Search

INTRODUCTION: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the gap between need for mental health (MH) treatment and access to services is stark, particularly among children and adolescents. In service of addressing this treatment gap, the current study provides an in-depth illustration of later-stage collaborative design of a school-based, transdiagnostic MH intervention in New Delhi and Goa, India, using a combination of contextual insights from local stakeholders and knowledge derived from the global evidence base. METHODS: Using an inductive-deductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis, we examined coded data from qualitative sources related to experiences of developing and implementing an intervention prototype. These sources included notes from meetings attended by treatment development team members and providers, written feedback on protocol materials (e.g., provider manual, student handouts), field notes reflecting researcher observations, and minutes from weekly clinical supervision meetings. RESULTS: Results revealed that codes involving cultural/contextual considerations, protocol material and content, and intervention complexity arose consistently throughout treatment development and across document types, illustrating their central role in finalizing protocol design. DISCUSSION: These findings have implications for the future of mental health treatment development and implementation globally.

BACKGROUND: Psychological interventions such as behavioral activation (BA) that focus on overt behaviors rather than complex cognitive skills may be developmentally well-suited to address youth mental health problems. The current systematic review synthesized evidence on the characteristics, effectiveness and acceptability of behavioral activation (BA) to examine its role as a potential active ingredient for alleviating depression and anxiety among young people aged 14 to 24 years. METHODS: Evidence across the following sources were synthesized: (i) randomized control trials (RCT) evaluating interventions where BA has been used as a standalone intervention or as part of a multicomponent intervention, (ii) qualitative studies examining the acceptability of BA as an intervention or as a coping strategy among young people with lived experiences. Consultations with a youth advisory group (YAG) from India were used to draw inferences from existing evidence and identify future research priorities. RESULTS: As part of the review, 23 RCTs were identified; three studies examined BA as a standalone intervention, and the remaining studies examined multicomponent intervention where BA was a constituent element. The intervention protocols varied in composition, with the number of intervention elements ranging between 5 to 18. There was promising but limited evidence in standalone interventions for thse effectiveness of BA for depression. The impact of BA in multicomponent interventions was difficult to evaluate in the absence of focal assessment of activation outcomes. Evidence from 37 additional qualitative studies of youth lived experience literature, corroborated by the YAG inputs, indicated that young people preferred using behavioral strategies similar to BA to cope with depression in their own life. Themes indicated that the activities that are important to an individual and their socio-contextual factors need to be considered in the planning and implementing BA intervention. Evidence for the use of BA in anxiety was limited across data sources. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was preliminary empirical evidence for the effectiveness and acceptability of BA for youth depression. Further research is needed to examine the components and mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness as an active intervention ingredient for depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial interventions for adolescent mental health problems are effective, but evidence on their longer-term outcomes is scarce, especially in low-resource settings. We report on the 12-month sustained effectiveness and costs of scaling up a lay counselor-delivered, transdiagnostic problem-solving intervention for common adolescent mental health problems in low-income schools in New Delhi, India. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Participants in the original trial were 250 school-going adolescents (mean [M] age = 15.61 years, standard deviation [SD] = 1.68), including 174 (69.6%) who identified as male. Participants were recruited from 6 government schools over a period of 4 months (August 20 to December 14, 2018) and were selected on the basis of elevated mental health symptoms and distress/functional impairment. A 2-arm, randomized controlled trial design was used to examine the effectiveness of a lay counselor-delivered, problem-solving intervention (4 to 5 sessions over 3 weeks) with supporting printed booklets (intervention arm) in comparison with problem solving delivered via printed booklets alone (control arm), at the original endpoints of 6 and 12 weeks. The protocol was modified, as per the recommendation of the Trial Steering Committee, to include a post hoc extension of the follow-up period to 12 months. Primary outcomes were adolescent-reported psychosocial problems (Youth Top Problems [YTP]) and mental health symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] Total Difficulties scale). Other self-reported outcomes included SDQ subscales, perceived stress, well-being, and remission. The sustained effects of the intervention were estimated at the 12-month endpoint and over 12 months (the latter assumed a constant effect across 3 follow-up points) using a linear mixed model for repeated measures and involving complete case analysis. Sensitivity analyses examined the effect of missing data using multiple imputations. Costs were estimated for delivering the intervention during the trial and from modeling a scale-up scenario, using a retrospective ingredients approach. Out of the 250 original trial participants, 176 (70.4%) adolescents participated in the 12-month follow-up assessment. One adverse event was identified during follow-up and deemed unrelated to the intervention. Evidence was found for intervention effects on both SDQ Total Difficulties and YTP at 12 months (YTP: adjusted mean difference [AMD] = -0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.47, -0.03, p = 0.04; SDQ Total Difficulties: AMD = -1.73, 95% CI = -3.47, 0.02, p = 0.05), with stronger effects over 12 months (YTP: AMD = -0.98, 95% CI = -1.51, -0.45, p < 0.001; SDQ Total Difficulties: AMD = -1.23, 95% CI = -2.37, -0.09; p = 0.03). There was also evidence for intervention effects on internalizing symptoms, impairment, perceived stress, and well-being over 12 months. The intervention effect was stable for most outcomes on sensitivity analyses adjusting for missing data; however, for SDQ Total Difficulties and impairment, the effect was slightly attenuated. The per-student cost of delivering the intervention during the trial was $3 United States dollars (USD; or $158 USD per case) and for scaling up the intervention in the modeled scenario was $4 USD (or $23 USD per case). The scaling up cost accounted for 0.4% of the per-student school budget in New Delhi. The main limitations of the studys methodology were the lack of sample size calculations powered for 12-month follow-up and the absence of cost-effectiveness analyses using the primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that a lay counselor-delivered, brief transdiagnostic problem-solving intervention had sustained effects on psychosocial problems and mental health symptoms over the 12-month follow-up period. Scaling up this resource-efficient intervention is an affordable policy goal for improving adolescents access to mental health care in low-resource settings. The findings need to be interpreted with caution, as this study was a post hoc extension, and thus, the sample size calculations did not take into account the relatively high attrition rate observed during the long-term follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03630471.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents in low and middle-income countries experience pronounced mental health needs in contexts where infrastructure and resources are scarce. While evidence-based treatment are readily available, they may not fit the unique needs of certain contexts. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript illustrates the systematic process of applying relevance mapping methodology to leverage the youth mental health evidence base to identify candidate practices for inclusion in the development of a contextually appropriate psychological treatment protocol for common adolescent mental health problems in India. METHODS: The practice identification was informed by two datasets obtained from adolescent samples in India. The first was an epidemiological dataset from a large community sample in Goa (N = 2,048); the second incorporated youth top problems reported by service-seeking students presenting to school counsellors in Goa and Delhi (N = 78). Problems identified in each dataset were categorized using structured codes. Problem codes and youth demographics were then indexed against a database of hundreds of evidence-based psychological treatments and their associated clinical trials. This methodology revealed the most common practice elements (discrete therapeutic strategies) and their most efficient combinations with evidence of effectiveness matching the demographics and diagnostic category (anxiety, disruptive behaviors and depression) prevalent in the planned treatment population. RESULTS: For anxiety, the most common practice elements for this age group were exposure, cognitive coping, and psychoeducation. For disruptive behaviors, the most common practices were problem-solving, goal-setting, and rapport-building. For depression, cognitive coping, behavioral activation, and psychoeducation were the most common practice elements. CONCLUSION: These practice elements provided the treatment development team with a preliminary list of candidate content for the development of an intensive psychological treatment within a stepped care service model to address common adolescent mental health problems in schools in India.

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are a leading cause of disability in adolescents worldwide. Problem solving is a well-tested mental health intervention in many populations. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a brief, transdiagnostic problem-solving intervention for common adolescent mental health problems when delivered by non-specialist school counsellors in New Delhi, India. METHODS: This randomised trial was done in six government-run schools (three all-boys schools, two all-girls schools, and one co-educational school) that serve low-income communities. We recruited participants from grades 9 to 12 (ages 12-20 years) by selecting students with persistently elevated mental health symptoms accompanied by distress or functional impairment. Clinical eligibility criteria were assessed by research assistants using the Hindi-language version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), with reference to locally validated borderline cutoff scores of 19 or greater for boys and 20 or greater for girls on the SDQ Total Difficulties scale, an abnormal score of 2 or more on the SDQ Impact scale, and persistence of more than 1 month on the SDQ Chronicity index. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to problem solving delivered through a brief (2-3 week) counsellor-led intervention with supporting printed materials (intervention group), or problem solving delivered via printed booklets alone (control group). Primary outcomes were adolescent-reported mental health symptoms (SDQ Total Difficulties scale) and idiographic psychosocial problems (Youth Top Problems [YTP]) at 6 weeks. Primary analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis at the 6-week endpoint. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03630471. FINDINGS: Participants were enrolled between Aug 20, and Dec 4, 2018. 283 eligible adolescents were referred to the trial, and 251 (89%) of these were enrolled (mean age 15·61 years; 174 [69%] boys). 125 participants were allocated to each group (after accounting for one participant in the intervention group who withdrew consent after randomisation). Primary outcome data were available for 245 (98%) participants. At 6 weeks, the mean YTP scores were 3·52 (SD 2·66) in the intervention group and 4·60 (2·75) in the control group (adjusted mean difference -1·01, 95% CI -1·63 to -0·38; adjusted effect size 0·36, 95% CI 0·11 to 0·61; p=0·0015). The mean SDQ Total Difficulties scores were 17·48 (5·45) in the intervention group and 18·33 (5·45) in the control group (-0·86, -2·14 to 0·41; 0·16, -0·09 to 0·41; p=0·18). We observed no adverse events. INTERPRETATION: A brief lay counsellor-delivered problem-solving intervention combined with printed booklets seemed to have a modest effect on psychosocial outcomes among adolescents with diverse mental health problems compared with problem-solving booklets alone. This counsellor-delivered intervention might be a suitable first-line intervention in a stepped care approach, which is being evaluated in ongoing studies. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust.

BackgroundThe PRIDE programme aims to establish a suite of transdiagnostic psychological interventions organised around a stepped care system in Indian secondary schools. This paper describes the development of a low-intensity, first-line component of the PRIDE model.MethodContextual and global evidence informed an intervention 'blueprint' with problem solving as the primary practice element. Successive iterations were tested and modified across two pilot cohort studies (N = 45; N = 39). Participants were aged 13-20 years and presenting with elevated mental health symptoms in New Delhi schools.ResultsThe first iteration of the intervention, based on a guided self-help modality, showed promising outcomes and user satisfaction when delivered by psychologists. However, delivery was not feasible within the intended 6-week schedule, and participants struggled to use materials outside 'guidance' sessions. In Pilot 2, a modified counsellor-led problem-solving intervention was implemented by less experienced counsellors over a 3-4 week schedule. Outcomes were maintained, with indications of enhanced feasibility and acceptability. High demand was observed across both pilots, leading to more stringent eligibility criteria and a modified sensitisation plan.DiscussionFindings have shaped a first-line intervention for common adolescent mental health problems in low-resource settings. A forthcoming randomised controlled trial will test its effectiveness.

BackgroundConduct, anxiety, and depressive disorders account for over 75% of the adolescent mental health burden globally. The current protocol will test a low-intensity problem-solving intervention for school-going adolescents with common mental health problems in India. The protocol also tests the effects of a classroom-based sensitization intervention on the demand for counselling services in an embedded recruitment trial.Methods/designWe will conduct a two-arm, individually randomized controlled trial in six Government-run secondary schools in New Delhi. The targeted sample is 240 adolescents in grades 9-12 with persistent, elevated mental health symptoms and associated distress/impairment. Participants will receive either a brief problem-solving intervention delivered over 3 weeks by lay counsellors (intervention) or enhanced usual care comprised of problem-solving booklets (control). Self-reported adolescent mental health symptoms and idiographic problems will be assessed at 6 weeks (co-primary outcomes) and again at 12 weeks post-randomization. In addition, adolescent-reported distress/impairment, perceived stress, mental wellbeing, and clinical remission, as well as parent-reported adolescent mental health symptoms and impact scores, will be assessed at 6 and 12 weeks post-randomization. We will also complete a parallel process evaluation, including estimations of the costs of delivering the interventions. An embedded recruitment trial will apply a stepped-wedge, cluster (class)-randomized controlled design in 70 classes across the six schools. This will evaluate the added effect of a classroom-based sensitization intervention over and above school-level sensitization activities on the primary outcome of referral rate into the host trial. Other outcomes will be the proportion of referrals eligible to participate in the host trial, proportion of self-generated referrals, and severity and pattern of symptoms among referred adolescents in each condition. Power calculations were undertaken separately for each trial. A detailed statistical analysis plan will be developed separately for each trial prior to unblinding.DiscussionBoth trials were initiated on 20 August 2018. A single research protocol for both trials offers a resource-efficient methodology for testing the effectiveness of linked procedures to enhance uptake and outcomes of a school-based psychological intervention for common adolescent mental health problems.Trial registrationBoth trials are registered prospectively with the National Institute of Health registry ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ), registration numbers NCT03633916 and NCT03630471 , registered on 16th August, 2018 and 14th August, 2018 respectively).

This Paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (hereinafter, JIPR) in the third decade of the twenty-first century from Volume 25 (1) (2020) to Volume 28 (5) (2023). In this decade, five new series on different themes of intellectual property rights (hereinafter, IPRs) were started by JIPR which include =IP & Taxation Policy', =Theoretical Underpinnings of IP Laws', =Standard Essential Patents', =IP Laws Declared by the Supreme Court', and =JIPR in IPR Research'. In this decade, a total of 139 articles were published covering different areas of IPRs. The articles published in this decade constitute 14.52 (point five two) percent of the total articles published in JIPR till Volume 28 (5) (2023). In terms of percentage of the articles published in each decade, this decade with 14.52 (point five two) percent comes fourth after the decades 2010-2014 with 26.22 percent, 2005-2009 with 22.98 percent, and 2015-2019 with 15.04 percent. This is the sixth paper on the theme =JIPR in IPR Research' and proceeds with the same argument and method as developed and adopted in the First Paper1 and the sequel papers published under the theme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (JIPR)in the second half of the second decade of the twenty-first century from Volume 20 (1) (2015) to Volume 24 (6) (2019). This is the fifth paper on the theme =JIPR in IPR Research' and proceeds with the same method and arguments as adopted and developed in the previous four papers published on the theme. In this decade, a total of 144 articles were published including one Special Issue on the theme =New Technologies, Climate Change and IPR'. These 144 articles were published in 30 issues of 5 volumes. JIPR in this decade published 6 regular issues in Volumes 20 (2015) and 22 (2017). Whereas, the Issues 4 and 5 of Volume 21 (2016); Issues 2 and 3, and 4 and 5 of Volume 23 (2018); and Issues (1) and (2), (3) and (4), and (5) and (6) of Volume 24 (2019) were published jointly. Out of total articles published in JIPR till Volume 24, the number of articles published in this decade (144) constitutes 17.60 (point six zero) percent, and the contribution of this decade (2015-2019) is 19.27 (point two seven) percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (JIPR) in the first half of the second decade of the twenty-first century from Volume 15 (1) (2010) to Volume 19 (6) (2014). This is the fourth paper on the theme 'JIPR in IPR Research' and proceeds with the same argument and method as developed and used in the previous three papers published on the theme 'JIPR in IPR Research'. In this decade, two Special Issues on the themes 'IPR and Agriculture' and 'Leveraging IP for Business Advantage' were published with their separate guest editors. Compared to the previous decades, the articles published between 2010-2014 are maximum. Out of the total articles published between 1996-2014, the number of articles (251) published in this decade between 2010-2014 constitute 37.24 (point two four) compared to 32.64 (point six four) percent in 2005-2009, 19.58 (point five eight) percent in 2000-2004 and 10.53 (point five three) in 1996-1999. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (JIPR) in the second half of the first decade of the twenty-first century from Volume 10 (1) (2005) to Volume 14 (6) (2009). During this period, a total of seven post-independent enacted IP legislations were in force in the country. This Paper seeks to review the articles published in JIPR year-wise during the decade. Paper attempts to identify: (i) total number of issues published; (ii) total number of articles published; (iii) total number of contributions made by the Indian and foreign scholars; (iv) total number of sole and joint publications; (v) publishing style of JIPR; and (vi) areas of IP covered in each volume. A review of articles published during this period reveals that on an average, a total of 44 articles have been published in each volume. In the total articles published between 1996-2009, the articles published during the second half of the first decade of 21st century constitutes 52 percent (220 articles) compared to 31.20 percent published between 2000-2004 (132 articles) and 16.78 percent between 1996-1999 (71 papers). JIPR through an open-access platform has provided an opportunity to the IP scholars to publish their writings addressing the gaps in the areas of IP. In the end, Paper develops an argument that JIPR has significantly contributed in the development of IP by disseminating IP information and knowledge, and also in creating IP knowledge and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is limited understanding of change processes and long‐term effects of low‐intensity psychosocial interventions. We investigated these aspects in two brief problem‐solving intervention formats for adolescents with elevated mental health symptoms and associated distress/impairment. Methods: This qualitative study was nested within a school‐based randomized controlled trial in New Delhi, India, which compared two problem‐solving intervention formats: a lay counsellor‐led format supported by printed materials (intervention arm) and printed problem‐solving materials alone ("bibliotherapy" control arm). A total of 32 participants, ranging in age from 14 to 20 years (mean = 16.4 years, SD = 1.9) and comprising 21 males and 11 females, were interviewed across both trial arms at 12‐month follow‐up. Results: Five themes were derived using thematic framework analysis. The "impacts on symptoms and functioning" theme described symptomatic improvements and functional gains. "Processes underlying problem solving" reflected changes in positive beliefs, attitudes and emotions when confronted with problems, and the use of a more effective problem‐solving coping style. "Experiences of problem‐solving materials" covered benefits (e.g. access to relatable stories and readymade solutions) and limitations (e.g. diminishing use over time) of printed problem‐solving handouts. "Role of supporting figures" accounted for the facilitating roles played by counsellors and trusted others. There were also accounts of researchers functioning as de facto counsellors in the bibliotherapy arm. "Recommended modifications for intervention delivery" included more flexible and private ways to access the interventions, greater personalization of the counselling process, more engaging and relevant supporting materials, and suggestions for widening access to the interventions in schools and community settings. Conclusions: We infer from our qualitative analysis that changes in problem‐solving style and problem orientation underpinned long‐term symptomatic and functional improvements. Participants in the counsellor‐led intervention appeared better able to sustain the use of problem‐solving skills and generalize this approach beyond the original presenting problems. We attribute the differences between arms to the influence of direct advice and supportive interactions with counsellors. Practice implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (JIPR) in the first half of the first decade of the twenty-first century from Volume 5 (1) (2000) to Volume 9 (6) (2004). During this period, a total of seven post-independent IP legislations were enacted in the country. This Paper reviews the articles published in JIPR yearwise. Paper attempts to identify: (i) total number of issues published; (ii) total number of articles published; (iii) total number of contributions made by the Indian and foreign scholars; (iv) total number of sole and joint publications; (v) publishing style of JIPR; and (vi) area of IP covered in each volume. Dissemination of information is a necessary condition for creation of new knowledge. JIPR through an open-access platform has provided an opportunity to the IP scholars to publish their writings addressing the gaps in the areas of IP. In the end, Paper develops an argument that JIPR has significantly contributed in the development of IP by disseminating IP information and knowledge and also in creating IP knowledge and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to review the articles published in the Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (JIPR) in the last decade of the twentieth century from Volume 1(1) (1996) to Volume 4(6) (1999). There are seven intellectual property (IP) statutes in force in India. When JIPR published its first Volume in the year 1996, only two IP statutes, legislated and enacted in post-independent India, were in force, namely: (i) The Copyright Act, 1957; and (ii) The Patents Act, 1970 -- enacted after 10 years and 23 years respectively after the independence of the country. Nevertheless, the Imperial Act on designs was also in force by the virtue of Article 372 of the Constitution of India, until the Indian Parliament enacted a separate statute on designs. Two statutes were enacted in 1999 and the other three statutes were enacted in the first decade of the 21st century but some of them took a time of almost a decade to come into force. For convenience, the papers published in JIPR have been reviewed year-wise. Paper attempts to identify the: (i) total number of issues published; (ii) total number of articles published; (iii) total number of contributions made by the Indian and foreign scholars; (iv) total number of sole and joint publications; (v) publishing style of JIPR; and (vi) area of IP covered in the publications. JIPR since its inception has aimed to fill void in the IP literature in general and the Indian IP literature in particular. Paper develops an argument that JIPR has significantly contributed in the dissemination of IP information and knowledge, and also in creating IP knowledge and awareness by publishing quality research articles on an open access platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated a digital learning programme for non-specialists to develop knowledge-based competencies in a problem-solving intervention for adolescents to examine the overall impact of training on knowledge-based competencies among learners; and to compare the effects of two training conditions (self-guided digital training with or without coaching) in a nested parallel, two-arm, individually randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were 18 or older; fluent in Hindi or English; able to access digital training; and had no prior experience of delivering structured psychotherapies. 277 participants were enrolled from 31 March 2022 to 19 June 2022 of which 230 (83%) completed the study. There was a significant increase in competency score from pre-training (Mean = 7.01, SD = 3.29) to posttraining (Mean = 8.88, SD = 3.80), 6 weeks after the pre-training assessment. Knowledge competency scores showed larger increase among participants randomised to the coaching arm (AMD = 1.09, 95% CI 0.26–1.92, p = 0.01) with an effect size (d) of 0.33 (95% CI 0.08– 0.58). More participants completed training in the coaching arm (n = 96, 69.6%) compared to the self-guided training arm (n = 56, 40.3%). In conclusion, a coach-supported remote digital training intervention is associated with enhanced participation by learners and increased psychotherapeutic knowledge competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives: A key consideration in designing scalable solutions for improving global mental health involves balancing the need for interventions to be uncomplicated for mental health workers (MHWs) and the need for the intervention to be widely applicable to many clients. Often these needs are in competition, since interventions are routinely simplified by removing procedures or reducing their dynamic responsivity, which in turn lowers their overall utility in serving large, clinically diverse populations. The principal aim of this pilot study involved evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a brief strategy designed to delegate problem classification and practice selection to MHWs operating within a flexible, modular, cognitive behavioural protocol. A secondary aim involved gathering data on which to base a hypothesis regarding the potential effectiveness of this strategy. Method: Within an open trial, an educationally diverse sample of local MHWs in India (N = 18) reviewed fictional case vignettes, classified mental health problems, and then selected practices before and after a two‐hour training that included a one‐page decision‐making resource. Feasibility was measured by assessing the integrity of the study protocol and training, the measurement and administration of questionnaires as well as study recruitment and completion. Acceptability of the intervention was measured by MHW‐perceived performance, ease of use, value, importance, and intention for continued use. Decision‐making accuracy was assessed by comparing MHWs' clinical decisions with criteria established through consensus among psychologists with expertise in modular protocols. Results: Results suggested high feasibility and acceptability on all metrics. Secondary analysis revealed that MHW's decision‐making accuracy and confidence also significantly improved, providing a basis for the hypothesis that this brief approach is useful for building MHW capacity in low‐resource settings. Conclusion: Overall these findings provide initial support for these methods and potential training outcomes to test within a larger, randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 'PRemIum for aDolEscents' (PRIDE) project has developed a school-based, transdiagnostic stepped care programme for common adolescent mental health problems in India. The programme comprises a brief problem-solving intervention ('Step 1') followed by a personalised cognitive-behavioural intervention ('Step 2') for participants who do not respond to the first step. Methods: A mixed-method design was used to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the stepped care programme in five schools in New Delhi. Participants were N = 80 adolescents (mean age = 15.3 years, females = 55%) with elevated mental symptoms and associated distress/impairment. Results: 61 (76%) of the enrolled sample were assessed following Step 1, from which 33 (54%) met non-remission criteria. Among these 33 non-remitted cases, 12 (36%) opted for Step 2 and five (42%) completed the full programme. The remaining non-remitted cases (n = 21, 64%) opted out of further treatment. Perceived resolution of the primary problem (n = 9, 43%) was the most common reason for opting out. The median time to complete each step was 22 and 70 days respectively, with a gap of 31 days between steps. Qualitative feedback from adolescents and counsellors indicated requirements for a shorter delivery schedule, greater continuity across steps and more collaborative decision-making. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence for a stepped care programme aimed at common adolescent mental health problems. Modifications are recommended to enhance the acceptability and feasibility of the programme in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the beliefs and attitudes of the people in community towards drinking among women is important, as this is likely to affect social support and social integration of women recovering from alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The present study aimed to examine awareness and beliefs about alcohol use among women in India from women in the community. The sample comprised of 60 women drawn from an urban community of India using snowball sampling technique. All participants were over 18 years of age and were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test and a semi-structured interview schedule (SIS) developed for the study. The SIS assessed participants’ awareness about alcohol use among women, beliefs about risk and protective factors and the need for treatment among women with alcohol use problems. Findings indicated that women from the community stigmatized and stereotyped women with AUDs, but only to a mild degree. To a large extent, they were aware of alcohol use problems among women and the possible risk and protective factors associated with the same. These findings have significance for strengthening social support for recovery and rehabilitation of women with alcohol use problems in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing energy crisis, the need to conserve and manage energy resources in a responsible manner is being increasingly felt by different sectors of the economy. India's civil aviation industry is on a high-growth trajectory. India aims to become the third-largest aviation market by 2020 and the largest by 2030. The rise in the energy needs of airports to satisfy this demand has led to great concerns about the environmental impact of the aviation industry. Long term sustainability of airports is getting more important in this scenario. As demand for air travel continues to grow, aviation's environmental impacts need to be addressed while continuing to maximize its social and economic benefits. This paper presents the problem of high energy consumption in the aviation sector by analysing the energy consumption data of three Indian airports in the composite climatic zone of India and the imperative need to design energy efficient airports. Data was collected from energy audits, which were conducted over a period of one year. The collected information was used to perform an analysis for assessing specific measures to reduce energy use at the passenger terminal building (PTB) and to identify possible actions for improving the airport performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]