Somatisation in School Going Adolescents in Rural Block of Haryana Goel Nikhil1, Aggarwal Ramnika2,,*, Choudhary Priyanka3, Jain R.B.4 1Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, World College of Medical Sciences, Girawar, India 2Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, India 3Post Graduate Demonstrator, PGIMS, Rohtak, India 4Senior Professor, PGIMS, Rohtak, India (*Corresponding author) email id: *drramnika@yahoo.co.in, 1dr.nikhilgoel@gmail.com, 3drmittalpriyanka@gmail.com, 4rbjainpgims@gmail.com
Abstract Background & Objectives: Somatisation can result in disability and functional impairment in childhood, including difficulty in school and frequent school absences. Thus, this study has been planned with the aim to estimate the prevalence of somatisation among school going adolescents. Methods: This study was a school-based, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted between October 2016 and July 2017 in three government schools among both boys and girls from 8th to 12th class selected using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using predesigned, pretested and structured schedule standardised as “symptom checklist-90-R”. Results: Overall prevalence of somatisation among study sample was found to be 28.2%, with mild depression to be 26.6% and moderate to severe depression to be 2%. Conclusion: Inability to cope up with their stress gives rise to somatic symptoms which are mostly not recognised correctly and thus are at risk. So, there is a need of collaborative efforts between students suffering from somatisation, parents, teachers, mental health professionals and primary health care provider to focus on improved functioning instead of a complete cure or permanent remission of symptoms. Top Keyword School going adolescents, Somatisation, Somatic complaints, SCL 90 R, Peer pressure, Truancy
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