Development and Application of a Mind Map to Improve the Adolescent Behaviour on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in...

Introduction Adolescents in India face significant health challenges, particularly mental health issues and substance abuse. With a large proportion of the population under 18 years, addressing these concerns is crucial. Substance abuse and mental health issues often begin in adolescence due to peer pressure and socio-economic factors, leading to long-term health problems. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mind/concept maps in enhancing adolescent mental health and reducing substance abuse in a rural community in Khordha, Odisha, India. Methodology This community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted from January to July 2024 in the rural block of Tangi, Khordha. Adolescents aged 18-19 years attending the Community Health Centre's (CHC) outpatient department (OPD) were included in the study. A mind map tool was developed from qualitative interviews exploring themes related to mental health and substance abuse. A total of 22 adolescents were interviewed for tool development, and 38 adolescents completed pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (for mental health) and the World Health Organization's (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) tools. Data were analysed using paired t-tests, and qualitative themes were also explored. Results The pre-test mean PHQ-9 score among the participants was 7.06 (SD=3.38), which decreased to 5.78 (SD=2.71) post-intervention, showing a significant reduction (p < 0.001). Similarly, WHO ASSIST scores reduced from 2.89 (SD=4.62) to 1.83 (SD=3.55), with a significant correlation (p < 0.001). Qualitative data revealed that stress, peer influence, and family issues were major factors in substance use and mental health problems. Conclusion The application of mind/concept maps significantly improved mental health outcomes and reduced substance abuse among adolescents. This intervention offers a promising approach to address these issues in rural settings and could be expanded to other communities to enhance adolescent health and well-being.