@article{104146,
  keywords = {Adolescent, Mental well-being, Physical disability, socio-economic disadvantage, leprosy},
  author = {Darlong J and Govindasamy K and Rao M and Thanapati K and Patta V and Francis S and Pani G and Manickam M and Mendis T},
  title = {Mental well-being among adolescents and young adults affected by leprosy and physical disabilities in vocational training centres in India: a cross-sectional study},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Adolescents and young adults affected by leprosy and physical disabilities are vulnerable to poor mental well-being, particularly in settings marked by stigma and socioeconomic disadvantage. However, data on mental well-being within vocational rehabilitation settings remain limited.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents and young adults enrolled in six vocational training centres operated by The Leprosy Mission Trust India during the 2023–2024 academic year. Mental well-being was assessed using the 14-item Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Demographic, socioeconomic, leprosy-related, and disability-related data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, group comparisons, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with low mental well-being (WEMWBS score &lt;41).</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>A total of 660 participants were included. The mean WEMWBS score was 56.47 (SD 9.9), with 41.2% reporting high, 49.3% average, and 9.5% low mental well-being. Participants with physical disabilities had significantly lower mean mental well-being scores compared with those without disabilities. Leprosy status alone was not associated with poorer mental well-being. In multivariable analysis, presence of disability (adjusted OR 4.3, 95% CI: 2.2–8.3) and female gender (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0–2.9) were independently associated with poor mental well-being, while below-poverty-line status was associated with lower odds (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>Mental well-being was generally favourable among students attending vocational training centres; however, individuals with physical disabilities demonstrated substantially higher risk of poor outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of integrating disability-sensitive mental health screening and psychosocial support within rehabilitation and vocational training programmes.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Leprosy Review},
  volume = {97},
  pages = {1 - 12},
  month = {09/2026},
  publisher = {Lepra},
  issn = {2162-8807},
  url = {https://leprosyreview.org/admin/public/api/lepra/website/getDownload/6a995136afaac15f035f64c2},
  doi = {10.47276/lr.97.3.2026028},
  language = {ENG},
}