The importance of mental health has
been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) since its origin, and is
reflected by its definition of health as the “state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity”. Unfortunately, mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS)
disorders remain prevalent. Sergio Osmeña
is ranked number one by Dr. Hazel Biclar when it comes to incidence rate of
mental health disorders in Zamboanga del Norte. At present, the municipality
has no Municipal Health Officer which serves as a challenge for the nurses and
midwives in the municipality to identify and assess patients suspected with MNS
disorder.
With the issues mentioned above,
last February 11, 2019 the group spearheaded a one-day seminar entitled “Red
Flags of Common Mental Health Disorders”, wherein 9 nurses and 13 midwives
attended. The seminar was composed of; a.) health education to improve their
knowledge. The top four common mental health disorders in the municipality were
discussed, namely depression, psychosis, substance abuse and child mental and
behavioral disorder. b.) video presentation on assessment module for each topic
followed by a role play to improve their interviewing skills. Pre- and post-
intervention test was administered.
WHO’s mental health Gap Action
Programme which was adapted by the Department of Health, served as the group’s
reference for the health education and video presentation. The group member who
did the lecture is mhGAP trained. Through this activity, the group aims to
remove the stigma among mentally ill patients, give the nurses and midwives the
confidence to assess patients with MNS condition and lastly, achieve better
health outcomes.
