COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AND MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN AMROHA, UTTAR PRADESH

Mental health remains a major public health concern in rural communities, where psychological well-being may be affected by low awareness, social stigma, limited access to mental health treatments, and insufficient community-level support, mental health remains a major public health concern. Developing supportive environments for mental health awareness and encouraging positive attitudes about seeking treatment can be significantly supported by social connectivity and community engagement. However, there is still an absence of research on community-based mental health programs in rural areas. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between mental well-being, social connectedness, and community engagement in rural communities in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the study will look at how community-based mental health awareness initiatives can improve mental health awareness and engagement.
A community-based study was undertaken in selected rural areas of Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, through Mansarthi, a mental health awareness initiative taken by the author, involving community level awareness activities and interaction with rural residents. The initiative's primary objectives included raising awareness of mental health issues, removing stigma and misconceptions, promoting open conversation, and educating participants on the value of getting the right mental health care. A standardized questionnaire measuring community involvement, social connectivity, mental health awareness, and mental well-being was used to gather data from participating community members including age groups from 6 years to 60 years of a sample size of 85, which was then analysed.
The study investigates whether higher levels of social connectedness and community involvement are linked to improved mental health among people living in rural areas. It also evaluates changes in mental-health awareness and attitudes following participation in the Mansarthi awareness programs.
The study underlines the importance of rural mental health. The findings may also provide insights for establishing community-oriented mental-health awareness programs that are accessible, socially responsive, and relevant to rural situations.
The study highlights the importance of community-based approaches addressing mental health awareness and promoting psychological well-being in rural communities. By analysing the relationship between community engagement, social connectedness and mental well-being. The study may contribute to understanding of how locally based initiatives can support mental health in rural areas. The results may also provide suggestions for developing community oriented mental health awareness programmes that are accessible, socially responsive and appropriate to rural contexts.