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In a groundbreaking initiative led by Center for Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada aimed at understanding the mental health landscape among Indonesian adolescents, the Indonesian Being Landscape Analysis was launched to reveal critical insights into the challenges faced by youth in the country. The research findings shed light on prevalent mental health issues, major determinants of mental health and well-being, and the urgent need for intersectoral and multifaceted interventions. Indonesia, as one of 13 priority countries, received full support from Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) through its collaboration with  Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University.

The Indonesian Being Youth Mental Health Landscape Analysis uncovered a range of key messages, painting a comprehensive picture of the state of youth mental health in Indonesia:

• High Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders: The research highlighted a concerning prevalence of mental health disorders among Indonesian adolescents, including anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, non-suicidal self-injury, addiction, loneliness, as well as suicidal behavior.
• Major Drivers of Mental Health: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), family dynamics, mental health literacy and coping mechanisms, stigma and discrimination, bullying, gender norms, climate change, and natural disasters were identified as key drivers affecting adolescent mental health.
• Critical Strategies to Tackle Challenges: Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating critical strategies to ensure effective intervention and support for Indonesian adolescents. Strategies include public and private sector engagement, academic collaborations, task-sharing and task-shifting, and knowledge sharing.

The dissemination of the Indonesian Being Youth Mental Health Landscape Analysis underscored the urgent need for action to address youth mental health in Indonesia. This event was held in Jakarta on May 7, 2024, and attended by relevant stakeholders, including ministries and agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), healthcare workers, and academics, both directly or online via Zoom.

In addition to the dissemination of research findings, the event also included calls for proposals aimed at soliciting innovative solutions and interventions to address youth mental health challenges in Indonesia. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit proposals for projects focused on prevention, promotion, and support services tailored to the unique needs of Indonesian youth mental health ecosystem. More information on how you can contribute can be found here.

The launch of the Indonesian Being Youth Mental Health Landscape Analysis represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges surrounding adolescent mental health in Indonesia aligning with the commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being, 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By disseminating research findings and advocating for evidence-based interventions, stakeholders can work together to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for Indonesian youth to thrive mentally and emotionally.

Download the full report on Being’s website: Mapping Youth Mental Health Landscapes: Local Insights from 13 Countries

Reported by: dr. Bianda Dwida Pramudita, M.Sc.

Keyword(s): mental health, wellbeing, adolescent, gender equality, partnerships for the goals, SDGs,

A three-day qualitative research training programme was successfully held in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in an effort to strengthen research capacities and promote evidence-based decision-making, particularly prior to the implementation of the forthcoming R21 research project. The R21 project, funded by the United States National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), focused on examining gender norms among adolescents, holds promise for improving adolescent health and well-being. The event was held at the Artotel Hotel from February 26th to 28th, 2024, and featured academics from JHU and the Centre for Reproductive Health discussing qualitative research approaches. This course was designed to augment the preparatory phase before the actual study begins.

 

Organized by the Center for Reproductive Health, the training aimed to equip researchers with the tools and techniques necessary to perform rigorous qualitative research across various research topics. Qualitative research is particularly important in reproductive and population health because it helps to understand complex phenomena, explore human experiences, and improve policy and practice, aligning with the SDGs point 3, good health and well-being.

 

Throughout the programme, researchers engaged in interactive lectures and hands-on exercises facilitated by Yesenia Garcia, a PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University. The topics covered included research design, research ethics, data collection methods and techniques such as focus group discussions, cognitive interviews, and strategies for assuring rigour and validity in qualitative research. The collaborative nature of the training created a dynamic learning environment, facilitating networking opportunities and the exchange of ideas among participants. Moreover, the hands-on activities involved numerous adolescent volunteers from Yogyakarta who provided us with practical insight and feedback to refine the research protocols.

 

Feedback from youth participants was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the eagerness of young people to be a part of the research process. The occasion promoted the chance for researchers to have a deeper comprehension of the tenets and procedures of qualitative research. The success of the event underscores the growing demand for high-quality training in qualitative research and the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and practitioners in advancing research capacity and knowledge translation.

 

Keywords: qualitative research, training, health, well-being, adolescent, gender norm, mental health, SDGs

 

Reported by: dr. Bianda Dwida Pramudita, M.Sc.