Assessing the Potential of Participatory Video as a Method in School Based Mental Health Research in India

Abstract Background : Although Participatory Video (PV) is heralded as a powerful form of public participation in research, evidence about its ability to support equitable and inclusive research in low-and-middle income countries is lacking. Our study investigated the feasibility of PV as a tool to support evaluation of a community co-designed, whole school mental health program (Project SAMA) in Karnataka, India. Cultural perspectives around youth voice and stigma related to mental health in India presented uncertainties about the acceptability of PV in this context. Our aim was to determine if PV was a feasible and helpful methodology for school mental health research in India and whether it benefits young people directly.