No abstract available.
Mental Health*

Introduction: : This study examines the effectiveness of Life in My Days, Inc community-based mental health education programs on the awareness of mental health issues among students between the ages of 15-24. Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational, cross-sectional design using a self-administered online questionnaire developed by authors which consists of brief psychological status and community based programs effectiveness measurements. Results: Attending community-based awareness programs have a positive effect on the level of awareness about mental health issues. Data revealed that 70.2% were satisfied with the information given at different events. Overall program quality rating was good among 77.9% of them, 56.7% agreed that the programs’ materials were relevant, and 66.3% (n= 69) of them acknowledged that they gained knowledge and skills. The tendency to recommend similar events to a friend was higher among those who have suicide ideation 94% (n= 33) than those who don’t 68.1% (n= 32), and higher among those who lost a loved one from suicide 85.7% (n= 6) than those who have not 78.7% (n= 59). Conclusion: The risk of mental illnesses depends on social factors; therefore its prevention strategies need to address the setting of each of the identities carried by individuals as a necessary step in adapting processes and interventions aiming to achieve the ultimate outcome of better mental health among them.
Mental health

Introduction: Previous studies have found that unwed pregnant teenagers have a variety of psychological issues such as loss of self-confidence, emotional stress, fear, worry, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In addition, the society’s negative perception has made these teenagers to be alienated and mocked by the community and also by their own family members. Thus, this research aims to identify the mental health state and also to deeply explore on these teenagers’ emotional and psychological conditions. Methods: This research adopts qualitative phenomenological research design. Four residents of a Protection Centre in Johor Bahru have been selected through purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data has been transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis method. Results: Results obtained show that the teenagers’ mental health symptoms are at moderate to severe states. They also show signs of emotional disturbance such as depression, seclusion, difficulty in sleeping, lips dry, easy to sweat, uncontrolled emotion, no appetite, headache, anxiety or worry, negative thoughts and not energetic. Apart from these, they also experience unstable emotional and psychological situations such as sadness, anger, fear, shock, stress and guilt due to shaming their families. Conclusion: This study is expected to provide an early explanation on mental health among Muslim unwed pregnant teenagers. Therefore, the appropriate methods to use in addressing their emotional and psychological states need to be explored.
Mental health

Introduction: The advancement of technology and an ecological shift in the creative media industry requires managers and TV production workers to adapt to changes to ensure their well-being. Recent development shows a growing concern for the mental, physical and social health of creative media workers that demands a more in-depth investigation. Studies have found that those working in television production are facing long hours of work, poor pay, isolation and insecurity. However, there is little empirical research undertaken on those who work in the Malaysian creative media industry, especially Malay Muslims. Studies of media workers in Malaysia are mostly concerned with news production and the impact of reporting and journalistic challenges. The purpose of this study is to explore how Malay Muslim creative media workers manage and negotiate their mental health and well-being issues. Methods: By employing a phenomenological approach, interviews were conducted with seven participants, exploring their experience in the creative media industry. Results: The study found four emergent themes: (a) passion and commitment for creative endeavours, (b) work culture, (c) issue on work-life balance, and (d) role of religion. Discussion: This study is an attempt towards understanding the mental health of those working in the creative and entertainment realms in Malaysia. Based on the findings, implication for practitioners and future studies are discussed
Mental health

Poor mental health can affect a person’s quality of life and well-being, impacting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical functioning. Mental health difficulties have been found commonly in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who often struggle to cope with a range of challenges. These parents tend to have reduced overall wellbeing. This review study targeted an under-researched area, aiming to review mental health studies on the coping strategies used by Muslim parents of children with ASD in Malaysia, focusing on psychospiritual strategies. Journal articles were searched via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Mendeley software online databases using relevant keywords. This narrative review identified 5 studies that examined parental coping, but only 4 reported the inclusion of Muslims. This review identified a gap in published knowledge regarding coping from a spiritual perspective in Muslim families of children with ASD in Malaysia and recommended future research from a biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective.
Mental health

Background: Mental toughness is believed to be one of the key factors that may help resident physicians endure their training. Objective: Determine the mental toughness of resident physicians in a private tertiary hospital in Davao City, Philippines using the Mental Toughness Index. Methods: The researchers utilized the MTI and added open ended questions to identify positive and negative factors for the Resident’s MTI scores. The questionnaires were distributed to the residents using the online platform. The responses were recorded using the Likert scales and the short answers given were categorized as nominal data. Results: The study had 37 respondents out of 42 total residents with an over-all response rate of 88.09%. The survey showed that female residents have a significantly higher scores. Resident with the age of 31 years and above have greater scores than younger co-residents. The Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYNE) had the highest scores (50.4, SD, +/- 4.04 vs 50.4, SD, +/- 2.79) among all the clinical departments. The Department of Pediatrics had the lowest mean score of 43.67 (SD, +/- 4.39). The study showed that junior residents have the highest MTI mean scores (49, +/- 3.47) and the mid-level of trainees had the lowest mean MTI scores (46.10, SD +/- 3.51). Residents with previous residency training experience have higher mean scores (50.67, SD +/- 4.37). Support Group was the most cited positive factor identified by the trainees. On the other hand, Personal Reasons were the most frequent negative factor that affect their mental toughness. Conclusion The study showed female residents, residents aged greater than 31 years, Surgical and OB GYNE residents, Junior Residents and Residents with previous residency training have better MTI scores. Social support groups and personal reasons could positively and negatively impact in their mental toughness, respectively.
Mental Health

COVID 19 pandemic altered how people work and study. The unfamiliarity to the sudden shift to virtual/remote platforms particularly in the teaching-learning process brought poor mental health in the academe. Constituents of the College of Pharmacy in the University of the Philippines Manila is no exception. The College promoted mental health among its constituents-students, faculty, and staff, through facilitated/supervised self-care, where the usual manner is an individual kind. The approach to the management of stress was holistic to better support the current mode of teaching-learning which uses the virtual platform. Both the initiatives of faculty members and the activities offered by the administration of the college received positive responses and favorable outcomes from the participants. Further studies on the effects of the offered programs and initiatives may result in more regular events and inclusion to the Pharmacy curriculum, respectively.
Mental Health

Background: The mental health and well-being of PhilHealth frontline workers were investigated to inform decision-makers and organizations in developing policies and programs to promote welfare of employees, thereby subsequently improving productivity and service delivery. Objectives: The study aimed to describe the demographic profile of participants and their level of mental health and well-being as well as to determine if a significant relationship exists between the said variables. Methodology: This is descriptive research that gathered respondents’ socio-demographic data. The target population was PhilHealth frontline workers all over the Philippines. Two existing self-report scales were used to measure the mental health and well-being of respondents. Statistical tools were then used to interpret data. Results: The majority of demographic factors were related to mild anxiety levels. The mean scores suggest that ages 20-29 are more anxious than those aged 50 and above. Other findings noted that the position title of Administrative Aide III and place of assignment in PhilHealth Regional Office II and XII showed a severe level of anxiety. Mean scores also showed mild anxiety as the length of years working in the corporation increased. In conclusion, age, years in service and place of assignment have a significant negative impact on participants’ mental health. Conclusion In conclusion, age, years in service and the place of assignment were the variables found to have a statistically recognizable impact on mental health and well-being of PhilHealth frontline workers. These findings were considered in proposing Mental Health Programs for PhilHealth employees.
Mental Health

Background: The seafarers' poor mental health has been associated with significant morbidity, inefficiency, and accidents on board. Mental and physical health is largely dependent on the way seafarers handle stressors.
Anchored on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this study aimed to identify the typology of Filipino merchant marine ratings according to their coping strategies to stressors on board vessels.

Methods: Thirty-seven (37) Filipino merchant marine ratings participated in this study. They were chosen by purposive sampling. They rank-ordered 25 opinion statements on various stressors and coping mechanisms. The rank-ordered sorts were subjected to by-person factor analysis with Varimax rotation using the PQ Method version 2.32. The resulting factors were interpreted using the inductive approach, aided by the interview done after Q sorting.

Results: Four factors were generated: solution-focused seafarers, stressor-focused seafarers, self-management- focused seafarers, and the social milieu-focused seafarers. There is a consensus on the supplication-focused seafarers who ask for God's help in times of stress.

Conclusion: The generated typology provides a better understanding of seafarers' outlook on stress and coping and may help the stakeholders craft individualized strategies to help improve their coping mechanisms and overall mental health. Occupational health research must continue to focus on understanding the role of culture and adaptation on stress and coping behaviors to retain quality seafarers and promote a healthier workplace.

Currently, mental health issues are of greatest importance to society as it is considered to be a growing invisible pandemic. It is strongly suggested to address concerns in the field of neurology and psychiatry, especially at the community level. One of the most popular interventions that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends is to bring health promotion to the periphery. With this in mind, a public health campaign in one of the University of Santo Tomas Simbahayan partner communities, Kasiglahan Village Rodriguez, Rizal was born. This project aims to bring health awareness to the community, especially at the grassroots levels involving the municipal rural health unit, barangay health care workers and allied specialist stakeholders. They were taught symptom recognition, proper referral to specialists and prevention measures that the community may benefit from, which is much needed at this day and age. Further, this program can serve as a precursor to more public health initiatives regarding mental health in the community to spread awareness and aid in the prevention of mental health illnesses.