Mental health difficulties, coping mechanisms and support systems among school-going adolescents in Ghana: A mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although adolescents are highly vulnerable to mental health challenges, they receive little attention, especially in developing countries. We investigated the mental health difficulties (MHDs) faced by adolescent students in four senior high schools in Ghana, their coping strategies and support systems.

Methods

In this convergent mixed-methods study, quantitative data was obtained using validated strengths and difficulties questionnaire to assess the mental health of 405 adolescents. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interview with 18 teachers and seven focused group discussions with 35 students. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for MHDs were estimated through ordinal logistic regression in Stata 14.2. Qualitative data was analyzed inductively and deductive

SUBMITTER: Addy ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8062044 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature