MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this topic, the learners should be able to:
1. Describe the magnitude of mental health problems in the Philippines
2. Explain the benefits of promoting mental health
3. Describe strategies to promote mental health among:
a. School-based population
b. Workplace population
c. Community-based population
4. Identify factors that contribute to mental health disparities
5. Identify the different public policies and state actions to promote mental health
7. Advocate for a supportive and healthy environment

TOPIC OUTLINE
I. Definition of Mental Health Disparities
II. Prevalence of Mental Health Problems in the Philippines
III. Benefits of Promoting Mental Health
a. Strengthening Individuals
b. Strengthening Communities
c. Reducing structural barriers to mental health
IV. Strategies for Promoting Mental Health in Different Settings
a. School-Based Population
● Physical education classes
● Opportunities for creative expression
● Social interaction
● System of recognition and appreciation
● Regular parent-teacher meetings
● Organizations such as dance troupes, choirs and glee clubs

b. Workplace Population
 ● Work Policies
● Interpersonal relations
● Work environment
c. Community-Based Population
● Building support groups
● Providing facilities for sports and recreation

V. Factors Contributing to Health Disparities

● Public and Private Coverage And Cost
● Access to Mental Health Services
● Workforce Availability and Cultural Competency
● Barriers to Care for Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

VI. Public Policies for Eliminating Mental Health Disparities

● DOH Administrative Order No. 8 series of 2001 The National Mental Health
Policy
● DOH Administrative Order No. 2016-0039 Revised Operational Framework for a
Comprehensive National Mental Health Program
● Republic Act No. 11036 Mental Health Act

VII. Program Accomplishment/Status

1. Passage of the Republic Act No. 11036 dated June 20, 2018 "An Act Establishing a
National Mental Health Policy for the Purpose of Enhancing the Delivery of
Integrated Mental Health Services, Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Persons
Utilizing Psychiatric, Neurologic and Psychosocial Health Services, Appropriating
Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes"
2. DOH Administrative Order No. 2016-0039 dated October 28, 2016 " Revised
Operational Framework for a Comprehensive National Mental Health Program"
3. National Mental Health Program Strategic Plan 2018-2022
4. Harmonized MHPPS Training Manual
 5. Development of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the RA No. 11036 also
known as The Mental Health Act
6. Conduct of the Advocacy Activities such as 2nd Public Health Convention on
Mental Health, Observance of the World Health Day, World Suicide Prevention
Day, National Mental Health Week and Mental Health Fairs
7. Training on Mental Health Gap Action Programme
8. Conduct of The National Prevalence Survey on Mental Health
9. Establishment of the Medicine Access Program for Mental Health

References:

● Ajp.psychiatryonline.org. (2008). Mental Health in the Context of Health Disparities.

https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.2008.08030333
● Flores N, Supan J, Kreutzer CB, Samson A, Coffey DM, Javier JR. Prevention of Filipino
Youth Behavioral Health Disparities: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Participating
in “Incredible Years,” an Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention, Los Angeles,
California, 2012. Prev Chronic Dis 2015;12:150186. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd12.150186
● Javier, J., Supan, J., Lansang, A., Beyer, W., Kubicek, K., & Palinkas, L. (2014,
December). Preventing Filipino mental HEALTH Disparities: Perspectives from
ADOLESCENTS, caregivers, providers, and advocates.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319658/?
fbclid=IwAR2nA5b21MyKZMJM-bDRbAEaAGfO47KeW5q685J-
AkIEPJqYjmZoQSQj1x0
● Javier, J. R., Supan, J., Lansang, A., Beyer, W., Kubicek, K., & Palinkas, L. A. (2014).
Preventing Filipino Mental Health Disparities: Perspectives from Adolescents,
Caregivers, Providers, and Advocates. Asian American journal of psychology, 5(4), 316–
324. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036479
● Lally, J., Tully, J., & Samaniego, R. (2019). Mental health services in the Philippines.
BJPsych international, 16(3), 62–64. https://doi.org/10.1192/bji.2018.34
● Mental health Program: Department of health website. (n.d.). https://doh.gov.ph/national-
mental-health-program?fbclid=IwAR081QhD2HaYOmoD4I9M3w_VhGdVsWL-
urwDYgOlA_uK3IyMRvXhGjhEZ3o
● National Center for Mental Health. (n.d.). About NCMH. http://www.ncmh.gov.ph/
● Ncsl.org. (2018, February). The Costs and Consequences of Disparities in Behavioral
Health
● Safran, M. A., Mays, R. A., Jr, Huang, L. N., McCuan, R., Pham, P. K., Fisher, S. K.,
McDuffie, K. Y., & Trachtenberg, A. (2009). Mental health disparities. American journal
of public health, 99(11), 1962–1966. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.167346
● User, W. (n.d.). Home. http://www.ncmh.gov.ph/index.php/mental-health-issues/68-ra-
11036-mental-health-law
● World Health Organization (WHO). (2009). Promoting Mental Health & Wellness.
http://thepafp.org/website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2009-WHO-Lifestyle-Manual-
module6-mental-health.pdf