BACKGROUND

Mental health literacy (MHL) is an important mental health strategy since it contributes to early detection, enhances help-seeking behavior, and reduces stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the present study were to assess the level of mental health literacy and its correlation, and to examine the predictive effect of demographic profiles on mental health literacy among young and adult populations in the five cities of Caraga, using a standardized mental health literacy scale in 2023.

METHODS

This study applied a cross-sectional survey. It surveyed 729 individuals from five cities in Caraga using the Mental Health Literacy Scale from Dias et al. Descriptive analysis, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, such as Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and multi-linear regression, were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mental health literacy of the young and adult populations can be classified as adequate or good. Zooming in on details, the respondents have a very good understanding of help-seeking behavior and self-strategies but only a good understanding of knowledge and beliefs/attitudes. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between knowledge, erroneous beliefs, self-strategies, and help-seeking behavior (p < 0.001). In addition, Independent t-test and ANOVA revealed significant differences in sex, family income, employment, civil status, educational level, and age group (p < 0.01). A multiple linear regression indicated that demographic profile predictors were found to be statistically significant, and positively with mental health literacy, with education and family income as the strongest predictors.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that the young and adult populations in the five cities in Caraga have adequate literacy on mental health, encompassing knowledge, beliefs, self-strategies, and help-seeking behaviors. The increases in knowledge, belief, and self-strategies are associated with their higher level of help-seeking; in addition, the demographic profiles (e.g., sex, age, education, monthly income, and employment) have implications on young and adults’ mental health literacy in the five cities in Caraga. The result may not be generalizable beyond the studied region or demographic. In addition, it recommended that mental health literacy programs prioritize individuals with lower levels of education and family income as these factors Xwere found to have the most significant influence.

Human ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide, prompting a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching that challenged students’ learning and mental health. Nursing students, in particular, faced heightened pressures due to the suspension or online adaptation of essential clinical experiences, alongside the need to master theoretical and practical competencies. Emerging evidence indicates that such stressors adversely affect students’ emotional and psychological well-being, potentially influencing academic outcomes. Understanding the relationship between mental health and academic performance among nursing students is crucial for developing targeted interventions that support their well-being and professional readiness.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the mental health status and academic performance of graduating nursing students during the challenging period of remote learning amid the pandemic in a government school in Leyte.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design to explore the relationships between mental health status and academic performance among nursing students. A modified self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Ethical approval from Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development ConsortiumEthics Review with ERC number 2023-024 was secured, and data collection occurred through various methods. Data analysis used SPSS version 24, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships in educational settings.

RESULTS

The study assessed the demographic profile, online learning attributes, mental health status, and academic performance of 20 nursing students during the pandemic. All students passed their courses, despite reporting moderate emotional loneliness and irritability, but minimal fear of COVID-19. Significant correlations were found between demographic factors and mental health indicators. The null hypothesis, suggesting no relationship between demographic factors and mental health, is void, as significant associations were identified. Recommendations include enhancing mental health support in nursing education to address these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the experiences of 20 nursing students from a government college in Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly young women from rural, low-income backgrounds, these students faced challenges like poor internet access but successfully completed their academic requirements, showcasing resilience. While they reported low fear of COVID-19, moderate emotional loneliness and irritability indicated underlying mental health issues. The findings stress the need for educational institutions to provide mental health support and address the digital divide to enhance student well-being and success.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Statistics As Topic ; Psychological Well-being ; Indicators And Reagents ; Students, Nursing ; Suspensions ; Academic Performance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Covid-19 ; Mental Health

Occupational allergies and respiratory health issues are an increasing concern across various industries, significantly impacting worker productivity, well-being and long-term health outcomes. These health problems are primarily triggered by exposure to airborne allergens such as pollen, mold and chemical irritants commonly found in workplace environments. Climate change exacerbates these issues by altering environmental conditions that influence allergen distribution and intensity. Rising temperatures, increased humidity, worsening air pollution and extreme weather events contribute to prolonged pollen seasons, greater mold proliferation, increased volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and heightened respiratory health risks among workers. VOCs are chemical pollutants emitted from a range of indoor and outdoor sources, further aggravating air quality in workplace environments.

An emerging concern is the relationship between climate change and thunderstorm asthma, a phenomenon where allergens are dispersed during thunderstorms, leading to acute asthma events. Ongoing research continues to examine how environmental changes contribute to the frequency and intensity of asthma-related health issues, particularly in occupational settings.

Both outdoor and indoor workers face distinct challenges due to climate-driven changes in allergen exposure. Agricultural, forestry and construction workers are especially vulnerable to longer pollen seasons and higher concentrations of air pollutants. In contrast, office, healthcare and industrial workers face increased exposure to indoor allergens due to poor ventilation, rising VOC concentrations and other environmental stressors. Low-income workers, older adults and those in developing countries face disproportionate risks due to limited access to healthcare and protective measures.

This viewpoint article explores the relationship between climate change and occupational respiratory allergies, emphasizing the need for effective workplace adaptation strategies such as improving ventilation systems, using air filtration technology and creating allergen-free zones. It also examines the socioeconomic barriers to implementing these measures, mental health impacts of occupational allergies (including stress, anxiety and absenteeism) and the emergence of new allergens due to changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, technological solutions such as AI-driven air quality monitoring systems and wearable sensors hold promise in mitigating allergen exposure by providing real-time data, enabling proactive health measures and supporting policy development to protect worker health. Addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring workers’ health, well-being and productivity in the face of ongoing climate change.

Volatile Organic Compounds ; Ventilation ; Weights And Measures ; Environmental Pollutants ; Developing Countries ; Occupational Groups ; Mental Health ; Hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide, prompting a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching that challenged students’ learning and mental health. Nursing students, in particular, faced heightened pressures due to the suspension or online adaptation of essential clinical experiences, alongside the need to master theoretical and practical competencies. Emerging evidence indicates that such stressors adversely affect students’ emotional and psychological well-being, potentially influencing academic outcomes. Understanding the relationship between mental health and academic performance among nursing students is crucial for developing targeted interventions that support their well-being and professional readiness.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the mental health status and academic performance of graduating nursing students during the challenging period of remote learning amid the pandemic in a government school in Leyte.

METHODS

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design to explore the relationships between mental health status and academic performance among nursing students. A modified self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Ethical approval from Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development ConsortiumEthics Review with ERC number 2023-024 was secured, and data collection occurred through various methods. Data analysis used SPSS version 24, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships in educational settings.

RESULTS

The study assessed the demographic profile, online learning attributes, mental health status, and academic performance of 20 nursing students during the pandemic. All students passed their courses, despite reporting moderate emotional loneliness and irritability, but minimal fear of COVID-19. Significant correlations were found between demographic factors and mental health indicators. The null hypothesis, suggesting no relationship between demographic factors and mental health, is void, as significant associations were identified. Recommendations include enhancing mental health support in nursing education to address these challenges.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the experiences of 20 nursing students from a government college in Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic. Predominantly young women from rural, low-income backgrounds, these students faced challenges like poor internet access but successfully completed their academic requirements, showcasing resilience. While they reported low fear of COVID-19, moderate emotional loneliness and irritability indicated underlying mental health issues. The findings stress the need for educational institutions to provide mental health support and address the digital divide to enhance student well-being and success.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Statistics As Topic ; Psychological Well-being ; Indicators And Reagents ; Students, Nursing ; Suspensions ; Academic Performance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Nursing ; Education, Nursing ; Covid-19 ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND

In the context of acute psychiatric care characterized by severe hallucinatory symptoms, providing timely and effective interventions poses challenges. Therapy administered by Mental Health Nurses (TKN) emerges as a promising solution to comprehensively address these acute symptoms. This therapeutic approach is designed to alleviate hallucination symptoms during the acute phase.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Therapy administered by Mental Health Nurses (TKN) as an intervention tailored for individuals facing acute hallucinatory challenges. The overarching goals include exploring the therapeutic dimensions of the intervention, assessing the potential for tailored interventions based on demographic factors, and translating findings into practical implications for mental health professionals.

METHODS

This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-post-test structure. A total of 117 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia from outpatient psychiatric wards were selected in community setting, excluding individuals with concurrent mental retardation to maintain sample homogeneity. Data collection, conducted over two months from July to August 2023, included a pre-test assessment before any intervention to establish baseline hallucinatory symptoms. Therapy by Mental Health Nurses (TKN) was administered over two weeks, consisting of four 30- to 45-minute sessions for each participant. After each session, participants underwent reassessment for hallucinatory symptoms, totaling five assessments. Psychotic Syndrome Rating Scale (PSYRAT) was used to measure hallucination scores. The data analysis employed paired t-tests for baseline and post-intervention scores within a two-week period. A Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) assessed the effect of interventions on hallucination scores, with age, gender, and adherence status as factors. Post hoc analyses, including pairwise comparisons, identified specific subgroup differences and assessed the time effect within the same group.

RESULTS

The study cohort primarily consisted of adults (90.6%), maintaining a balanced gender distribution with 51.3% males and 48.7% females. A substantial portion had low educational backgrounds (59%), and the majority were unemployed (87.2%), with family members serving as the predominant primary caregivers (87.2%). Regarding medication adherence, over half adhered to the prescribed regimen (52.1%). Results demonstrated an improvement in hallucination symptoms for adolescents and the elderly compared to adults. While gender and adherence status did not individually influence symptoms significantly, age category emerged as a significant contributing factor (F = 3.991, p = 0.021). Interaction effects emphasized the substantial influence of time on symptom shifts over the intervention (F = 24.164, p < 0.001). Particularly, the mean difference of 4.636 (p < 0.001) from Time 1 to Time 5 signified a substantial decrease in hallucination scores, highlighting the cumulative impact of the therapy. These findings underscore the effectiveness of Therapy administered by Mental Health Nurses (TKN) across diverse demographic factors, providing valuable insights for tailored interventions in psychiatric emergencies.

CONCLUSION

Therapy administered by Mental Health Nurses (TKN) demonstrates effectiveness in reducing schizophrenia symptoms, especially among adolescents and the elderly. The impact of time on the intervention's effectiveness is notable, with a cumulative effect observed over the intervention period. Sustained and consistent engagement with the therapy leads to more substantial improvements in hallucination symptoms. Therefore, tailored interventions considering age are crucial for optimal effectiveness. This understanding enables practitioners to optimize the therapy schedule, aligning it with the natural progression of symptom alleviation.

Human ; Hallucinations ; Therapeutics ; Therapy ; Mental Health ; Nurses

OBJECTIVE

The competence of health workers to attend to vulnerable and marginalized populations is critical to health equity. The study determines the competence of physicians in providing health care to LGBT adolescents in a national tertiary hospital.

METHODOLOGY

All physicians from the departments of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine were recruited. An electronic form collected demographic data and responses to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBTDOCSS).Theresponsesweresummarizedandanalyzed.

RESULTS

Most respondents are male, with a mean age of 34.21 years. They are mainly staff of the Department of Pediatrics and post- residency fellows. Not all recall their participation in gender sensitivity training. They report scores towards the higher end of the scale: an overall score of 5.27 and mean subscale scores of 4.43 for clinical preparedness, 6.13 for attitudinal awareness, and 5.24 for basic knowledge. The heterogeneity and pertinacity of their experiences with LGBT individuals mediate their attitudinal awareness. Attaining the level of consultant suggests a better understanding of barriers and disparities against LGBT individuals. The tool has good internal reliability.

CONCLUSION

The demographic profile of the respondents suggests their involvement in healthcare, continuing education, and staff development. They report adequate competence in providing health care to LGBT adolescents.

Human ; Adolescent ; Competence ; Mental Competency ; Healthcare ; Delivery Of Health Care

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Despite legislative measures in the Philippines, there is limited research on the profile of IPV survivors consulting specialized healthcare units.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the profile of female survivors of IPV consulting at the Philippine General Hospital Women’s Desk (PGH-WD), focusing on sociodemographic, psychological, relationship, community, and partner factors as contributors to their risk of experiencing IPV.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze data from IPV survivors who consulted the PGH-WD between January 2022 and December 2023. Data collection involved a chart review of eligible cases, guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria required that participants be female survivors of IPV aged 19 years and above, with consultations specifically related to IPV. Exclusion criteria included male survivors, non-Filipino nationals, individuals not residing in the Philippines, and charts missing key components. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic, psychological, relationship, community, and partner-related factors. Survivors were categorized into low-, moderate-, or high-risk groups based on the number of identified risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 518 charts were reviewed, of which 106 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Survivors’ ages ranged from 19 to 74 years, with 46 (43.4%) aged 19–34. Most survivors belonged to lower socioeconomic strata, with 61 (57.5%) categorized as poor. Psychological distress was common, with 24 (22.6%) reporting depression and 22 (20.8%) having attempted suicide. Relationship factors included dissatisfaction in 91 cases (85.9%) and prior abuse by partners in 88 (83.0%). Community factors showed that 104 survivors (98.1%) were aware of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (Anti-VAWC) law, and 101 (95.5%) reported having social support networks. Partner-related factors were less frequently reported, with 3 survivors (2.8%) indicating perpetrator substance use and 2 (1.9%) reporting histories of childhood abuse. Risk profiling categorized survivors into low-risk (39/106, 36.8%), moderate-risk (39/106, 36.8%), and high-risk (28/106, 26.4%) groups based on the number of identified risk factors.

CONCLUSION

This study provided a detailed profile of female IPV survivors consulting at the PGH-WD. Survivors were predominantly younger women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, with high rates of psychological distress, relationship dissatisfaction, and histories of prior partner abuse. Community factors, including strong social support networks and awareness of the Anti-VAWC law, were identified as potential protective mechanisms post-IPV.

Human ; Female ; Intimate Partner Violence ; Mental Health ; Gender-based Violence

BACKGROUND

In response to the need to provide for mental health services to address gender-related concerns in a higher education institute, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS) commissioned a project to formulate a framework for the increasing volume of referrals.

METHODOLOGY

A mixed methods study was done in order to gather data to create a responsive and practical mental health care service provision framework with and for service providers and service users in the university. An online survey (N=135), focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and a round table discussion were conducted, with constituents of the university recruited through purposive sampling.

RESULTS

A stepped-care model was proposed, consisting of: 1. Preventive Well-Being Resources, 2. Supportive Well-Being Interventions and Initial Screening Resources, 3. Structured Interventions, and 4. Interventions for Severe Mental Health Problems.

CONCLUSION

The framework formulated in collaboration with service providers and service users in the university addresses the goals of optimizing existing resources and enhancing service provision. Implementation and evaluation of this framework, as well as further information regarding the target population and their use of this model, are proposed avenues for further research.

Human ; Gender ; Gender Identity ; Sexual Harassment ; Mental Health ; Mental Health Services ; Lgbtq ; Sexual And Gender Minorities ; Psychiatry ; Psychology

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional collaboration is required as a learning outcome for medical school graduates. Clinical exposure to collaborative practice is one of the recommended strategies in the implementation of interprofessional education. Professionals in mental health units customarily engage in collaborative practice and can provide learning opportunities for medical students. Local data on interprofessional collaboration among practitioners in a mental health care setting in the pandemic is limited and merits study.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to determine and then describe factors that influence collaborative practice among health professionals in an inpatient mental health care unit in the pandemic. It aimed to generate recommendations from practitioners on strategies to optimize opportunities for medical students to learn interprofessional collaboration.

METHODS

This is a qualitative study which made use of key informant interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) with members of a multiprofessional mental health team in the mental health unit of a tertiary medical center. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had drastically disrupted health care services and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. Participants described their roles and identified six factors essential to reenergizing collaborative practice: resources and opportunities for meaningful interaction, quality of relationship and communication among team members, management goals and strategies relevant to the mental health needs and the context of patients and their families, guidelines for collaboration, interprofessional education appropriate to participant levels, and monitoring for quality assurance and improvement. Practical guidelines for promoting the identified factors were outlined. Recommendations to optimize opportunities for interprofessional education were also given.

CONCLUSION

Six factors were identified and described in the study. These can provide practitioners and students with a frame of reference for participating in and learning from collaborative practice in a mental health care unit as they work with other professionals on a shared concern. Addressing practical issues in real life settings will enhance their capacity to meaningfully collaborate with other professionals in managing patients, institutions, projects, and similar situations.

Human ; Interprofessional Education ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Given the rigors of medical training with its high documented prevalence of mental issues as well as the global need to safeguard the well-being of medical students, there is an urgency to assess the well-being of medical students and their perception of support from their respective medical schools during their education. This also applies in the context of public medical school students in the Philippines, where there is still a relative lack of literature. This cross-sectional study investigates the well-being and such perceptions of medical students at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM).

METHODS

The study uses a quantitative approach using a subset of secondary data from a college-wide survey online that was disseminated, through convenience sampling, to medical students from October 3, 2018 to December 3, 2018. A total of 432 responses were included in the analysis, out of the total student population of the included learning unit levels of 809. Participants were grouped based on their entry into medical school, either through the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) program or lateral entry. Exclusion criteria comprised responses from Learning Unit I-II (pre-medical proper) students and incomplete survey sets. Responses were interpreted using established scales such as the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-Medical Student (OLBI-MS). Data analysis involved statistical techniques including one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS

The findings suggest that medical students at UPCM generally find the administrative and academic systems satisfactory, but express concerns about inadequate educational resources and infrastructure, especially as they progress through their studies and engage more with clinical settings like the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). As students advance through the program, there are different patterns for wellbeing outcomes, including decreasing perceived stress and increasing burnout. In particular, LU IV and LU VII students reported lower well-being and higher burnout levels, respectively. This is potentially due to heavier workloads and clinical responsibilities. Lateral entrants, who are older and typically enter with prior degrees, tend to have higher well-being and lower burnout compared to INTARMED students, suggesting age and previous educational experience may play a role in adjustment and coping mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the study highlights the medical students’ generally satisfactory perception of medical educational aspects, as well as the patterns of wellbeing throughout their medical college experience. Furthermore, it identifies different areas for improvement to ensure effective education and student mental health. By analyzing trends across different year levels, the study provides insights for interventions and program refinements, while also suggesting avenues for further research to assess student experiences over time.

Mental Health ; Students, Medical ; Philippines