Singh, D.; Nasir, S.; Sharma, J.; Giménez-Llort, L.; Shahnawaz, M.G. Psychological Distress in Low-Income and Economically Marginalized Populations in India: Protective and Risk Factors. Behav. Sci.2024, 14, 92.
Singh, D.; Nasir, S.; Sharma, J.; Giménez-Llort, L.; Shahnawaz, M.G. Psychological Distress in Low-Income and Economically Marginalized Populations in India: Protective and Risk Factors. Behav. Sci. 2024, 14, 92.
Singh, D.; Nasir, S.; Sharma, J.; Giménez-Llort, L.; Shahnawaz, M.G. Psychological Distress in Low-Income and Economically Marginalized Populations in India: Protective and Risk Factors. Behav. Sci.2024, 14, 92.
Singh, D.; Nasir, S.; Sharma, J.; Giménez-Llort, L.; Shahnawaz, M.G. Psychological Distress in Low-Income and Economically Marginalized Populations in India: Protective and Risk Factors. Behav. Sci. 2024, 14, 92.
Abstract
Studies at the juncture of development economics and public health host considerable responsibility in addressing inequality and related mental health distress. Mental health care in economically marginalized populations requires depicting the linkages between socioeconomic status and psychological distress. In the present work, a sequential mixed-methods design was used to study 190 people in such communities in India. Gender-dependent psychological distress was found according to Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) with moderate distress in women (M= 26.30, SD= 9.15) and mild distress in men (M= 21.04, SD= 8.35). Regression analysis indicated that gender significantly predicted psychological distress, followed by age, marital status, and education of the head of the family. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews to six women who scored the highest on the distress scale unveiled three master themes: (1) Manifestation of Psychological Distress, (2) Contextual Challenges, and (3) Sources of Strength and Resilience. Overall, participants reported lack of resources, community violence, gender discrimination, and widespread substance use as major contributors to the ongoing distress. These findings can pave the way for future studies to expand beyond independent economic indicators and curate clinical interventions for culturally competent mental health care.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
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