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Pilot survey on mental health of farming families in Aurangabad, India.

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Pilot survey of the mental health status of farming families in eight villages of aurangabad district, maharashtra, india
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Madhuri Gavit, Devaki Vasudeo and Pratibha Phatak


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Pilot survey of the mental health status of farming families in eight villages of aurangabad district, maharashtra, india

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20168-6807

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Mental health issues represent a significant global burden of disease, with disorders accounting for around 12% of this burden. In India, there has been a troubling rise in farmer suicides, attributed to factors such as crop failure, debt, alcoholism, family disputes, and physical health issues. This pilot study, conducted in the drought-prone Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, assesses the mental health status of farming families in eight villages. Through a cross-sectional descriptive approach involving 689 families, the study aimed to understand the drivers of mental illness in the region and the complexities surrounding farmer suicides.

Impact of Alcoholism and Family Conflicts

One of the critical findings of the study was that alcoholism plays a significant role in the mental health of farming families, with 24.89% reporting addiction issues. Coupled with this, 22.7% of participants indicated ongoing family disputes. These factors contribute not just to individual distress but also to collective emotional turmoil within families, suggesting that the pressures of farming life extend beyond economic struggles. The study highlights that these psychological stressors exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by these families, indicating a pressing need for intervention.

Consequences of Financial Burdens

Another disturbing finding was related to the financial pressures faced by these families, with 23.41% of participants indicating losses related to debts, land, or loved ones. The study suggests that these financial strains are interlinked with mental health issues, creating a cycle of stress that can lead to deteriorating mental well-being. Many participants exhibited symptoms of depression, loss of interest in work, and even passive suicidal ideation. This underscores the vital connection between financial literacy and mental health, indicating a gap that needs to be addressed through initiatives aimed at educating farmers on managing their finances effectively.

Genetic and Familial Factors

The study also revealed that 37.5% of participants had been involved in consanguineous marriages, which may contribute to genetic predispositions to mental disorders. This aspect points to the need for a deeper understanding of how familial and genetic factors can impact mental health in rural communities. The presence of mental health issues within families might also perpetuate a cycle of distress, necessitating targeted interventions that consider these familial dynamics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pilot study illustrates that drought is not the primary factor driving mental illnesses and suicides among farming families in Aurangabad. Instead, issues such as alcoholism, financial distress, family conflicts, and genetic predispositions are significant contributors. The authors recommend government intervention to improve mental health among these families through counseling, de-addiction programs, and financial literacy initiatives. Addressing these multifaceted issues holistically is imperative to not only mitigate mental health problems but also enhance the overall quality of life for farming communities.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the pilot survey conducted in Maharashtra?

The pilot survey focused on assessing the mental health status of farming families in eight villages of Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, particularly in light of rising farmer suicides.

What were the main findings regarding the causes of mental illnesses?

The study revealed that drought was not the main cause of mental illnesses. Instead, issues like alcoholism, family disputes, debt, and loss of land were significant contributors.

What percentage of participants reported mental health issues in the study?

The findings indicated that 12.25% of participants had psychiatric illnesses, while 4.65% reported attempted suicides, highlighting the severity of mental health concerns in the farming community.

What role did alcohol and tobacco play in the farmers' mental health?

The study found that 24.89% of families faced issues related to alcohol and tobacco addiction. These addictions often emerged as coping strategies for stress from everyday life.

What recommendations were made to improve farmers' mental health?

The authors recommend creating policies focused on mental health, providing counseling sessions, opening de-addiction centers, and offering financial literacy programs to help farmers manage their finances effectively.

How significant was the issue of consanguineous marriage in the findings?

The survey revealed that 37.50% of participants engaged in consanguineous marriage, suggesting potential genetic factors influencing mental health problems in families, warranting further investigation.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pilot survey on mental health of farming families in Aurangabad, India.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Farmer:
The word 'Farmer' is central to the study as it focuses on the mental health status of farming families in rural India. Farmers face unique stressors, such as crop failure and economic debt, which contribute to mental health challenges, thereby highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions in this demographic.

2) Mental health:
'Mental health' refers to the psychological well-being of individuals. In the context of this research, it underscores the increasing prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders among farming families, driven by numerous stressors, thereby necessitating attention from health policymakers and support systems to enhance mental wellness in agriculture-focused communities.

3) India:
'India' serves as the geographical and cultural backdrop for the study, where farming is a predominant livelihood kept under stress by various socio-economic pressures. The country’s unique agricultural ecosystem and the alarming rate of farmer suicides present critical areas where mental health support and interventions are urgently required.

4) Family:
The term 'Family' is crucial as the pilot study targets farming families, recognizing that mental health issues often extend beyond the individual. The interplay of family dynamics, such as alcoholism, conflicts, and consanguinity, significantly influences overall mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of family-centered mental health strategies.

5) Disease:
'Disease' in this context refers to mental disorders that contribute substantially to the global burden of disease. The study illustrates how specific disorders related to stress and coping mechanisms within farming families are exacerbated by socio-economic conditions, contributing to the larger pattern of health challenges faced by this demographic.

6) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
'Maharastra' appears to be a typographical error for Maharashtra but still conveys relevance to the location of the study. It indicates the need for region-specific analysis of mental health impacting farmers and leads to insights into local conditions affecting agriculture and overall community health.

7) Village:
The word 'Village' symbolizes the rural setting of the study, wherein farming families reside. Villages often lack access to mental health resources, making residents more vulnerable to socio-economic pressures, mental disorders, and substance abuse, highlighting the need for community-based mental health support and education programs.

8) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the pilot survey conducted to assess the mental health status of farming families. It is significant as it provides empirical data regarding mental health issues and socio-economic factors within the targeted demographic, laying the foundation for further research and actionable policy recommendations.

9) Relative:
'Relative' pertains to family relationships, particularly in the context of consanguineous marriages prevalent among participants. These close kinship ties can compound genetic predispositions to mental health disorders, suggesting a need for interventions focusing not only on individual but also familial mental well-being.

10) Depression:
'Depression' is highlighted as a significant mental health issue affecting farming families. The study notes the high prevalence of depressive symptoms within this demographic, emphasizing the necessity for targeted mental health care strategies that address the unique stressors faced by these individuals in rural settings.

11) Alcoholism:
'Alcoholism' reflects a prevalent issue among the farming families studied. Many resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress caused by financial and social pressures, and this behavior contributes to familial conflict and further mental health deterioration, indicating a need for de-addiction programs.

12) Money:
'Money' represents the financial struggles faced by farming families, relating to debt, loss, and economic instability. The study suggests that financial literacy and management training could empower families to cope better with economic pressures, thereby potentially reducing associated mental health problems.

13) Life:
'Life' encompasses the daily experiences and challenges of farming families. The pressures and responsibilities of rural life contribute significantly to the mental health issues observed in the study, highlighting the importance of understanding everyday stressors to inform mental health interventions more effectively.

14) Mental disorder:
'Mental disorder' refers to various psychological conditions affecting farmers' well-being. Understanding the specific types of mental disorders prevalent in this demographic underscores the urgent need for targeted assessment and treatment, enhancing the focus on mental health resource allocation in rural agricultural communities.

15) Agriculture:
'Agriculture' represents the primary occupation of the study participants, impacting their mental health status. The sector's vulnerability to economic fluctuations and climate conditions cannot be overstated, as stresses unique to agriculture significantly influence the mental health landscape within these communities.

16) Discussion:
'Discussion' pertains to the dialogue surrounding mental health issues raised in the study. It emphasizes the need for community awareness, support for farmers, and constructive conversation among stakeholders to promote mental health resources and strategies addressing farmers' specific challenges and lifestyle factors.

17) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' reflects the necessity for education and awareness among farming families regarding mental health and coping strategies. Financial literacy and mental health education can empower families to manage their challenges better, improving resilience against stress and enhancing overall mental well-being.

18) Marriage:
'Marriage' is notably connected to the dynamics within families, especially the implications of consanguineous marriages highlighted in the study. These unions may increase genetic risks for mental disorders, encouraging community discussions about the importance of informed matrimonial choices for health outcomes.

19) Account:
'Account' represents the documentation and narratives surrounding mental health in the community. Gathering accounts of mental illness experiences provides valuable insights into prevalence and influencing factors, shaping effective mental health strategies tailored specifically for the farming population's unique context.

20) Devaki:
'Devaki' is one of the authors of the study and contributes to the research team's collective expertise in addressing mental health issues specific to farming families. The involvement of diverse experts enhances the credibility and comprehensiveness of the study’s findings and recommendations.

21) Reason:
'Reason' signifies the underlying factors contributing to mental health issues among farming families, such as debt, family disputes, and substance abuse. Identifying these reasons is crucial to developing interventions to address the root causes of mental health challenges prevalent in these communities.

22) Water:
'Water' symbolizes a critical resource that directly affects agriculture in the Aurangabad district. Issues like declining groundwater levels can severely impact farming productivity and subsequently contribute to mental health stressors, showcasing the interconnection between environmental factors and farmers' psychological well-being.

23) Fight:
'Fight' refers to the conflict and disagreements often reported among family members, which can exacerbate stress and contribute to mental health problems. Addressing familial disputes through counseling and communication can improve mental health outcomes in the farming community.

24) Blood:
'Blood' links to the concept of blood relations and consanguinity in marriages among farming families. This relationship may increase genetic predispositions to mental health disorders, necessitating awareness and education about the potential implications of such family structures on mental wellness.

25) Crop:
'Crop' represents the agricultural produce that forms the basis of farmers' livelihoods. Crop failure can lead to economic hardship, contributing to the mental health issues faced by farmers. Hence, ensuring optimal agricultural practices and support systems is vital to improving overall mental health in these communities.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pilot survey on mental health of farming families in Aurangabad, India.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Global Burden of disease, Cross sectional descriptive study, Mental health status, Coping strategies, Psychiatric history, Suicidal ideation.

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