SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVING THE ADOLESCENT’S MENTAL HEALTH BY THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN GIA LAI, VIETNAM FOLLOWING “STRATIFIED COMMUNICATIONS MODEL”

Abstract

COVID-19 endangers people's lives and causes many mental health problems for society, especially for young people. Adolescents’ awareness of this problem is essential to control the pandemic and improve their mental health. This study aims to apply a stratified communication model to affect knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about COVID-19 and evaluate their effects on adolescents' mental health. A cross-sectional study was conducted before and after the intervention based on questionnaires and online and in-person activities launched in Gia Lai from August to December 2021. Students attending Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted (Ts), a community teen group (Tc), and their parents (Ps and Pc) were invited to participate in this study. Most participants (82.5% of Ts and 52.4% of Tc) comply with the pandemic prevention regulations. COVID-19 affected adolescents’ mental health that caused worry, fear, and loss of attention in 76.1% of Ts and 80% of Tc. The results also illustrated that the KAP of Tc was lower than that of Ts, and their academic level influenced the KAP. After the stratified communication intervention, the KAP of the participants, as well as their mental health improved. This model offers a solution to the minimal impact of COVID-19 on young people and the control of this pandemic.