An Assessment of Positive Mental Health Among Male and Female B.A.M.S. Students

Abstract

Positive mental health is a vital component of overall well-being and academic success, particularly among students pursuing professional healthcare education. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students are exposed to unique academic, clinical and psychosocial demands that may influence their mental health status. The present study aims to assess the positive mental health among male and female BAMS students. The study sample comprised 164 BAMS students, 58 of male and 106 of females selected through purposive sampling. The Positive mental health inventory (PMHI) developed by Dr. C.D. Agashe and Dr. R.D. Helode consisting of three Components self-acceptance, ego-strength and philosophies of life was used for the study. The tool consists of 36 items. The mean score of male students on positive mental health is 18.52 with a standard deviation of 4.126, whereas the female students obtained a mean score of 17.19 with a standard deviation of 4.036. The results indicate that male students scored slightly higher on positive mental health compared to female students. The results highlight the importance of fostering positive mental health through supportive academic environments, stress management strategies and mental health promotion programs within Ayurvedic educational institutions.