done. Results About 38 % of the respondents perceived their body image as normal. Body shape [OR=0.48,95 % CI: 0.305, 0.76], self-esteem [OR=6.12,95 % CI: 2.76, 13.9] and body mass index [OR=4.65,95 % CI: 2.13,10.12] were found to be independently associated with body image perception. Conclusions Educational institutes are a major component of adolescent's lives; the identified factors for body image perception should be taken into consideration and appropriate educational efforts to be incorporated into the routine curriculum.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of life among persons with physical disability in udupi taluk: A cross sectional study

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2015

Background: Disability is not just a health problem or attribute of individuals, but it reflects ... more Background: Disability is not just a health problem or attribute of individuals, but it reflects the problems individuals experience in their interaction with society and physical movements. Disabled persons remain neglected part of society and they also experience various barriers due to restriction of participation. Objectives: The aim was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of physically disabled persons, the impact of physical disability on activities of daily living (ADL) and to study the awareness about laws and facilities available for disabled persons. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted among 130 physical disabled persons who were selected using convenience sampling technique. The WHO BREF scale was used to assess QOL, while assessment of ADL was done using Barthel Index. Socio-demographic assessment was done using Udai Pareek scale. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyze data. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. As per guidelines physical, psychological, social, and environmental domain scores for WHO BREF scale were calculated. Results: Among the study participants, 36.2% had a disability from birth that is, congenital. The second common cause of disability was found to be postpolio residual paralysis as it was found among 26.2% respondents. Other causes found were stroke/paralysis and accidents, in 19.2% and 18.5% respondents, respectively. Activities such as transfer, mobility, and stair climbing showed greater impact of physical disability. It was found that 11.5% respondents required help in one of the ADL. QOL score was found to be low under the psychological domain reflecting on negative feelings, bodily image, appearance, spirituality, and self-esteem of respondents. Conclusion: Physical disability had affected social participation as well as marriage of the respondents. However, it was found that very few of them are aware about facilities provided under persons with disability act.

Research paper thumbnail of The link between HIV/AIDS and violence among young adults: A study in Udupi, Karnataka

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2014

Background: Violence is a major public health problem which affects the community and threatens t... more Background: Violence is a major public health problem which affects the community and threatens the life of people. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and different forms of violence among HIV positive young adults taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Udupi district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HIV positive young adults (18-35 years) who were aware of their status. The participants were selected from ART Centre of Udupi district adopting convenience sampling. Data were collected from 200 young HIV positive young adults using a predesigned, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 14.5% and was found to be more among females (17.6%) as compared to males (6.9%). This difference was statistically signifi cant among gender with a P-value <0.05. Among the various forms of violence the prevalence of physical violence was found to be 14.5% with signifi cant difference among gender. Among females who experienced physical violence, husband was perpetrator in 76% cases and among males, parents/relatives as the perpetrator in 75% cases. Around 8.5% of females had experienced sexual violence and husband was perpetrator in 50% of the cases followed by relatives and friend/acquaintance. Conclusion: Physical and sexual violence was found to be more in female HIV positive patients as compared to males. The presence of violence among HIV positive young adults especially among the females demands for the concerted efforts at combating underlying factors leading to violence among this vulnerable group of HIV positive young adults.

Research paper thumbnail of Contextual factors influencing the urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies for older adults in low- and middle-income countries: a realist review

BMC Public Health

Transportation is among the key aspects that influence active ageing. This realist review intends... more Transportation is among the key aspects that influence active ageing. This realist review intends to understand the mechanisms of urban mobility infrastructure interventions and policies in low- and middle-income countries for older adults and to identify factors, which influenced the success or failure of interventions. We followed the steps suggested by Pawson and colleagues for a realist review. Electronic databases were searched from inception until August 2020. Studies were screened based on titles, abstracts and full text. The quality of included studies was assessed based on rigour and relevance. The evidence was obtained from 36 articles with diverse study designs conducted in 36 low- and middle-income countries. Findings were validated through stakeholder consultations from three low- and middle-income countries. Of the various individual factors identified, behaviour change communication interventions were low-cost, had a long-term impact and were efficient in increasing a...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological well-being and coping strategies among secondary school teachers: A cross-sectional study

Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Research paper thumbnail of What predicts mental health literacy among school teachers?

Ghana Medical Journal, 2021

Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing high school teachers’ mental health literacy (MH... more Objectives: The present study aimed at assessing high school teachers’ mental health literacy (MHL) and predictors related to study outcomes.Design: Cross-sectional studyMethods: We employed 460 high school teachers who engaged with adolescents for at least six hours per week with a minimum of five years of teaching experience in southern India. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess their MHL. Descriptive analysis and backward logistic regression analysis were performed. A p-value < 0.05 was set as significant.Results: Teachers’ MHL on depression was less than desirable; however, they identified 288 (62.6%) adolescents with mental health problems during their career, and 172(59.72%) were referred to mental health professionals. On logistic regression analysis, teachers’ educational status, their marital status, teaching a class with an average strength of 31-60 students per class, previous mental health training and having self-efficacy concerning seeking information...

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge and attitude regarding STIs including HIV and RTIs among college adolescent girls in urban Udupi Taluk

Background:Adolescents compared to individuals in any other age group are most susceptible to sex... more Background:Adolescents compared to individuals in any other age group are most susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STls) including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and reproductive tract infections (RTls). Adolescents are vulnerable to STls including HIV that account for 31 percent of the AIDS burden in India. Objective:To assess knowledge and attitude among adolescent girls regarding STls including HIV/AIDS and RTls. Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 17-19 year old college going adolescents studying in degree colleges in the urban area of Udupi taluk. A total of 410 adolescent girls were selected using cluster sampling with proportionate allocation method. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and anonymity was maintained. SPPS version 15 was used to analyze the data. Findings were depicted as percentages and proportions. Results:Around 14% of the adolescent girls had comprehensive knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Poo...

Research paper thumbnail of Reproductive Health Matters among Indian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Journal of midwifery and reproductive health, 2017

Background & aim: Qualitative perspectives of the reproductive health (RH) facilities and Adolesc... more Background & aim: Qualitative perspectives of the reproductive health (RH) facilities and Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) are still unexplored issues among the Indian adolescents. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to explore the perceptions and awareness about the RH and its facilities among the adolescents in two districts in India. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 197 individuals (i.e., 102 boys and 95 girls within the age of 15-19 years), selected from two Indian districts through stratified purposeful sampling method. For the purpose of the study, 16 focus group discussions (FGD) were held using pre-tested FGD guide. All tape-recorded data were fully transcribed and thematic analysis was performed using inductive coding. Results: As the results indicated, a set of four themes, 12 subthemes, 52 open codes, and 12 categories was developed. The boys had lower parent-child proximity for discussing puberty changes, compared to the girls. They...

Research paper thumbnail of Work-Life Balance and Gender Differences: A Study of College and University Teachers From Karnataka

SAGE Open, 2021

Teaching responsibilities in today’s higher education sector are increasingly demanding. Apart fr... more Teaching responsibilities in today’s higher education sector are increasingly demanding. Apart from the focus on the quality of teaching-learning activities, teachers of today are evaluated for their active involvement in professional and societal growth. Women in academia shoulder equal responsibilities as of men, but in India, women play multiple roles in the non-work setting unlike men. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to find out the gender difference in Work-Life Balance (WLB) among teachers of higher education. Institutional Ethical Committee’s approval was obtained. Data was collected using the WLB questionnaire, from 127 male and 136 female faculties employed on a tenure basis in the Public Universities in Karnataka. The multiple regression analysis indicated an association of better WLB with the upper age group, male gender, and faculties of science discipline. Strategies at the organizational level and initiatives at the personal level are essential ...

Research paper thumbnail of ‘No, you should not beat our child because he will become aggressive:’ Applying a multi-method approach to explore intergenerational transmission of parenting practices

PLOS ONE, 2021

Background Exploring the cultural context of intergenerational continuity of warm and harsh paren... more Background Exploring the cultural context of intergenerational continuity of warm and harsh parenting informs parents motivations to adopt specific parenting behaviours. Objective Parents’ perceptions of being parented in the past and their current parenting as well as adolescents’ perceptions of current parenting were explored applying a multi-method approach. Methods Following written informed consent, a total of 24 interviews with 10 families (dyads of 14 parents and ten adolescents) from Udupi taluk in southern India was conducted. In the first stage, in-depth interviews were conducted with parent participants (Generation 1 (G1)) and in the second stage, adolescents (Generation 2 (G2)) participated in the photovoice component. Multiple forms of data including photographs, journals and interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model were collected and were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti(v.8). Results Subtle changes in reinforcing culture-specific gender norms between generati...

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of audio-visual and print media intervention on knowledge of cervical health among rural women in Southern India

Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2020

Background: Cervical cancer health education programmes are not accessible to rural women in deve... more Background: Cervical cancer health education programmes are not accessible to rural women in developing countries. Objective: Our study aimed at assessing the health literacy about cervical cancer amongst the rural women in Udupi district, southern India, before and following intervention using audio-visual aid/face-to-face interactive sessions versus pamphlets alone. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. A total of 166 women participated in the study. Participant groups were allocated into two interventional (Experimental/Control) groups. Participants in the experimental group received education through the video followed by face-to-face interaction with a health educator while those in the control group received a pamphlet. A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge about numerous risk factors, Pap smear test and treatment of cervical cancer (pre- and post-intervention test). The findings are presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired responses were compared for individual questions using McNemar test and P < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant. Results: Former to the intervention, 13.5% and 19.1% in the experimental and control groups, respectively, felt that personal hygiene was important to prevent cervical cancer. Both the groups had very limited knowledge regarding risk factors (93.6%; 94%), symptoms (96.3%; 97.6%) and knowledge that Pap smears can reduce the risk of cervical cancer (91.7%; 93.9%). The change in knowledge pre-and post-intervention in both groups increased significantly. Conclusion: Intervention with face-to-face interactive sessions showed a positive impact on knowledge regarding cervical cancer. These findings indicate both methods can be effective in providing health education in the community.

Research paper thumbnail of Parenting Dimensions and Adolescent Perceptions at the Root of Adolescent Behaviors

Asian Journal of Epidemiology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Parenting attitudes and dimensions as predictors of adolescent behavioural problems in the Indian context: A community-based study

Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020

This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘This is the place where I can be alone, no tension:’ Photovoice evidence for adolescent perceptions of their microsystem and psychological adjustment

Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 2020

Adolescents experience myriad emotions which occur in relation to their immediate social space wh... more Adolescents experience myriad emotions which occur in relation to their immediate social space which may shape their perceptions of members within the microsystem. The photovoice method uniquely provides participants with the means to capture their life through the lens of a camera while also enabling them to express emotions and meanings they attach to their particular life situations. We explore the various emotions adolescents attach to the spaces they occupy and how they link them to socialization in the context of the microsystem. This study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Udupi taluk, southern India. A total of 21 participants, ranging from early to late adolescence participated and provided multiple forms of data with 112 photographs, 21 journals on their daily interactions and one-on-one interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model. The analytical method involved compiling visual data from photographs, journal content and interview data pertaining to each participant as a single data file, developing codes using ATLAS.ti, version 8, and further developing sub-themes and themes as they emerged into narratives. Our study was able to elicit emotions and meanings that adolescents attached to social interactions with gendered nuances specific to the Indian cultural setting. Future applications of the photovoice methodology on research among adolescents have also been discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Parental Involvement – Perceptions of Parents and their Adolescent Children

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2020

Objective To explore the experiences of parents and their adolescent children, specifically the d... more Objective To explore the experiences of parents and their adolescent children, specifically the dimension of parental involvement in the lives of their adolescent children and how adolescents perceived it. Methods Following informed consent, a total of nine families with 22 participants took part in the study including nine adolescents, aged between 14 and 16 y, and 13 parents. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted at their homes following informed consent. Following transcription, the data was coded and themes were identified using Atlas.ti software. A grounded theory approach was undertaken in analysing the data. Results Two main themes were identified including perceptions of parental involvement in the lives of their adolescent children and family strategies to improve bonding. Adolescents' concerns centered on reduced interaction time with their family members. Concerns were also raised over the adolescents' increasing academic burden and parents particularly emphasized the increasing use of media and mobile technology by adolescents as deterrents to interaction. Though mothers functioned as primary caregivers, fathers also took on more active roles in the rearing of their children, stepping away from the traditionally viewed role of being a distant patriarchal provider. To improve interaction, parents devised creative strategies to increase time spent interacting with family members such as having dinner, performing household chores, playing games, or visiting places together. Conclusions The increasing academic burden and access to digital media were perceived as factors leading to reduced interaction between the parent-adolescent dyad. Creative parenting strategies to increase interaction were sought as a solution.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives on Mental Health Disorders-A Preliminary Study

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Micro- and Mesosystems in Shaping an Adolescent

Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 2018

Adolescence is a vulnerable period in an individual’s life during which several physiological and... more Adolescence is a vulnerable period in an individual’s life during which several physiological and psychological changes occur. Increasingly, across the globe, there is increasing incidence of mental health and behavioural problems documented, especially among the youth. The WHO states that mental health conditions and delinquent behaviours contribute significantly to the global disease burden. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is also marked by increasing manifestation of emotional and behavioural disorders with first episodes making their appearance in early adolescence. This review attempts to delve into the influence of microsystem and mesosystems as described by Bronfenbrenner on adolescent behaviours.

Research paper thumbnail of Mental Health Literacy Among Late Adolescents in South India: What They Know and What Attitudes Drive Them

Indian journal of psychological medicine

Early recognition of mental health problems gives an individual the opportunity for better long-t... more Early recognition of mental health problems gives an individual the opportunity for better long-term outcomes if intervention is initiated early. Mental health literacy is a related concept which is increasingly seen as an important measure of the awareness and knowledge of mental health disorders. This study aimed at assessing the mental health literacy, help-seeking behavior and beliefs and attitudes related to mental illnesses among adolescents attending preuniversity colleges. A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected preuniversity college students (n = 916). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Data were computed using STATA. Analysis and interpretation were carried out using descriptives and Chi-square test. Of the 916 respondents, 54.15% were male while 45.85% were female. The majority (78.60%) of the respondents ascribed to the Hindu religion, hailed largely from rural areas (57.21%) and were mostly studying in the 11(th) standard...

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2016

In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adole... more In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH.: A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16–19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews.: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. “Pornography”, “wrong myths about RH”, “substance use”, and “sexual attractions” were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services.: RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these s...

Research paper thumbnail of Modifiable life style associated risk factors for non communicable diseases among students of pre-university college of Udupi taluk

ABSTRACT Background Non-communicable diseases are diseases of longer period and are increasing. T... more ABSTRACT Background Non-communicable diseases are diseases of longer period and are increasing. This study was intended to find out the proportion of adolescents having modifiable life style associated risk factors. Materials and methods A cross sectional study was carried out in 15 pre-university colleges (PUC) of Udupi taluk, which were randomly selected, a class from each PUC was randomly chosen. WHO stepwise approach was used to collect data. A total of 838 adolescents in the age group 15 to 19 years were included. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 15. Chi square test was used to find the association. Results Current smoking was found in 1.67% of the participants. Nearly 16.94% participants were exposed to second hand smoke. About 2.15% of the participants were current alcohol drinkers. Junk food consumption was found in 64.08% of the participants. About 89.86% of the participants were physically inactive. Nearly 31.98% of the participants reported adding extra salt ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adolescents and Body Image: A Cross Sectional Study

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2015

Objectives To assess proportion of adolescents perceiving their body image as normal and to study... more Objectives To assess proportion of adolescents perceiving their body image as normal and to study association between body shape, self-esteem and body mass index; each with body image perception. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among pre university college (PUC) students of Udupi taluk. A total of 550 students in the age group of 15-19y were randomly selected from 11 PUC's: four were taken from government and unaided strata respectively and three from aided. The PUC's were selected based on proportional allocation from a total of 48 PUC's. From each PUC a class was randomly chosen as a cluster; all students in the class were included. Body shape questionnaire and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used to assess body shape concerns and self-esteem respectively. Height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. SPSS version 15 has been used for analysis. Results were tabulated using frequency distribution and proportions. Multinomial logistic regression was done. Results About 38 % of the respondents perceived their body image as normal. Body shape [OR=0.48,95 % CI: 0.305, 0.76], self-esteem [OR=6.12,95 % CI: 2.76, 13.9] and body mass index [OR=4.65,95 % CI: 2.13,10.12] were found to be independently associated with body image perception. Conclusions Educational institutes are a major component of adolescent's lives; the identified factors for body image perception should be taken into consideration and appropriate educational efforts to be incorporated into the routine curriculum.

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of life among persons with physical disability in udupi taluk: A cross sectional study

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2015

Background: Disability is not just a health problem or attribute of individuals, but it reflects ... more Background: Disability is not just a health problem or attribute of individuals, but it reflects the problems individuals experience in their interaction with society and physical movements. Disabled persons remain neglected part of society and they also experience various barriers due to restriction of participation. Objectives: The aim was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of physically disabled persons, the impact of physical disability on activities of daily living (ADL) and to study the awareness about laws and facilities available for disabled persons. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted among 130 physical disabled persons who were selected using convenience sampling technique. The WHO BREF scale was used to assess QOL, while assessment of ADL was done using Barthel Index. Socio-demographic assessment was done using Udai Pareek scale. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyze data. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. As per guidelines physical, psychological, social, and environmental domain scores for WHO BREF scale were calculated. Results: Among the study participants, 36.2% had a disability from birth that is, congenital. The second common cause of disability was found to be postpolio residual paralysis as it was found among 26.2% respondents. Other causes found were stroke/paralysis and accidents, in 19.2% and 18.5% respondents, respectively. Activities such as transfer, mobility, and stair climbing showed greater impact of physical disability. It was found that 11.5% respondents required help in one of the ADL. QOL score was found to be low under the psychological domain reflecting on negative feelings, bodily image, appearance, spirituality, and self-esteem of respondents. Conclusion: Physical disability had affected social participation as well as marriage of the respondents. However, it was found that very few of them are aware about facilities provided under persons with disability act.

Research paper thumbnail of The link between HIV/AIDS and violence among young adults: A study in Udupi, Karnataka

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 2014

Background: Violence is a major public health problem which affects the community and threatens t... more Background: Violence is a major public health problem which affects the community and threatens the life of people. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and different forms of violence among HIV positive young adults taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Udupi district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HIV positive young adults (18-35 years) who were aware of their status. The participants were selected from ART Centre of Udupi district adopting convenience sampling. Data were collected from 200 young HIV positive young adults using a predesigned, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 14.5% and was found to be more among females (17.6%) as compared to males (6.9%). This difference was statistically signifi cant among gender with a P-value <0.05. Among the various forms of violence the prevalence of physical violence was found to be 14.5% with signifi cant difference among gender. Among females who experienced physical violence, husband was perpetrator in 76% cases and among males, parents/relatives as the perpetrator in 75% cases. Around 8.5% of females had experienced sexual violence and husband was perpetrator in 50% of the cases followed by relatives and friend/acquaintance. Conclusion: Physical and sexual violence was found to be more in female HIV positive patients as compared to males. The presence of violence among HIV positive young adults especially among the females demands for the concerted efforts at combating underlying factors leading to violence among this vulnerable group of HIV positive young adults.