Philippine E-Journals

Mental health status in the province of Catanduanes

Lilibeth I. Tubalinal | Jocelyn Ll. Jordan | Lily P. Custodio

 

Abstract:

The high prevalence of disability and co-morbid illness caused by neuropsychiatric disorders has sought global action worldwide. Although it is a vital concern in the society, it has received least attention in the healthcare system as basis for promotional interventions for mental health and quality of life of every individual. This pilot investigation on mental illness in the island province of Catanduanes aims to provide baseline information on emerging cases of mental illness and to investigate how the provincial government is addressing the problem despite it being a devolved agency. Using a descriptive design, the study employed documentary analysis of diagnosed cases of mental illness gathered from the Provincial Health Office. A survey coupled with interview was used for the Provincial Health Officer and the Municipal Health Officers (MHO) for each Municipality being the implementers of mental health program. Result showed that the province of Catanduanes has a total of 349 diagnosed cases of psychiatric illnesses with schizophrenia (F20) as the most prevalent type followed by Psychosis (F23), other specified mental disorder (F06.8) and Bipolar Disorder. As for the age group afflicted the mental illness, age 1-4 are the youngest while 65 years old and above are the oldest , most of these cases are male. The study is recommendation was focused on strengthening advocacy campaign for mental health towards improving awareness, literacy and social responsibility; integrating mental health in primary health care; expanding the case finding and treatment through community service such as home visit and follow-up with the Nurse Deployment program (NDP) in the team and establishing a provincial crisis hot line to encourage referral and consultation while maintaining privacy and integrity of clients; and developing a psychosocial support program that will help facilitate mental illness rehabilitation for social inclusion in later years after treatment and therapy.