Mental health and depression among slum dwellers
Chandrakant Jamadar
Asst.Professor, P.G.Studies in Psychology,
Maharani Arts & Commerce College for womens, J.L.B.Road, Mysore
Abstract
Aim of the Research
The general aim
of the present investigation has been to know about mental health and
depression of slum dwellers living in slums. Objectives: To assesses and analyses the mental health and
depression male and female, to find out the mental health and depression in
different age group and to know the mental health and depression among Hindu
and Muslim .Result & Discussion:
Pearson correlation is .315reflects the
mental health and personal health depression in slum dwellers. It is
significant.001 level. Therefore, the hypothesis is accepted and it shows that
there is difference in mental health and personal health depression in slum
dwellers.
Key words:
Mental health, Depression, anxiety, stress and slum
Introduction
Among
the basic necessities of life, the housing occupies an important place. Prof.
Friedlander points out that ‘Social Welfare is deeply concerned with adequate
housing ; next to food and clothing, housing is one of the basic necessities of
man, particularly for t he maintenance of family life”.1 However,
for quite a large number of people all over the world, housing remains a far
distant dream. Analyzing the data pertaining to housing remains a far distant
dream. Analyazing the data pertaining to housing in different countries,
franchise Cheruniliam observes that although the problem is very chronic in
developing countries, most of the advance countries including U.S.A and
U.S.S..R. also are not free from the housing problem.2 The acute
housing conditions and he poverty are supposed to be the major reasons for the
mushroom growth of the slums all over the world.
The
phenomenon of slum is worldwide. Almost every city has slums. They are spread
from Bombay to Burmuda, and from Manchester to Manila. But some countries deny
their existence. The reason behind the non-existence of slums in these
countries may be the basic ideology held by these countires. Hence, Rao and Rao
stress the need for careful examination of the basic ideology behind the
problem of slums. Some scholars (See Rao and Rao, 1984; Desaiand Pilali, 1972;
D.G. Epstein 1972 D.G. Epstein 1972) recognize that the problem of slum is
associated with the exploitative system of the capitalist society with its
exploitative mode of production. To mitigate the problem of slums scholars like
Rao and Rao emphasize to bring about a basic change in the exploitative system
in the direction of socialistic ideology. Fredrick Engels held a similar view.
He says. “As long as the capitalist mode of production continues to exist, it
is folly to hope for an isolated solution of the housing question or any other
social question affecting the fate of the workers”. The solution according to
him, lies in the abolition of the capitalist
mode of production and the appropriation of all the means of life and labor
by the working class itself. Thus the positive relationship is sought between
the existence of the slums and the exploitative mode of production. In this
connection, it may also be noted that Desai and Pillai regret that they do not
have comparable data on the shelter problem for the socialist countries. So they suggest that “The massive urban
renewal programmes in these countries, where private ownership of land does not
exist, deserves careful study.”
METHODOLOGY
Statement of the problem
“Mental health
and depression among slum dwellers”
Aim of the Research
The
general aim of the present investigation has been to know about mental health
and depression of slum dwellers living in slums.
Objectives
1.
To assess and analyses the mental health
and depression male and female
2.
To find out the mental health and
depression in different age group
3.
To know the mental health and depression
among Hindu and Muslim
Hypothesis
1.
Male and Female respond before
significant in their mental health and depression score
2.
Responded belong different age group
before significant different mental health and depression score
3.
Responded belonging to Hindu and Muslim
religion significant difference in their mental health and depression score.
Variable
·
Independent variable : Slum dwellers
·
Dependent variable : Mental health and
depression
Samples
The
Mysore city has 81 areas properly declared as slums. Out of these 81 slums, two
slums have been selected on purposive basis; out of the residents of these
slums 100 slum dwellers from each selected area have been selected by using the
method of quote samples method 50 Hindu and 50 Muslim slum dwellers.
Tools
Interview schedule with attendant technique has been used as tool of data
collection. Technique of interviewing and observation has been used for
gathering information. A tool of the present study was carefully prepared and
was tested for their mental health and depression, reliability and validity.
The method of testing has been of much help in holding such tests
1.
Mental Health Questionnaire by Dr.
Jagadish and Dr. A.K, Srivastava
2.
Personal health Questionnaire depression
scale Standford Patient Education Research center (2001)
Mental health analysis having items, different scales. In the present
scale 4, alternative responses have been given to each statement i.e always
often… 4 scores to ‘Always’ 3 scores ‘often’, 2 scores to ‘Rarely’ and 1 scores
to ‘Never’ marked responses as to assigned for true keyed (positive) statement
where as 1, 2, 3 and 4 scores for ‘Always’ ‘often’ ‘Rarely’ and ‘Never’
respectively in care of false keyed (Negative) statements. The over lined items
are negative while remaining positive. This analysis showing 6 dimensions and
54 items. Reliability is overall .73 and validity of the inventory .54.
Depression analysis having items. If two consecutive numbers are circled,
scored the high (more distress) number. If the numbers are not consecutive, do
not score the item. Score is the sum of the 9 items. If more than 1 item
missing, set the value of the scale to missing. A score of 15 or greater is
considered major depression, 20 or more is severe major depression this
analysis showing 9 items reliability is .88.
Statistical analysis
According
to the plan already prepared uni-variate and multi variate table were drawn
variables have been so arranged that definite inference regarding to presence
or absence of actual relationship as hypothesized may be drawn. In order to
arrive a different conclusions. Statistical method has been applied but greater
reliance has been placed on statistical methods. The regar as we use the
test-mean, SD, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation.
Result and Discussion.
Table No. 1.Distribution of Respondents
According to their Religion in Mental health (N = 100)
|
Sl. No
|
Religion
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
Muslim
|
133.94
|
16.85
|
-1.325
|
|
2
|
Hindu
|
138.14
|
14.73
|
It is not significant
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the Muslim and Hindu religion slum dwellers.
The mean score of mental health of Muslim and Hindu Religion is 133.94 and
138.14 respectively. Where as the SD is 16.856 and 14.747 respectively. The
calculated t-value is -1.326, it is not significant. It shows that there is no
difference in mental health of Muslim and Hindu Religion slum dwellers.
Therefore the hypothesis is rejected.
Table No. 1. Distribution of Respondents
According to their Religion in Personal Health Depression (N = 100)
|
Sl. No
|
Religion
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
Ph.D Muslim
|
15.20
|
4.22
|
-4.135
|
|
2
|
Hindu
|
18.04
|
2.39
|
*Significant at
.000 level
The table shows
that their personal health depression in Muslim and Hindu religion slum
dwellers. The mean score of personal health depression in Muslim and Hindu
Religion slum dwellers is 15.20 and 18.04. Where as the SD is 4.228 and 2.390
respectively. The calculated t-value is -4.135, which significant at .000
level. It shows that there is highly significant difference in the personal
health depression in Muslim and Hindus Religion slum dwellers. Therefore the
hypothesis shows that there is a significant difference between personal health
depression in Muslim and Hindu Religion slum dwellers which is accepted.
Table No3. Distribution of Respondents
According to their gender in Mental Health
(N = 100)
|
Sl. No
|
Religion
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
MH male
|
139.46
|
13.35
|
2.19
|
|
2
|
Female
|
132.06
|
17.55
|
*It is significant
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the male and female gender slum dweller. The
mean score of mental health of male and female is 13.354 and 17.553
respectively. The calculated t-value is 2.193, it is significant. It shows that
there is difference in the mental health of male and female slum dwellers.
Therefore the hypothesis that there is a significant difference between mental
health of male and female slum dwellers which is accepted.
Table No.4.Distribution of Respondents
According to their Gender in Personal Health Depression (N = 100)
|
Sl. No
|
Religion
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
PHD Male
|
17.54
|
2.95
|
2.55
|
|
2
|
Female
|
15.70
|
4.15
|
*It is
significant at .012 level
The table shows
that their personal health depression in male and female slum dwellers. The
mean score of personal health depression in male and female slum dwellers is
17.54 and 2.950. Where as the SD is 2.950 and 4.156 respectively. The
calculated t-value is 2.553, which significant at .012 level. It shows that
there is significant difference in the personal health depression in male and
female slum dwellers. Therefore the hypothesis shows that there is a
significant difference between personal health depression in male and female
slum dwellers which is accepted.
Table No. 5. Distribution of Respondents
According to their Age group in Mental Health
|
Sl. No
|
Age
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
MH 18.40
|
52
|
131.67
|
15.67
|
-2.97
|
|
2
|
40+
|
48
|
140.77
|
14.88
|
*It is
significant
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the age of 18 years or more in slum dwellers.
The mean score of mental health of age group is 131.67 and 140.77 respectively.
Where as the SD is 15.675 and 14.881 respectively. The calculated t-value is
-2.971, it is significant. It shows that there is significant difference in
mental health of age group slum dwellers. Therefore the hypothesis shows that
there is significant differences between mental health in age group slum dwellers which is accepted.
Table No.6. Distribution of Respondents
According to their Age group Personal Health Depression
|
Sl. No
|
Age
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
PHD 18.40
|
52
|
15.83
|
4.04
|
-2.27
|
|
2
|
40+
|
48
|
17.48
|
3.10
|
*Significant at
.025 level
The table shows
that their personal health depression in age group slum dwellers. The mean
score of personal health depression in age group slum dwellers is 15.83 and
17.48. Where as the SD is 4.047 and 3.108 respectively. The calculated t-value
is -2.276, which significant at .025 level. It shows that there is y
significant difference in the personal health depression in age group slum
dwellers. Therefore the hypothesis shows that there is a significant difference
between personal health depressions in age group slum dwellers which is
accepted.
Table No. 6. Distribution of Respondents
According to their Education in Mental Health
|
Sl. No
|
Education
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
MH Illiterate
|
61
|
134.74
|
16.47
|
-1.025
|
|
2
|
Literate
|
39
|
138.08
|
14.91
|
*It is not
significant
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the illiterate and literate slum dwellers.
The mean score of mental health of illiterate and literate is 134.74 and 138.08
respectively. Where as the SD is 164.74 and 14.918 respectively. The calculated
t-value is -1.025, it is not significant. It shows that there is no difference
is mental health of illiterate and literate slum dwellers. Therefore the
hypothesis is rejected.
Table No.7. Distribution of Respondents
According to their Age group Personal Health Depression
|
Sl. No
|
Age
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
PHD Illiterate
|
61
|
16.10
|
3.91
|
-1.78
|
|
2
|
Literate
|
39
|
17.44
|
3.23
|
*Significant at
.078 level
The table shows
that their personal health depression in Illiterate and literate slum dwellers.
The mean score of personal health depression in Illiterate and literate slum
dwellers is 16.10 and 17.44. Where as the SD is 3.910 and 3.235 respectively.
The calculated t-value is -1.781, which significant at .078 level. It shows
that there is no significant difference in the personal health depression in
illiterate and literate slum dwellers. Therefore the hypothesis is rejected.
Table No. 8.Distribution of Respondents
According to their Age group in Mental Health
|
Sl. No
|
Age
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
MH Joint
|
20
|
134.80
|
11.80
|
-.38
|
|
2
|
Nuclear
|
80
|
136.35
|
16.80
|
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the family in slum dwellers. The mean score
of mental health of family (joint and nuclear) is 134.8 and 136.35
respectively. Where as the SD is 11.804 and 16.809 respectively. The calculated
t-value is -.388, it is not significant. It shows that there is no difference
in mental health of Joint and Nuclear slum dwellers. Therefore the hypothesis
is rejected.
Table No.9.Distribution of Respondents
According to Family Personal Health Depression
|
Sl. No
|
Age
|
N
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
PHD Joint
|
20
|
17.75
|
2.19
|
1.536
|
|
2
|
Nuclear
|
80
|
16.34
|
3.9
|
The table shows
that their personal health depression in joint and nuclear family slum
dwellers. The mean score of personal health depression in joint and nuclear
family slum dwellers is 17.75 and 16.34. Where as the SD is 2.197 and 3.95
respectively. The calculated t-value is 1.536, which significant at .128 level
it is not significant. It shows that there is no significant difference in the
personal health depression in joint and nuclear family slum dwellers. Therefore
the hypothesis is rejected.
Table No. 10.Distribution of Respondents
According to their Religion and Gender MH
|
Sl. No
|
Religion Gender
|
Mean
|
SD
|
t-value
|
|
1
|
Muslim Male
Female
Total
|
133.40
134.48
133.94
|
10.75
21.53
16.85
|
6.897
|
|
2
|
Hindu Male
Female
Total
|
145.52
130.76
138.14
|
13.11
12.57
14.73
|
*It is not significant at 0.01 level
The table shows
that their mental health reflects the religion and gender in slum dwellers. The
mean score of mental health of religion and gender is Muslim is 133.40 and
134.48 where as the SD is 10.755 and 21.537 respectively. The F-value is 1.940
it is not significant. It shows that there is no difference in mental health of
Muslim slum dwellers.
The mean score
of mental of religion in Hindu is 145.52 and 130.76. Where as the SD is 13.112
and 12.571 respectively. The F-value is 5.144 it is not significant. It shows
that there is no difference in mental health of Hindu slum dwellers. Therefore
the hypothesis is rejected.
Table No. 11.Distrubution of Respondents According to their Religion
and Gender PHD
|
Sl. No
|
Religion Gender
|
Mean
|
SD
|
F-value
|
|
1
|
Muslim Male
Female
Total
|
16.72
13.68
15.20
|
3.45
4.44
4.22
|
18.69
7.84
3.33
|
|
2
|
Hindu Male
Female
Total
|
18.36
17.72
18.04
|
2.09
2.65
2.39
|
*It
is highly significant at 0.00 level.
The table shows
the personal health depression in Muslim religion slum dwellers. The mean score
of personal health depression in Muslim Religion is 16.72 and 13.68. Where as
SD is 3.45 and 4.41 respectively. The F value is 18.698. Which is significant
at .000 level. It shows that there is highly significant difference in the
personal health depression in Muslim Religion is slum dwellers.
The mean score
of personal health depression in Hindu Religion is 18.36 and 17.72 where as SD
is 2.099 and 2.654 respectively. The F-value is .006,k which is significant at
.006 level. It shows that there is significant difference in the personal
health depression in Hindu Religion slum dwellers.
Therefore the hypothesis
shows that there is significant difference between personal health depression
in religion and gender slum dwellers which is accepted.
Table
No. 12. Distribution of respondents According to their person correlation of MH
and PHD (N = 100)
|
Sl. No
|
M.H
|
PHD
|
|
1
|
Pearson
correlation
Sig
|
.315
.001
|
It is
significant at .001
The table shows
that there the Pearson correlation is .315reflects the mental health and
personal health depression in slum dwellers. It is significant.001 level. Therefore,
the hypothesis is accepted and it shows that there is difference in mental
health and personal health depression in slum dwellers.
Conclusion: The
slum dwellers are not fulfilled their basic needs because, they need the
employement, food and nutrition then they are getting good mental health and
leading the peaceful life.
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