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
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