Psychosocial health status of institutionalised orphans in Lucknow district of North India

Abstract

Background: Children living in orphanage homes represent a socially vulnerable group at increased risk for psychological issues including anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, and difficulties in forming social relationships. Despite government initiatives, there remains limited local evidence on their health status in India.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over one year (April 2024–March 2025) in six randomly selected government and private orphanage homes. The study included 114 children aged 11 to 18 years who had resided in the orphanage for at least six months. Data collection involved the use of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire for psychosocial assessment. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied using SPSS v24.
Results: Among 114 orphanage children aged 11–18 years, 62.3% had abnormal total difficulty scores on the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), indicating significant psychosocial problems, while 22.8% were borderline. Peer relationship problems (65.8%) were the most affected domain, followed by conduct problems (44.7%) and hyperactivity (43%). Emotional problems were present in 28% of children, whereas prosocial behaviour was normal in 97.4%. Psychosocial difficulties significantly affected classroom learning and friendships, with boys showing higher psychosocial morbidity than girls (p<0.05).
Conclusion: A high prevalence of psychosocial problems was observed among children living in orphanage homes, particularly in peer relationships, conduct, and emotional well-being. Early identification, regular mental health screening, counselling services, and supportive institutional environments are essential to improve their psychosocial health and overall development.