Largest Global Study Highlights Success Of India’s Rural Mental Health Program

A landmark global study conducted by The George Institute for Global Health in New Delhi has demonstrated the significant impact of a rural mental health program in India, combining digital healthcare with community-based initiatives. 

The institute in a press statement on Friday said that the study, the largest of its kind, revealed that this innovative approach can substantially reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among rural populations.

With nearly 150 million people in India needing mental health treatment, the shortage of professionals, especially in rural areas, poses a significant challenge. To address this, India’s Systematic Medical Appraisal, Referral, and Treatment (SMART) Mental Health Program was developed. This program trains village health workers in basic mental health care and utilises digital tools to extend services to underserved communities.

The study involved screening approximately 170,000 adults across the West Godavari, Faridabad, and Palwal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana for depression. Of these, 9,900 participants were part of a 12-month trial that implemented two key strategies: a community campaign aimed at reducing mental health stigma and a digital healthcare initiative for those at high risk of mental disorders.

Key findings from the study include:

• Significant Reduction in Depression Risk: Participants in the intervention group showed a marked decrease in depression risk over one year.

• Higher Cure Rates: The intervention group achieved a 75 per cent cure rate, compared to just 50 per cent in the control group.

• Improved Knowledge and Attitudes: The study noted a substantial increase in mental health awareness and a decrease in the stigma associated with seeking help.

"Our research marks a significant milestone in mental health care," said Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India. "This study, the largest of its kind globally, revealed a substantial reduction in depression risk over one year and highlighted the profound impact of our dual intervention approach.”

Prof. David Peiris, Chief Scientist at The George Institute, emphasised the scalability of the program, noting, "Community health workers, supported by doctors and simple digital tools, can provide high-quality, effective healthcare. The strategy is simple, safe, clinically effective, and can reach large numbers of people missing out on mental health care worldwide.”

The success of the program underscores the potential of digital health solutions to enhance India's National Mental Health Program. The findings align with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lancet Commission's call for innovative strategies to reduce the impact of mental disorders globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.