Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 9-16
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260202
Mental Health Profile of Women in the Reproductive Age Group in the Rural Field Practice Area of RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru
Manasa A R1, Shashikala Manjunatha2, Chandrakala C3, Ramya K S4
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2Professor, Department of Community Medicine, RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
3Statistician cum Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
4Associate Professor, Sri Siddhartha Medical College & Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
Corresponding Author: Dr Manasa A R
ABSTRACT
Background: Women in the reproductive age group are particularly susceptible to common mental disorders (CMDs) due to intersecting biological, psychological, and social determinants. Evidence from rural community settings in India remains limited.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of CMDs among women aged 15–49 years in a rural area of Bengaluru and identify associated socio-demographic and reproductive factors.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 in the rural field practice area of RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital. Using simple random sampling, 525 women were enrolled. Data were collected through a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and the World Health Organization Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). A cut-off score of ≥7 was used to screen for CMDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results: The prevalence of CMDs was 4.4%. Statistically significant associations were observed between CMDs and marital status as well as educational attainment (p <0.001). No significant associations were found with religion, occupation, socio-economic status, type of family, or menstrual irregularities.
Conclusion: Although the overall prevalence of CMDs was low, specific socio-demographic vulnerabilities were identified. Incorporating routine mental health screening and targeted psychosocial interventions into primary healthcare services may facilitate early identification and management of CMDs among rural women.
Key words: Common mental disorders; SRQ-20; women; reproductive age group; rural health; mental health screening