Effectiveness of a Structured Training Module on Different Learning Domains among Yuva Parivarthakas under Yuva Spandana Program

Abstract

Background: Yuva Spandana (YS) is a youth mental health promotion program implemented across all 30 districts of Karnataka. Yuva Parivarthakas (YPs-youth change agents) are trained to provide mental health promotion services to any "youth with issues" through Yuva Spandana Kendras (guidance centers) situated within district stadiums across Karnataka. Aim of the study was to evaluate the change (comparing before and after training) in different learning domains (cognitive-knowledge, affective-attitude, and psychomotor-practice) among trainees (YPs) attending YS training. Methods: Quasiexperimental study design was utilized for this study. A semistructured interview schedule was developed and used before and after the training. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The difference in change of mean score was assessed using the paired t-test. The shift in the proportion of trainees post-training in the three domains was assessed using McNemar's test. Results: The mean (±SD) age of trainees was 27.5 ± 3.3 years. Majority of them were males (63.8%), had completed bachelor's degree (53.4%), and were residing in rural Karnataka (77.7%). The knowledge and attitude scores significantly improved (P < 0.001) post-training, without significant improvement in practical skills. Conclusion: It is recommended that future training programs need to be focused on creating opportunities to YPs in order to increase their practical skills to work with youth having issues.

Factors affecting Beneficiary Attendance in a Community Youth Mental Health Promotion Programme (Yuva Spandana) in Karnataka, India

“…During these sensitization programmes, YPs broadly address 6 issues covering the entire gamut of youth issues. 4 Hence, when YPs address multiple issues, youth are exposed to a spectrum of challenges and can connect to issues that they face and seek support for the same at YSKs thereby increasing beneficiary attendance.…”

“…The Sensitization programme is the first point of contact between probable beneficiaries to YSK and the programme service providers (YP/ YSs). 4 After the sensitization programme, participants fill a feedback form to evaluate the programme and seek support at YSKs. The YPs segregate collected feedback forms into 'support required' and 'support not required' forms.…”

Health and Lifestyle Issues among Youth: A Record Analysis of Contributing Factors among Beneficiaries Attending Youth Mental Health Promotion Clinics (Yuva Spandana Kendras) in Karnataka, India

“…Trained “Yuva Samalochakas” (meaning youth counselors) and “Yuva Parivarthakas” (meaning Youth Change Agents) provide guidance and counseling services and support youth facing any issues through Yuva Spandana Kendras (YSKs) situated in every district stadium. [ 7 ] These Yuva Spandana Kendra are mental health promotion clinics and clients visiting are those with any issues. These are not clinics managing patients with mental health problems.…”

Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among beneficiaries attending the youth mental health promotion clinics (Yuvaspandana Kendra) in India: A case-record analysis

“…This is a major strength of our study. Although data collected is for programmatic purposes, data collection utilizing a structured format and management through a standardized CMIS with specific quality assurance components 48 ensures the overall quality of the data utilized in this study. The many variables included in the contextual framework to assess possible associations for evidence, is another strength of this study.…”

“…Second, the data collected have sensitive information like substance use, reporting of emotions, suicidality etc., which are known to be associated with social desirability, especially among young adults. It is likely to be minimal as the data were collected by personnel trained 48 in building rapport, collecting such information, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring the privacy of beneficiaries. However, such bias cannot be ruled out.…”