Youth Wellness Beyond Mental Health: A Multidimensional Survey in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (2025)
Validation of YUWA-JOSH Tool
Keywords:
Youth, Holistic wellness, Mental Health, Educational Environment, YUWA-JOSHAbstract
Abstract
Background:
Youth wellness is a multidimensional construct shaped by physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial and environmental influences. In India, despite a favourable demographic dividend, youth wellness remains underexplored and mental health needs are often unmet.
Objectives:
To assess the multidimensional wellness of youth (15–29 years) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 418 youth recruited from educational institutions using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the self-administered YUWA–JOSH (Youth Upliftment and AWareness Journey towards Optimism, Strength and Harmony) wellness questionnaire covering seven wellness domains. Data described appropriately.
Results:
Of the 418 young participants, the majority were female (59.1%) and between the ages of 15 to 19 years(52.8%). More than half (58.6%) came from low-income families (??30,000/month) and almost half (45.7%) were enrolled in undergraduate programs. Although 62% slept well and more than half (50.5%) exercised routinely. Youth emotional vulnerability, 31.8% of respondents reported engaging in self-harming thoughts or behaviours and 41.6% found spiritual practices meaningful.
Conclusion:
Youth wellness is influenced by a complex interaction of behavioural, social and economic factors. Interventions must adopt a holistic wellness framework integrating physical activity, social support, financial resilience and responsible digital engagement to strengthen youth wellness.
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References
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