A Study on the Influence of Some Lifestyle Factors on Mental Health among General Population of Eluru, West Godavari District, A.P.

Mental health is defined as the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustments. World Health Organization suggests that (WHO) nearly half of the population are affected by mental illness with an impact on their self esteem, relationships and ability to function in everyday life.

1. To know the prevalence of disturbed mental health in study population. 2. To study the demographic variables and life style factors associated with poor mental health.

The present community based cross sectional study was conducted at urban area of Eluru during the period from May 2013 to August 2013. Mental health status can be achieved by using adult depression scale and where more than 3 negative responses taken into consideration of disturbed mental health condition. A total of 170 individuals were selected by systematic random sampling method from the field practice area of Alluri Sita Ramaraju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru. Results were analyzed and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Out of 170 individuals, the prevalence of disturbed mental health condition among 20–60 years population was 30.5%. About 53.8% females were having disturbed mental health condition and there was no significant association was found between female sex and disturbed mental health. There was significant association was between physical inactivity, smoking with disturbed mental health respectively (P<0.01, P<0.02)

Based on the above study results, the number of mentally disturbed people are alarming. There is an immediate need to have an avulsion of certain life style factors to create a positive outlook to combat this poor mental health condition in the society.