Reduced distress or symptoms of disorder (MHPSS)
Indicator Name
Indicator ID in PRIME
Definition
This is an indicator for use in project logframes which contributes to the strategy outcome indicator '% of children and adults who demonstrate improved mental health and/or psychosocial wellbeing'.
This indicator measures the percentage of children and adults participating in SC mental health (MH) and/or psychosocial support (PSS) programs (standalone or integrated) who report or demonstrate reduced distress (or reduced symptoms of disorder –for clinical interventions only) (as one of the 6 dimensions of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing) over a specified time period. Please see guidance on thresholds of exposure.
This indicator focusses on the extent of prolonged disabling distress and/or presence of mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorder (or symptoms thereof). This dimension is most relevant in clinical/specialised settings, including work addressing more severe/complex forms of mental health difficulties. At the moment, this is not a strong focus of our work.
Children: boys and girls under the age of 18.
Adults: includes caregivers, volunteers and professionals aged 18 and over.
Numerator
Number of children and adults who report or demonstrate reduced distress (or reduced symptoms of disorder –for clinical interventions only) over a specified time period.
Denominator
Number of children and adults in SC MH and/or psychosocial programs targeting distress or symptoms of disorder during the same specified time period.
Recommended Means of Verification
Improved mental health and/ or psychosocial wellbeing can be measured through quantitative and/or qualitative measures.
For quantitative assessments, it is recommended that COs use standardised measures which have been validated for the context and the language in which the measure will be administered; and for the age, gender and level of ability of the individuals participating in the assessment. For standardised/manualised programs or program components, specific MoVs/M&E packages may be recommended by program developers. For programs/program components that are not standardised/manualised, and/or that do not include MoVs/M&E packages recommended by program developers, COs can refer to the IASC MHPSS matrix or online database to select an appropriate quantitative or qualitative measures or tool.
The data should capture:
Age of program participant
Caregiver/Adult Type (if they are an adult)
Dimension of mental health and/or well-being:
a) Improved functioning
b) Improved subjective well-being
c) Reduced distress and/or mental, neurological or substance use disorders
d) Improved ability to cope with problems
e) Improved social behaviour
f) Improved social connectedness
To calculate the indicator's value, divide the numerator by the denominator. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.