Effectiveness and Factors Associated with Improved Life Skill Levels of Participants of a Large-Scale Youth-Focused Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program (LSTCP): Evidence from India

Gautham Melur Sukumar; Swati S Shahane; Anusha B Shenoy; Srividya Rudrapattana Nagaraja; Prathyusha P Vasuki; Prathap Lingaiah; Shalini Rajneesh; Pradeep S Banandur

doi:10.3390/bs12060191

Effectiveness and Factors Associated with Improved Life Skill Levels of Participants of a Large-Scale Youth-Focused Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program (LSTCP): Evidence from India

Behav Sci (Basel). 2022 Jun 15;12(6):191. doi: 10.3390/bs12060191.

Authors

Gautham Melur Sukumar¹, Swati S Shahane², Anusha B Shenoy², Srividya Rudrapattana Nagaraja², Prathyusha P Vasuki³, Prathap Lingaiah⁴, Shalini Rajneesh⁵, Pradeep S Banandur¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India.
² Life Skills Project, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India.
³ Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India.
⁴ State NSS Wing, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru 560001, India.
⁵ Planning Department, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru 560001, India.

Abstract

(1) Background: To empower and facilitate mental health promotion for nearly 18 million youth, a pioneering state-wide Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program (LSTCP) was implemented in Karnataka, India. This study assesses the changes in life skills scores, level of life skills and factors associated with increased life skills among participants of the LSTCP. (2) Method: This pre-post study design was conducted on 2669 participants who underwent a six-day structured LSTCP. Changes in mean life skills scores and level of life skill categories pre- and post-LSTCP were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the factors associated with increases in life skills. (3) Results: The LSTCP resulted in significant changes in life skill scores and level of life skills, indicating the effectiveness of the training. All life skill domains, except empathy and self-awareness, increased post-training. There was a positive shift in the level of life skills. Age (AOR = 1.34, CI = 1.11-1.62), gender (AOR = 1.39, CI = 1.15-1.68), education (AOR = 1.44, CI = 1.05-1.97) and physical (AOR = 1.02, CI = 1.01-1.03) and psychological (AOR = 1.02, CI = 1.01-1.03) quality of life was associated with an increase in life skills among participants. (4) Conclusions: The LSTCP is effective in improving the life skills of participants. The LSTCP modules and processes can be used to further train youth and contribute to mental health promotion in the state.

Keywords: Yuva Spandana; life skills; mental health; training; youth.

Grants and funding

The primary data collection for the Life Skills Training and Counselling Services Program was funded by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, state NSS cell, Government of Karnataka. However, there was no funding for the preparation of this article.