Improving school ethos towards mental health through whole school mental health interventions: Implementation science approach

Background: Previous researchfrom the western world has highlighted the acceptability, feasibility, andeffectiveness of school based mental health interventions in the developedcountries. But very few research initiatives have happened in this directionfrom the low- and middle- income countries. It is important to understand thechallenges in implementing school based mental health interventions andimplement measures that could be developed to circumvent these challenges fromlow- and middle- income perspective. Novelty: The proposedresearch proposal (1) is a theory-driven study of implementation barriers; (2)occurs within a relevant real-world practice setting; (3) development of modelbased on implementation science and (4) involves interdisciplinary cooperation(public health, clinical, and education). Objective: Theoverarching objective of the proposed research proposal are to identify thechallenges and opportunities existing within the school ethos in implementingevidence-based interventions to improve youth mental health and to identify themost appropriate implementation strategies for improving mental health amongyoung people in schools in Chennai, a city in India, a low- and middle- incomecountry. Methods: The proposed research project will be conductedin two schools in Chennai. A qualitative research methodology will be used tocollect relevant data to understandthe ethos of the school towards mental health and factors influencing them leadingto the development of the whole school approach intervention ***Expectedoutcome:***It is to understand the school ethos towards mentalhealth and develop appropriate intervention to promote to mental health inschools.