Physical and mental health in schools in India and Nigeria

ISOBAR is a research project led by Professor Swaran Singh at the University of Warwick, working closely with partners in India and Nigeria, and Professor Iyer (co-investigator on this project).

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Most adolescents live in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where resources are and the most vulnerable are at the greatest disadvantage. Mental health problems and physical problems, especially those related to nutrition, can often occur together.

 

Research from high-income countries shows that such problems can be treated with low-intensity interventions to prevent them from persisting into adulthood. The ISOBAR project aims to implement a package of interventions to address both mental health and physical health problems in state-funded school settings (typically serving underprivileged adolescents) in Chhattisgarh and Chennai, India and Ibadan, Nigeria. Interventions will be chosen, adapted and packaged based on reviewing scientific literature, global and local policies on health promotion in schools and extensive consultations with youth, families, teachers, principals/administrators, community members and policymakers.

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Using an implementation science framework, we will evaluate whether our program is acceptable, feasible and effective; determine its costs and benefits, and explore and advocate for its sustainability. Our hope is to generate ideas, insights and innovations that can support adolescent well-being and the creation of health-promoting schools worldwide, particularly in low-resource contexts.