Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Program for Parents of Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Short Communication

Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Program for Parents of Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Ravi Dumagond ^1*
Dilhadbegaum Bidarkundi ²
Suresh Loni ³
Ananda ⁴

1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

2Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

3Lecturer, Department of Child Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

4Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, SDS TRC and RGICD College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author: Ravi Dumagond, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Shree Siddeshwar Samsthe College of Nursing, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India.

Citation: Dumagond R, Bidarkundi D, Loni S, Ananda. (2026). Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Program for Parents of Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study, International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Research, BioRes Scientia Publishers. 6(4):1-4. DOI: 10.59657/2997-6103.brs.26.136

Copyright: © 2026 Ravi Dumagond, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: March 02, 2026 | Accepted: March 13, 2026 | Published: March 18, 2026

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage characterized by significant emotional, psychological, and social changes. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders are increasingly reported among adolescents. Parents play a crucial role in early identification and support; however, many parents lack adequate mental health literacy. Community-based mental health education programs may help improve parental knowledge and attitudes regarding adolescent mental health.

Objectives: 1. To assess the baseline level of mental health literacy among parents of adolescents. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based mental health literacy program on parents’ knowledge regarding adolescent mental health. 3. To examine the association between mental health literacy scores and selected demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was adopted among 100 parents of adolescents residing in selected community areas. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Baseline mental health literacy was assessed using a structured questionnaire. A structured community-based mental health literacy program was conducted, including interactive lectures, group discussions, and informational materials. Post-test assessment was conducted two weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score of parents was 12.4 ± 3.1, indicating inadequate mental health literacy. Following the intervention, the mean post-test score increased to 21.6 ± 2.8. The improvement in knowledge was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant associations were observed between knowledge scores and parents’ educational status and previous exposure to mental health information.

Conclusion: The community-based mental health literacy program significantly improved parents’ understanding of adolescent mental health. Community health nurses can play a vital role in implementing such educational programs to promote early identification and support for adolescents experiencing mental health problems.

Keywords: mental health literacy; adolescents; parents; community health nursing; health education

Introduction

Adolescence represents a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological development. During this period, individuals often experience stress related to academic demands, social relationships, family expectations, and identity formation. These stressors can increase the vulnerability of adolescents to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders.

According to global health estimates, approximately one in seven adolescents experiences a mental health disorder. Many of these conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services. Parents are usually the first caregivers who can observe early warning signs of mental health issues in adolescents. However, inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about mental illness may delay timely intervention.

Mental health literacy refers to the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid in their recognition, management, and prevention. Improving mental health literacy among parents can enhance their ability to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and provide emotional support to adolescents.

Community-based health education programs are effective strategies to improve awareness and promote healthy behaviors. Community health nurses play an important role in designing and implementing educational interventions that empower families and communities. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based mental health literacy program for parents of adolescents.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Setting

The study was conducted in selected community areas.

Population

The target population consisted of parents who have adolescents aged 10–19 years residing in the selected communities.

Sample Size

A total of 100 parents were selected for the study.

Sampling Technique

Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique based on inclusion criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

Parents who:

Have adolescents aged 10-19 years
Are willing to participate in the study
Are available during the data collection period

Exclusion Criteria

Parents who

Are health professionals in mental health fields
Have previously participated in similar mental health training programs

Description of The Intervention

The Community-Based Mental Health Literacy Program included

Introduction to adolescent mental health
Common mental health problems among adolescents
Early warning signs and symptoms
Importance of communication and emotional support
Strategies for stress management and coping
When and where to seek professional help

Teaching methods included

Interactive lecture
Group discussion
Question-and-answer session
Distribution of educational pamphlets

The program duration was 60 minutes.

Data Collection Tools

Section A: Demographic Variables

This section included information regarding:

Age of parents
Gender
Educational status
Occupation
Family type
Number of children
Previous exposure to mental health information

Section B: Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire

A structured questionnaire consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions assessing:

Knowledge of adolescent mental health
Identification of symptoms
Awareness of treatment and support services

Each correct answer scored 1 mark and incorrect answer scored 0. Total score ranged from 0 to 25.

Data Collection Procedure

After obtaining permission from community authorities, participants were informed about the study and written consent was obtained. The pre-test was conducted using the structured questionnaire. Following the pre-test, the community-based mental health literacy program was implemented.

A post-test was conducted two weeks after the intervention using the same questionnaire to assess improvement in knowledge.

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics:

Frequency and percentage for demographic variables
Mean and standard deviation for knowledge scores
Paired t-test to assess effectiveness of the intervention
Chi-square test to examine association between knowledge scores and demographic variables

A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Demographic Characteristics

Among the 100 parents

42% were aged between 35-45 years
60% were mothers
48% had completed secondary education
55percentage belonged to nuclear families
62% reported no prior exposure to mental health information

Level of Mental Health Literacy

Before the intervention

58% had poor knowledge
32% had moderate knowledge
10% had good knowledge

After the intervention

12% had moderate knowledge
88% had good knowledge

Effectiveness of The Program

Test	Mean Score	Standard Deviation
Pre-test	12.4	3.1
Post-test	21.6	2.8

The calculated paired t-test value was statistically significant (p less than 0.001), indicating that the mental health literacy program was effective.

Association with Demographic Variables

Significant associations were observed between mental health literacy scores and:

Educational status of parents
Previous exposure to mental health information

No significant association was found with age or gender.

Discussion

The findings of the present study indicate that parents initially had inadequate knowledge regarding adolescent mental health. This may be attributed to lack of awareness, stigma related to mental illness, and limited access to reliable information sources.

After the implementation of the community-based mental health literacy program, there was a significant improvement in parents’ knowledge. The results highlight the effectiveness of structured educational interventions in enhancing parental awareness.

These findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that community-based educational programs improve mental health literacy and promote early help-seeking behaviors. When parents are well informed about mental health issues, they are more likely to recognize symptoms early and provide appropriate support to their children.

Community health nurses can play a vital role in conducting educational sessions, awareness campaigns, and family counseling programs within communities.

Implications for Community Health Nursing

The study has important implications for nursing practice, education, and research.

Community health nurses can conduct mental health awareness programs for parents and families to improve early recognition of psychological problems among adolescents. Educational interventions can be integrated into school health programs and community outreach activities.

Nursing education should emphasize training students to provide mental health education in community settings. Future research can explore long-term impacts of parental mental health literacy on adolescent mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that the community-based mental health literacy program was effective in improving parents’ knowledge regarding adolescent mental health. Increasing awareness among parents can contribute to early identification and timely intervention for mental health problems in adolescents. Community health nurses should actively implement educational initiatives to strengthen family support systems and promote mental well-being among adolescents.

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Adolescent Mental Health. WHO.
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