Largest Global Study Reveals Success of India’s Rural Mental Health Program
New Delhi: A unique blend of digital healthcare and community-based campaign can significantly reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in rural India, revealed a new study.
The Study also revealed the success of India’s Mental Health Program 'SMART' (Systematic Medical Appraisal, Referral and Treatment) that was developed to address the shortage gap of health professionals by training village health workers in basic mental health care and using innovative methods of service delivery. 'The SMART program showed remarkable improvements in mental health awareness and reducing stigma in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.'
The study screened almost 1,70,000 adults across West Godavari, Faridabad and Palwal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana for depression. Of them, 9,900 were part of the trial over 12 months, and implemented two key strategies: a community campaign to reduce mental health stigma and a digital healthcare initiative for those at high risk of mental disorders.
The program revealed a significant reduction in depression risk among those involved in the intervention over one year with a significantly higher cure rate of 75 percent. In addition, the study marked increase in knowledge and attitudes related to mental health, accompanied by a notable decrease in the stigma associated with seeking help.
Interestingly, the findings support the WHO and Lancet Commission's call for new strategies to reduce the impact of mental disorders worldwide. These strategies can work in low-and middle-income countries and impoverished areas of high-income countries, with some adjustments for local conditions.
"Our research marks a significant milestone in mental health care," said Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India.
"This study, the largest of its kind globally, revealed a substantial reduction in depression risk over one year and highlighted the profound impact of our dual intervention approach.”
“This study shows that community health workers, supported by doctors and simple digital tools, can provide high quality, effective health care. The strategy is simple, safe, clinically effective and can reach large numbers of people missing out on mental health care worldwide” said Prof. David Peiris, Chief Scientist at The George Institute.
"Mercian Daniel, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute India said, “the success of such a large trial at the primary care level included providing initial handholding and regular supportive supervision to ASHAs and primary health care doctors along with actively engaging with the community”.
