The Impact of Nuclear Families on Mental Health in Urban India: Unravelling the Complex Web

 

In the bustling urban landscape of India, family structures have undergone a profound transformation. Traditional joint families, once the bedrock of Indian society, have gradually given way to nuclear families. This shift has far-reaching implications, not only for immediate family dynamics but also for mental health. In this blog, we delve into the impact of nuclear families on mental well-being in urban India, exploring the multifaceted influences and challenges.

Historically, joint family systems prevailed in India, characterized by multi-generational living arrangements. However, factors such as industrialization, employment opportunities, and migration patterns led to the erosion of this model. Urbanization disrupted age-old norms, making nuclear families more practical and feasible.

According to the 2011 Census, nuclear families constitute a significant portion of Indian households in urban areas. The percentage of nuclear families increased from  2001 to 70.11% in 2011, indicating a slight increase in their prevalence. In contrast, the percentage of joint families declined from 19.1% in 2001 to 16.1% in 2011.The number of grandparents living with their families has also decreased over the years. While data on this specific aspect is limited, studies suggest a decline in co-residence arrangements between grandparents and their grandchildren.

In nuclear families, both spouses often work outside the home, leaving children in the care of servants. This separation may lead to loneliness and emotional insecurity among children, contributing to anxiety and stress. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in 2015 found a correlation between loneliness and higher rates of depression among children raised in nuclear families.The absence of extended family members—such as grandparents—may result in social isolation. Grandparents play a crucial role in providing emotional support, wisdom, and a sense of continuity.A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2018 revealed that children raised in nuclear families were more likely to report feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Nuclear families may face increased financial pressure due to shared responsibilities. The lack of a support system exacerbates stress related to finances.A study published in the Journal of Family Studies in 2020 found that financial strain was a significant predictor of marital conflict in nuclear families.They may take following routes:

·       1.Urban nuclear families must actively seek professional mental health support. Awareness campaigns and accessible mental health services are crucial.

·      2. Creating surrogate support networks—friends, neighbors, or community groups—which can mitigate feelings of isolation.

3.Grandparents provide a safe and understanding space for children to express their feelings and seek comfort. They offer valuable life experiences and wisdom that help young people navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Grandparents inspire children by sharing their own stories and achievements.

 Addressing The challenges

·       1.Encourage families to maintain connections with grandparents and other extended family members, even if they live far away.

·       2.Foster community-based programs that provide children with opportunities for social interaction and mentorship.

·       3.Raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional help.

·     4.Consider policy changes that support extended family living arrangements and provide resources for families facing challenges.

While nuclear families offer independence and privacy, they also pose mental health challenges. Recognizing these complexities and fostering a holistic approach to well-being is essential. Grandparents, despite their traditional roles, remain vital pillars of emotional stability and wisdom. As India continues to evolve, balancing modernity with the wisdom of generations becomes crucial for mental health in urban households.

 

 

Effect of Air Pollution on Health and its Contribution to heart disease in the adult population of Lucknow District.

Introduction:

Air pollution has emerged as a pressing global challenge, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. The Centre for Climate Change and Health, under the Shohratgarh Environmental Society, had been working on issues related to Environmental and human health. CCCH conducted a study providing valuable insights into the extent of air pollution and its impact on the population in Lucknow. The study consisted of two parts, the first being a perception analysis. As per the report, the majority of citizens perceived the air quality to be poor, second part of the study included various health effects of air pollution on the citizens. It is evident that urgent action is required to address this critical issue. This article will delve into the findings of the study, highlighting the causes and consequences of air pollution, as well as the need for increased awareness and collective efforts to reduce pollution levels. By understanding the gravity of the situation and taking concrete steps to curb air pollution, we can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.

Study findings:

The study was conducted in different major regions of Lucknow regarding the pressing issue of air pollution, revealing that a majority of the population perceives the air quality to be poor. When asked how would they rate the air quality of the city on a scale of 1 – 10 the majority of people gave a low score. While 79.4% gave the lowest score of 1, overall 98.8% people gave a score of less than 5 while 1% believed air quality to be fine and scored it over 5.

 The study indicates that air pollution affects the older generation, particularly those aged 45 and above, to a greater extent, but the younger population is also increasingly developing problems. 

The study identifies several key factors contributing to air pollution, as perceived by the citizens, including deforestation, motor vehicle emissions, overpopulation, and the open burning of waste. The findings of the study emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the impact of pollution from sources such as thermal power plants and smoking. 

In terms of health effects, the study identifies direct health impacts associated with air pollution as well as respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and potential mental health impacts as the main consequences of air pollution. The citizens are well aware of these health risks and believe that air pollution worsens the effects of COVID-19. It also showed how the younger generation is becoming more susceptible to air pollution-related issues. The direct health impact trend can be seen in the following graph

The underlying health conditions were also studied to correlate pollution levels with heart-related conditions. Considering the recent rise in heart-induced deaths in the younger population, our study showed a similar trend where the highest percentage of individuals with high blood pressure was observed in the 18-30 age group which also had the highest prevalence of high blood sugar and thyroid-related issues.

Thyroid-related issues were prominent in areas with high levels of pollution. The thyroid gland is a major regulator of cardiac function and might be the prime reason for increased heart-related issues in more polluted areas

The study also suggests that citizens recognize the need for taking action to reduce air pollution, including holding industries accountable and promoting individual responsibility.

A higher proportion of people believe instead of open burning of waste, recycling programs should be started to minimize open dumping of waste thereby reducing the open burning.

All these measures can only be realized and efficiently conducted with the help of government agencies to which more than 99 percent agreed with 48 percent of them strongly agreeing that government should take more initiative to promote awareness regarding air pollution.

Addressing the health issues associated with air pollution and reducing its detrimental effects require collaborative efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals. These efforts should involve implementing measures to reduce emissions, improving air quality standards, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the health impacts of air pollution. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of environmental education, sensitization programs, and citizen participation in clean-up initiatives to enhance awareness and encourage climate action, especially among the younger generation.

Overall, the study underscores the significance of air pollution as a critical public health concern and emphasizes the need for comprehensive actions to mitigate its adverse effects on respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health. By prioritizing cleaner air and adopting sustainable practices, we can strive towards a healthier future for ourselves and future generations.

Conceptualized by: Mr. Sandeep Srivastava, Harshit Mishra

Study and analysis: Harshit Mishra

Graphics: Dev Rastogi

Surveyor: Mr. Ramraj 

You can contact us at sesindia@sesindia.org to access the complete study.

India : Superpower???

Around 800 million people in the world still do not have food to eat to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Recently Global Hunger Index was released by The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). IFPRI  calculates GHI scores every year to assess progress towards combating hunger. Though hunger level has fallen by 29 % in developing countries but India is  ranked 97 and categorized with serious hunger level. It is below than neighborhood country like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka . India has only better score than Afghanistan, Pakistan, Timor-leste  and  North Korea in South Asia. GHI assesses  hunger on 4 criteria:

1. Undernourishment

2. Stunting

3. Wasting

4. Child Mortality

As per recent data 40 % of children(under 5 year age ) in India are stunted compared to 60 % in 1990. While analyzing the report, Iraq is in better position than India. Though more than a decade  old unrest takes toll on country.  Central African Republic and Chad have the highest GHI scores(means alarming condition)  in the report , relatively lower percentage over year 2000. On other hand, country like Rawanda , Cambodia and Myanmar have seen largest percentage reduction in hunger of all countries cateogrized as serious or alarming.

1.  Undernourishment is down by 75 % in Myanmar in comparison to year 2000.
2.  Wasting and child mortality  is down by 75 % in Rawanda in comparison to year 2000.
3.  Child Mortality and stunting  is down by 75 and 34 % in Cambodia in comparison to year 2000.

Iraq, Central African Republic , Chad, Myanmar, Rawanda either faced conflict,mass displacement or civil war or democratically ruled by Army. But , what is the reason of poor performance of largest democracy in the world -India on GHI Index??  Literally, It has not faced any war in last 17 years or civil unrest , conflict.. There is no doubt that India is best performing economy of the world. Current Growth rate is approximately 7 percent. Purchasing power Parity of India has improved over the years but It  is still lagging behind in comparison to China and USA. But there are "ifs" and "buts". There is huge potential in the country .But it still faces developmental challenges. Cast-ism   is compounded by by the emergence of new  inequalities of wealth stemming from India’s economic success. Fraud, bribery, political corruption and nepotism are big challenge to vast country like India.

India is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers of staple crops, fruits, horticulture, and dairy. Employment in Agriculture is 48.9% of the workforce, yet Contribution of Agriculture in GDP has reduced to 17.4 %(2014-15). India’s cereal yields ((2961.6 kg per ha)are drastically lower than those of developed regions such as North America (6671 kg per ha), East Asia and the Pacific (5,184 kg per ha), and the Euro area (5855.4 kg per ha). Climate change has added to the enormity of India’s food security challenges.It impacts crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, and  cause grave social and economic consequences in the form of reduced incomes, eroded livelihoods, trade disruption and adverse health impacts. However, it is important to note that the net impact of climate change depends not only on the extent of the climatic shock but also on the underlying vulnerabilities.The impact of climate change on water availability  particularly severe for India because large parts of the country already suffer from water scarcity, to begin with, and largely depend on groundwater for irrigation.The regions with high food insecurity and inequality, have increased frequency of droughts and floods ,affecting children more, given their vulnerability.  

If India  wants to be a superpower, It has to take transformative plan of action as follows:

1.  To Integrate  Zero Hunger in National Plan  with indicators, targets and timeline.
2. To work with finance and planning ministries to fulfill requirement of budget towards zero hunger in the country.
3. To Prioritize Policy with Sustainable development goals .
4. Coordination across the sector such as Health, Agriculture,  Education, Nutrition , WASH and Social Protection to fulfill the goal of zero hunger in the country.

After seven decade of independence of India, there are  194.6 million  people  hungry, that God still  appear to them except in the form of bread. India has failed to achieve MDG and WSF target in past, Hopefully, It shall achieve SDG target in time. 

Nutritional Paradox of India

     

India is such a land of extreme paradoxes  with 40-50  'dollar billionaires' on the one hand and 260 million below poverty line people on the other. When we talk of nutrition, issue of malnutrition in country pops up first .Even growing awareness about benefit of health & fitness does not help the India. In India , more than 3 percent (viz. approx. 3 crore) of the Indian population is obese and many more are overweight.  Though , industrial policy of India was rolled out in year 1956. But, it really came out of box after liberalization of  1991. It improved economic situation of the country, increasing urbanization, nutrition transition to world palate, and reduced physical activity, the prevalence of obesity is showing a marked upward trend in adults as well as children. Let us not be startled at the fact that we and our children are probably the most sedentary generation of people in the history of India. India has given scope for two type of malnutrition: under nutrition & over nutrition.. In coming years, country shall face obesity as major challenge as there is increasing number of overweight & obese.The urban area is more prone to it. The reason is sedentary life style.UN has declared 21st june as International yoga day.Citizen must inculcate yoga in their daily routine. It shall help India to do away with increasing danger of health issue...

Note:SES works on malnutrition but looking obesity as serious challenge in coming years. 

ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE

THE PRACTICE OF CHILD MARRIAGE IS NOT NEW FOR OUR WORLD. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY IN COUNTRIES OF SOUTH ASIA, SOUTH AFRICA & LATIN AMERICA. EACH YEAR MORE THAN 14 MILLION GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD WILL BE MARRIED BEFORE 18. IN OTHER WORDS 384612/DAY,27/MINUTE, 1 IN EVERY 2 SECOND.IN INDIA, CHILD MARRIAGE CAME UNDER EXAMINATION DURING SOCIAL REFORM IN COLONIZED INDIA. 

130 MILLION SOUTH ASIAN GIRLS EXPECTED TO FORCE INTO EARLY MARRIAGE BY 2030.INDIA HAS LARGEST NUMBER OF CHILD BRIDES IN THE WORLD. THOUGH , INCIDENCE HAS BEEN DECREASING. IT AFFECTS BOYS & GIRLS BOTH BUT IT AFFECTS GIRLS IN GRATER NUMBER  & WITH GRAVER CONSEQUENCES . TO END CHILD MARRIAGE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILL SHALL BE ENHANCED ON :

1. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

2. HUMAN RIGHTS

3. FINANCIAL LITERACY

4. LIFE SKILLS

5. SERVICES & OPPORTUNITIES

OVER ALL , ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE NEEDS SELF TRANSFORMATION OF INDIVIDUAL I.E. SELF AWARENESS & SELF EFFICACY, ENHANCED ASPIRATION, ENHANCED OPPORTUNITIES & ALTERNATIVES, VOICE & SELF EXPRESSION. IT CAN BE DONE THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING, CONTROL OVER RESOURCES & MAKING INFORMED CHOICES.

  

NOTE: SES LOOKS CHILD MARRIAGE  A SOCIAL PROBLEM WHICH GIVES BIRTH TO OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS. SES IS MEMBER OF GIRLS NOT BRIDES. GIRLS NOT BRIDES AIMS TO END CHILD MARRIAGE. AT SES, WE BELIEVE, IT IS ONCE A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE THE FACE OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE MOST OF IT. JOIN US TO END THE MENACE OF CHILD MARRAIGE.

Befooled or deliberately behaving like fool??

It has been five years in this sector, It was an eye opener. I have observed & learned about operating style of this sector. I would like to share few of my thoughts & what will one should choose to remain in sector.

 Earlier this was found that person who did not achieve or failed enters in this sector
(exception are always there). But  scenario has changed in last few years. People are employing business graduate . It is good sign  for this sector . But a sustainable revenue model is still ken for those who run these organization. One has three options for funding: Government, Foreign & Private Sector.

We know government has ample resources but rampant corruption is hampering the development process. New trend has been seen that you work, pay & I'll reimburse you. Those organization which have various funders, they do not want to touch government projects or you can say they have vision for those organization. But, those small organization who fight for survival, has no option. Some of them work, pay & reimbursement model. I have seenone  organization who work , paid around 15 lakh rupees but have not reimbursed after one year of project end date. Babuswill only pass your file to next table when you give then some bribe(Suvidha fees- convenience fess)   I'd like  to suggest those involved NGO to  if you can manage such kind of money , why can not your start your own work in those amount??? what is difference between you & a contractor?? you have started working on basis of passion for social issue, why would you pay for that project. Let them realize they are social servant, they have to do their work . It is not our work . I think somewhere NGOs lost their social esteem & started working as slave in  some historic dynasty.

As far as foreign funders, it is assumed that India is rich country & most of people have come out of poverty . Some of renowned agency is phasing out. Those who are remained, corruption is still there. Those working in these agencies come from same community. They love to pass projects once they get some dough(Exception is also there). They are those shameless person who once dreamt to make difference in society.

Earlier those agencies have made project acceptance complex with bizarre jargons. I think , all of those have different vision for their organization , not for this country  & their implementing partners has to follow their orders as they have to for survival.


While private partners  are in nascent stage & have their own agenda.  Most of them treat CSR as clandestine mission . They do not want others to reach them . Most of these professionals companies do not have web pages or address to reach them . They think CSR means either engage their employee in some community work or work near their plant. They must broaden CSR term. they have to establish separate office and let's start difficult & unreachable terrain of India. I have contacted some of corporates & they replied they are working in poorer region. I thought- Does my organization works in affluent area . Eastern Part of Uttar Pradesh is most backward region of Uttar Pradesh . One of agency have made their strategy as  they will work in telanagana , vidarbh, Mewar..I have mailed them , your strategy is either based on media reports or you have not traveled India except few parts.  Rather than implementing partners working on various issue. It would be great if companies adopt villages & focus on their over all development.

Most inevitable thing, NGO sector need to be organized . There are two different thing either you are befooled by someone or you like to remain a fool . If you are befooled once, let's change the situation. If you are befooled several times ,let's change the situation.  Learning from your mistake lead to you pinnacle . If you do not, you are near about nadir & no external factor is going to save you.

 
  

Social Media & NGO

We live in a world in which many good people and various organization are working.  Non-Governmental Organizations Is one of them. they are independent from the government. We Know perform several role from working for vulnerable community, bring citizen's crucial before the government & encourage community to particiapte & demand for their rights.In India, there are 3.3 million NGOs.In this crowded market, every NGO wants to be different & stand out of clutter. As they are tagged as "Non-profit", Morethan 90 % NGOs have limited resources. Like Companies, they can spent on marketing for their work or selling a product from a community based organization.

In Last 5 years, social media emerged as a tool where everyone wants that people hear their voice. Whether it is facebook, twitter , linkedin , you tube, blogger or word press et al . Actually Social Media(SM) is pretty low in costs. You just need a computer or smart phone with internet connection and you can spread your work orappeal for crticial causes online.It gives an opportunity where  NGO can converse with general public or audience. social Media is certainly growing but it is extremely importnat for A NGO to make & choose proper social media strategy.As A NGO has to do following things:


- Create a Facebook page for their organization. Use another or new id for facebook. The person who is enged or handling may leave organization & another person can take over.
- Do Not only mail or demand for donation but they must be convinced with story telling.
- Prefer Writing Blog rather than pasting link of other site, it will increase of that site not of yours.
- MAke Good use of pictures on your web page.
- Use Microsoft Essentials such as gallery or movie maker to give professional look to organization.
- Make powerful status quote & blog regularly to your social media.
- you can also use outlook.com & sky drive too.

Social Media can play important role in reach of NGOs if they use it smartly.