Stress & substance use: Hidden health crisis among teen boys
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 11 2025: A recent study published in 'Educational Administration: Theory and Practice' (2025, Vol 31, Issue 1) has uncovered a concerning health crisis among adolescent boys in the state.

The study links health risks to cultural capital, showing how socio-economic and educational disparities shape the lifestyle choices of young boys, often leading to poor nutrition, sedentary habits, and a lack of mental health awareness.

The research, conducted by Nameirakpam Prembala Chanu, a research scholar at Arunodaya University, Arunachal Pradesh, research guide Ignatius Prabhakar, and assistant professor Laitonjam Muhindro, both from S Kula Women's College, reveals alarming trends in fast food consumption, high stress levels, and substance use among teenagers, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The study, which surveyed 250 adolescent boys from various high er secondary schools in Imphal West district using the snowball sampling method, found that nearly 48 per cent of respondents admitted to consuming fast food daily, while over 50 per cent ate junk food at least once a week.

Low-income families, in particular, struggled to provide nutritious food, making processed and unhealthy options a staple in many adolescents' diets.

Researchers point to financial constraints, lack of dietary awareness, and peer influence as major factors behind these eating habits, which are linked to obesity, poor academic performance, and long-term health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Equally troubling are the high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among teenage boys.

The study found that students from private schools and Meetei religious backgrounds reported significantly higher levels of emotional distress due to academic pressure, societal expectations, and peer comparisons.

Despite these challenges, very few adolescents sought professional help, highlighting the stigma and lack of mental health literacy in the region.

With limited access to counselling services and little awareness about coping mechanisms, many teenagers were left to deal with stress in unhealthy ways.

One of the most concerning findings of the study is the prevalence of substance use among adolescent boys, particularly alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Researchers found that peer pressure, cultural acceptance of betel nut, and a lack of parental supervision contributed to early exposure to these harmful habits.

Boys from lower-income backgrounds were especially vulnerable, as they had fewer recreational and educational resources to engage in healthier activities.

The study indicates that substance use is not only a health issue but also a reflection of deeper social inequalities, where adolescents with limited access to positive role models and structured activities are more likely to fall into risky behaviours.

Physical inactivity further compounds these health risks.

The study found that less than 45 per cent of respondents engaged in regular physical activity, with many leading sedentary lifestyles dominated by mobile phone use, television, and video games.

While students from higher-income families had access to sports facilities and structured physical education programmes, many others lacked both the motivation and the infrastructure to stay active.

This imbalance further exacerbates health disparities, putting lower-income adolescents at higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced cognitive function.

The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to address these interconnected health crises.

Researchers recommend that schools integrate comprehensive health education programmes covering nutrition, physical activity, mental health awareness, and substance abuse prevention.

They also emphasise the importance of expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, particularly in government schools where resources are often lacking.

To combat the rising trend of fast food consumption, subsidised nutrition programmes should be introduced to ensure that all adolescents have access to healthy, affordable meals.

Another key recommendation is parental and community involvement in promoting adolescent health.

The study suggests that parents need to be more engaged in their children's dietary habits, mental well-being, and physical activity levels.

Community-led initiatives, such as anti-substance campaigns and youth engagement programmes, can provide alternative outlets for adolescents, reducing their exposure to unhealthy influences.

Additionally, improving public infrastructure for exercise, including safe parks and sports complexes, can encourage regular physical activity among teenagers.

The findings of this study paint a stark picture of the hidden health crisis affecting adolescent boys in the state.

Poor nutrition, rising stress levels, and increasing substance use are not isolated issues but are deeply interconnected, requiring a multi-faceted approach to address them.

Without immediate action from educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and parents, the long-term consequences could be severe, affecting not just individual health but the overall well-being of youth population.

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