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

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

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

Human ; Health ; Mental Health ; Universities

INTRODUCTION

Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet stigma and misconceptions persist, even among future healthcare professionals. This study assessed medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding mental health and explored their association with sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 270 medical students at a private Philippine university from September to October 2023. Participants completed a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and odds ratios were calculated.

RESULTS

Most respondents exhibited high knowledge (80.7%), positive attitudes (90.4%), and favorable perceptions (95.6%) toward mental health. Students who had not interacted with individuals with mental illness were 2.87 times more likely to display negative attitudes (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.19–6.90, p = 0.015). Attitude and perception showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.409, p < 0.001), while knowledge and perception demonstrated a weak negative correlation (r = -0.129, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

These medical students generally possessed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and perceptions regarding mental health. Academic progression and real-life exposure positively influence attitudes, highlighting the need for experiential learning to reduce stigma and promote empathy in medical training.

Human ; Mental Health ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Perception ; Philippines

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Depression affects millions worldwide and is a major public health concern. Its prevalence is influenced by multiple factors, including sociodemographic elements such as age, gender, and income. In the Philippines, depression affects a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. The Region 2 Trauma Medical Center (R2TMC) in Nueva Vizcaya plays a critical role in addressing mental health issues in the Cagayan Valley Region, with a notable rise in depression cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the correlation between sociodemographic factors and depression in patients at R2TMC.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the relationship between depression and various sociodemographic factors (age, sex, marital status, income, education, etc.) among patients seeking mental health services at R2TMC. The goal is to identify the prevalence of depression within these subgroups and evaluate how sociodemographic characteristics correlate with depression.

METHODS

A retrospective correlational study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2024, analyzing patient records from R2TMC’s Mental Health Outpatient Department. The sample included patients diagnosed with depression based on DSM-V criteria. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were employed to analyze the data, with ethical approval obtained from the Institutional Review Board. There were 432 participants and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS.

RESULTS

Findings showed varying depression prevalence across sociodemographic categories. The 19-59 age group exhibited the highest depression rates, particularly among females, single individuals, and those in lower-income classes. Unemployed respondents and those with lower educational attainment had higher depression prevalence. These patterns highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions.

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

The study suggests that depression interventions should be tailored to address the unique vulnerabilities of different sociodemographic groups. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider these factors to improve mental health care accessibility and effectiveness.

Human ; Depression ; Sociodemographic Factors ; Mental Health

OBJECTIVES

This study described the demographic and clinical profile, mental health problems, prevalence of psychiatric conditions, psychosocial interventions used, and outcomes of the management of mental health problems among in-patients admitted to non-psychiatry units of tertiary hospitals referred to mental health care providers; and described gender-disaggregated data related to mental health care providers and patients receiving psychosocial interventions in tertiary hospitals.

METHODS

This study employed a mixed-method design, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies following the convergence model of triangulation. The following were the data sources: (1) cross-sectional review of charts of patients referred for psychosocial problems using the ICD-10 classification; (2) a survey of mental health service providers; (3) key informant interviews of mental health service providers; and (4) focus group discussions of mental health providers. All data were collated, compared, and contrasted, then analyzed using the convergence model of triangulation design.

RESULTS

Among the 3,502 patients in the chart review, 1,870 (53.40%) were males. The median age was 46.08 years and 92.06% were adults. The most common diagnosis among the patients were mood disorder (744, 21.25%) and organic mental disorder (710, 20.27%). Combination treatment of psychosocial intervention and pharmacology was the most common strategy received by patients. There was a higher proportion of patients admitted to public hospitals (996, 45.27%) who received psychosocial interventions only compared to those admitted to private hospitals (235, 18.05%). There were 3,453 out of 3,502 in-patients referred for psychiatric intervention. Of these 2,420 (70%) received psychoeducation, 2,365 (68.5%), received supportive psychotherapy/counseling, 535 (15.5%) family therapy, and 286 (8.3%) behavior modification. There were more patients given psychosocial interventions 2,541 (72.56%) who were discharged with instruction to follow-up, while around one in 10 (456, 13.02%) was not instructed to do a follow-up consultation. The types of interventions across all data sources were similar.

CONCLUSION

The most common type of management for psychosocial problems of in-patients in tertiary hospitals was a combination of psychosocial intervention and pharmacotherapy. Psychoeducation, supportive psychotherapy/ counseling, and family therapy were the most often given psychosocial interventions. The patient-related reasons for the choice of interventions were patient’s medical status (diagnosis and severity of symptoms) and psychological status (psychological mindedness), while the provider-related factors influencing the choice of intervention were provider’s skills and personal preference. Moreover, resources (human and material) and service provision policies (treatment guidelines and aftercare interventions) were the most common hospital-related factors. Further prospective research to determine the associated patients, providers, and hospital factors in larger geographic and cultural settings will provide evidence for the effectiveness and outcomes of psychosocial interventions.

Human ; Counseling ; Psychotherapy ; Family Therapy ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

First responders must be physically and mentally healthy to ensure effective emergency response. However, literature showed that Filipino first responders continue to have elevated levels of stress and increased risk for post-traumatic stress and other mental health problems months after their deployment. The “Mi Salud” app was created to help Filipino first responders, their team leaders, and their agencies monitor and manage the responders’ real-time stress levels before, during, and after their deployment more effectively.

METHODS

The “Mi Salud” app was pretested with Filipino first responders (n=30) to establish convergent validity using existing validated scales measuring the same construct. Participants also completed a Likert scale and questionnaire to assess user experience and app recommendations. During the rollout, first responders (n=32) tested the app and completed a survey on user experience and app recommendations. A focus group discussion (n=11; FGD) was conducted to further explore their experiences with the app. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, while FGD data were examined through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Results from the online survey showed that the app was generally found to be helpful and that the recommendations within the app were useful. The emerging themes from the FGD corroborated many of the themes from the survey, particularly the benefits of using the app and the app’s ease of use. Positive effects were observed both on the responders and on the responders’ team leader and teammates, which further established the value of the “Mi Salud” app.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that the “Mi Salud” stress check-app may serve as a useful tool for monitoring and managing the stress levels, a critical aspect for Filipino first responders to maintain optimal functioning during deployments and daily activities.

Human ; Emergency Responders ; Mental Health ; Mobile Applications ; Philippines