The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has funded a project seeking to look at the socio-cultural determinants of the four leading mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, among college students.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the project, which is led by Dr. Ma. Carinnes Alejandria from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) is expected to benefit university-level students who are experiencing mental health concerns.
“They have approved a project to study the socio-cultural factors associated with mental health concerns, particularly of college students,” he announced on the DOSTv Facebook page on Friday, Aug. 13.
He noted that Alejandria’s research team started the project in June 2021 and will be implemented in partnership with various public and private universities nationwide.
“Hopefully the study’s findings, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials will be produced and evidence-based recommendations will be forwarded to those involved in the development of mental health policies for college students,” de la Peña said.
He noted that research initiative is the first project out of the three-component program entitled, “Depression, Anxiety, Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior among Students in Higher Education Institutions: Sociocultural Determinants, Detection and Intervention towards Social Emotional Learning - A Collaborative Study”.