Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Karma Tsering Consultant with The PEMA and UNICEF Karma Tsering 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Karma Tsering Consultant with The PEMA and UNICEF Karma Tsering
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Needs Assessment and Situational Analysis on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Bhutan |
| Public title | Needs Assessment and Situational Analysis on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Bhutan |
| Background | With the rapidly changing times which has transformed the societal fabrics of families and communities, mental health is an issue of growing concern globally, as well as in Bhutan. There has been an increasing number of cases related to mental health disorders in Bhutan, with anxiety and depression accounting for over 50% of the total mental health disorders. Suicide, a strong indicator of mental health issues, shows an increasing trend in Bhutan, and it is one of the leading cause of death among youth and adolescents. Many of the mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, are conditions that are treatable, particularly if there is early intervention and support services are provided. While there are many services available in Bhutan that support mental health and wellbeing, most people do not seek support services or treatment, unless their symptoms and conditions become severe. There are many factors that stop people from seeking help and support services for mental health, which include among others, low levels of health literacy in mental health, social norms, stigma and discrimination. There is currently limited qualitative evidence to understand communication needs of individuals and families. Towards addressing mental health care and support in Bhutan, there is need to assess the realities on the ground and to understand some of the social norms that surround mental health in Bhutan, as well as the nuances of why, how and who influences individuals and communities in what they do or do not do. |
| Objectives | The PEMA and UNICEF would like to conduct a needs assessment and situational analysis on the mental health and psychosocial situation (MHPSS) among children, young people, pregnant women, caregivers, services providers and community leaders. It will seek to generate evidence on the communication needs of the target audience as well as do an assessment on the existing MHPSS promotion and community engagement initiatives implemented by various organizations. The key questions that the study will be seeking to address are: “What do people know about mental health and available support services? What are some of the social norms/barriers that prevent people from seeking support services? What are the main MHPSS information/communication needs among the people, and who are the main stakeholders who can play a role in meeting these needs?” |
| Study Methods | A qualitative approach is being adopted to get primary data and information on people’s literacy about mental health as well as their information/communication needs. This will be achieved through multiple processes that can be broadly grouped into the following two stages. The first stage of the study would entail a review and desk assessment of relevant documents relating to mental health. The literature review on the issues related to mental health as well as the various policies, programs and initiatives in Bhutan. The second stage of the study includes primary qualitative data collection through a number of purposive consultative meetings, key informant interviews and focused group discussions (FGDs) to gather in-depth and targeted information. Fieldwork data and information will be collected in three Dzongkhags namely Samtse, Trashigang and Thimphu. The selection of these Dzongkhags has been primarily based on broad regional representation (southern, western and eastern), and the strong correlation between suicide and with mental health. The findings of desk assessment as well as the data and findings of the interviews and FGDs will be examined and analyzed. These will guide the drafting of the reports on information and communication needs of the target groups and assessment of the current promotion and initiatives of different agencies towards formulation of a harmonized approach to promotion of mental health initiatives. The findings could also be a possible impetus for a more detailed and comprehensive quantitative study with wide spatial coverage and wider range of target groups. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | Based on the findings of the study the expected outcome will be a Report which will generate information and evidence on some of the current mental health and wellbeing issues in Bhutan, as well the existing MHPSS promotion and community engagement initiatives implemented by the various organization. The Report will also provide insight on MHPSS information and communication needs of the target audience (children, young people, pregnant women, caregivers, services providers and community leaders), by will looking people's knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to mental health, as well as the drivers of change. The Report will make recommendations to help design an SBC plan specifically tailored for the needs and challenges of the target population. This Report will be provide a qualitative understanding and situation analysis on issues related to mental health in Bhutan, which will be subsequently used by The PEMA to develop a Social and Behaviour Change and Communication Strategy, and will contribute towards framing long-term strategies towards improving mental health and wellbeing in Bhutan. |
| Keywords | situational analysis, mental health, MHPSS, Bhutan |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 17-Jun-2024 |
| End Date | 15-Aug-2024 |
| Key Implementing Institution | The PEMA |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (Mental Health) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary and secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |