International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Physical and Mental Health Status and Quality of Life of Adolescent Orphans in India: A Systematic Review

Orphaned adolescents in India face numerous challenges that can impact their physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the health status and quality of life of adolescent orphans in India. A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2021. Studies that assessed physical health, mental health, or quality of life outcomes in orphaned adolescents (10-19 years) in India were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that orphaned adolescents in India experience higher rates of malnutrition, growth stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies compared to non-orphans. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were also more prevalent among orphans. Quality of life measures were generally lower for orphaned adolescents across multiple domains. Institutional care was associated with poorer outcomes compared to family-based care. Adolescent orphans in India face significant physical and mental health challenges that negatively impact their quality of life. There is a need for targeted interventions to address the specific health needs of this vulnerable population and improve their overall wellbeing. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of various care models and support programs.