Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Factors affecting relationship issues among clients attending youth mental health promotion services in India

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Pradeep Banandur
. Kalpana Gopalan 1
. Shikha G. Pai 2
. Mutharaju Arelingaiah
. R. Sathya Velu
. Lavanya Garady 3
. Jyoti M. Koujageri 4
. Vani Naik
. Sateesh L. Sajjanar 1
. M. S. Ramesh 1
. K. Srinivas 1
. Gururaj Gopalkrishna

1 Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

2 Department of Psychology, APS University, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India

3 Department of International Centre for Public Health Innovations, RAMAIAH, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

4 Management and Commerce, CMR Institute of Management Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract
BACKGROUND: India today is home for the largest youth population in the world. Youth is a 
formative phase transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Relationship is fundamental for a healthy 
and satisfactory life. Relationships assume importance and maturity during adolescence and youth. 
Relationships and mental health have a bidirectional effect. The effect of relationships on mental 
health is stronger than vice versa.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two‑year case record analysis of 8595 beneficiaries aged 15–35 years 
attending youth guidance centers (Yuva Spandana Kendras) in Karnataka, India, was undertaken 
to understand factors affecting relationship issues among them. Multivariate logistic regression was 
performed with any beneficiary having a relationship issue as outcome.
RESULTS: Being a student (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 
1.18–1.89), occupation (AORbusiness/
salaried = 3.04; 95% CI = 2.10–4.40 and AORothers = 1.72; 95% 
CI = 1.22–2.44), marital status (AORmarried = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.06–1.90 and AORothers = 3.44; 95% 
CI = 1.45–8.15), having health and lifestyle issues (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI = 3.05–4.27), personality 
issues (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI = 2.43–3.41), safety issues (AOR = 6.28; 95% CI = 5.01–7.87), 
gender, sex, and sexuality issues (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.93–4.98), suicidality (AOR = 1.82; 
95% CI = 1.17–2.85), alcohol use (AOR = 5.43; 95% CI = 3.92–7.41), and different emotions 
experienced (AOR ranging from 0.37 to 3.50), had significant association with relationship issues.
CONCLUSION: Investing in health promotion interventions focusing on these precursors of 
relationship issues among youth seems strategic. Our findings have implications for other states in 
India and other low‑middle‑income countries like India.

Keywords

Mental health
relationship
youth
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 4
April 2022
Pages 1-7

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