ORIGINAL ARTICLE

A Community Prevalence Study of

Psychiatric Disorders in Barangay Tenejero,
City of Balanga, Bataan
Anna Sharmie C. Quezon-Santos, MD, MPM1,2 and Evelyn T. Gapuz, MD2
1
Department of Psychiatry, Zamboanga City Medical Center
2
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

ABSTRACT

Objectives. This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the sample population in a
barangay in the City of Balanga, Bataan using the MINI International and Neuropsychiatric Interview and to describe
the profile of those with psychiatric disorders based on sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Methods. This is a cross sectional study from Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan done in 2019. Systematic
random sampling was done where all zones were included. Sample size was 432 households (with at least one adult
per household) based on a level of significance of 5%. Data were obtained using the sociodemographic profile, health
profile, MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview Screen and MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview
6 done through face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis.

Results. Forty-four of the participants have a diagnosis of at least one psychiatric disorder (10.50%). Of these, the
most common psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder (3.58%) followed by any psychotic disorder
(1.91%) and generalized anxiety disorder (1.91%). Among the population, 3.10% have suicidal behavior. Psychiatric
disorders are more common among women and people with low incomes. Among those with psychiatric disorders,
mental health service utilization is low with only 4.55-6.82%.

Conclusion. This study reports for the first time the prevalence of psychiatric condition in a barangay in the City
of Balanga, Bataan. Though the prevalence rate (10.50%) is low compared to other community data, the findings
emphasize the need for strategies to promote mental disorder diagnosis and treatment. This study will influence and
guide contextualized community mental health services and policies.

Keywords: prevalence study, psychiatric disorders, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Barangay Tenejero, City
of Balanga
INTRODUCTION

Mental disorders comprise significant proportion of the

global burden of disease.1 According to the WHO Global
Paper presentation – Philippine Psychiatric Association Burden of Disease Study, mental disorders are associated
Annual Convention Research Competition, January 2020, with significant levels of disability, affecting a community's
Edsa Shangrila Manila. economic productivity indirectly.2 Untreated psychiatric
eISSN 2094-9278 (Online)
illness appears to be a burden not only on the family or
Published: December 13, 2024 caregivers, but also on the community as a whole, as the
[Link] person will have a noticeable reduction in ability to function
Copyright: The Author(s) 2024 at home, school, and work.
Corresponding author:
This reduction on a person’s function and eventual
Anna Sharmie C. Quezon-Santos, MD, MPM, DSBPP effect on socio-economic factors caused the World Health
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Organization to advocate the strengthening of mental health
Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila services since 1975.1 To support the significance of such an
Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
Email: ascquezon@[Link]
endeavor, it is necessary to collect evidence-based data that
ORCiD: [Link] demonstrates the disease's burden and aids policymaking.

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 Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

Framework in Mental Health Policy: Prevalence Thailand.9 The most recent estimate of the prevalence of
Study as a Significant Step anxiety in Asia is 23%. Anxiety symptoms appear to be more
The study's framework is based on the World Health prevalent in high-income countries such as South Korea
Organization's Mental Health Policy Development and and Japan10,11 than in the rest of the world. These studies on
Implementation Framework1, which states that an explicit the prevalence of mental illness in Asia are also similar to
mental health policy is an essential and powerful tool for WHO's global prevalence, with depression remaining the
mental health. A policy, when properly formulated and most common mental illness faced by people.12
implemented, can have a significant impact on the mental
health of the population.1 Prevalence of Mental Illness in the Philippines
The first step in mental policy development is the There has been no nationwide assessment of the
assessment of population’s needs. The following local prevalence of psychiatric diseases in the Philippines since
information is needed to determine the needs: 1) under- 2018.13 Over the years, the Philippine Department of
standing the mental health needs of the population and 2) Health has relied on expert judgments or research conducted
gathering information on mental health services. Part of elsewhere to determine prevalence, disability, and treatment
understanding the mental health needs of the population are rates. Such estimations are overly simplistic and insufficient
the assessment of prevalence and incidence of mental health because it fails variances in cultural, social, political, and
disorders and problems; assessment of what communities economic factors.11
identifies as a problem; and assessment of health seeking A few local studies in the Philippines attempted to
behavior. A reliable estimate of mental health condition is determine the prevalence of mental disorders in a specific
best determined by prevalence studies. population. According to Perlas et al.14, in Region VI, the
A prevalence study is widely used to assess the burden prevalence of mental health condition in the given population
of disease in a population and to assess the need for health is 35%, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent at
services. It can also be used as anchor of different policies 14.3%, followed by panic disorder (5.6%) and psychosis (4.3
and to eventually monitor progress in terms of severity and %). According to the ASEAN Report on Mental Health in
decline of studied diseases through time.3 201615,16, a 2006 study by Pabellon et al. found that among
permanent employees of 20 national government agencies
Global Prevalence of Mental Illness in Metro Manila, at least 20% of the 327 respondents had
According to a 2015 review by Samy A et al.4 on Mental a possible psychiatric condition based on their screening
Health in the Asia Pacific Region, mental health is one of and 12% had a comorbid psychiatric problem. Specific
the world's fastest growing major public health issues, parti- phobias (15%), alcohol abuse (10%), and depression (6%)
cularly in the Asia Pacific Region. Over 300 million people are among the most common diagnoses.15 The findings of
are estimated to suffer from depression and anxiety, repre- these studies appear to be consistent with the findings that
senting 4.4 percent and 3.6 percent of the global population, depression and anxiety are always among the most prevalent
respectively. mental illnesses; however, unlike the findings of the global
Survey of community samples shows that there is 10- prevalence study, anxiety is more prevalent in the Philippine
25% prevalence rate of mental disorders in general population setting than depression.16
across the globe.5 A World Health Organization (WHO) In 2007, the WHO13 published a report on cases diag-
international study in 1996 finds that about 25% of all nosed at a facility. The distribution of diagnoses across facilities
attendees in primary care settings are suffering from some (out-patient facilities, community in-patient facilities, and
form of mental disorder, mostly depression and anxiety.6 mental hospitals) appears to have followed a similar pattern.
Schizophrenia is the most common diagnosis (57-71%),
Prevalence of Mental Illness in Asia followed by mood disorder (18-24%). Outpatient facilities, on
A meta-analysis of thirty-four epidemiological studies the other hand, see more patients with substance use disorders
conducted in seven South Asian countries reveals an alarming than mental hospitals and community inpatient facilities.
number of people suffering from mental disorders: 122 people According to the Integrated Mental Health Information
per 1000 population (95% CI, p = 0.06). According to the System for mental health conditions in the Philippines, 42%
report, the prevalence of mental disorders in South Asia of in-patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia, 15% with
ranged from 6.06 to 533.73/1000 population.7 bipolar disorder, and 6% with a history of substance abuse
In Asia Pacific, the top five mental health problems in in 14 government and private hospitals and health care
both developing and developed countries are depression, facilities nationwide.17
anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal behavior, and These two WHO reports and the Integrated Mental
substance abuse disorder.8 Depression is estimated to affect Health Information System showed different results from
27% of people in Asia. According to a cross-sectional study other local studies showing mood and anxiety disorders to be
conducted in several Asian regions in 2015, major depression the most common. One possible explanation for the disparity
is most prevalent in China, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and is that the cases in the two reports represent those who

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Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

actively sought consultation in mental health facilities. The MATERIALS AND METHODS
majority of depressed and anxious people in the community
do not seek help because of the potential stigma or perceived The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a
negative view of the afflicted. one-phase prevalence design that was carried out in Barangay
Currently, the Department of Health (DOH), despite Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan. This population was chosen
a lack of necessary research and data, is actively developing as one of the primary recipients of mental health services
strategies to improve Filipinos' mental health. The DOH in Bataan General Hospital, where a psychiatric facility is
expects local governments to implement a mental health being established. The barangay officials are enthusiastic
program that is not only accessible but also contextualized about the mental health program.
to meet the needs of individuals in the community. Adult non-institutionalized members of selected house-
The City of Balanga is among the local governments hold of Barangay Tenejero ages nineteen to sixty-five who
that have responded to the aforementioned initiative aimed agreed to participate in the study met the inclusion criteria.
at enhancing mental health services. Nevertheless, in the Adults with conditions that render them cognitively and
absence of localized data, the local government necessitates communicatively impaired, with developmental disorders
access to data to facilitate their decision-making processes and unable to consent were excluded.
and allocation of financial resources. Therefore, the primary Systematic sampling was done in the study. All
objective of this study is to furnish valuable insights in this zones were included to increase representativeness of the
undertaking. population. From it, households were randomly selected
through the household list. There was a blueprint of
OBJECTIVES households per zone; thus, household members from each
household can be easily identifiable. From the household
The study aims to achieve the following: list and blueprint, a startling point was randomly assigned.
1. To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders From a randomly selected household as the starting point,
in the sample population in Barangay Tenejero, City the next sample was the 3rd household from the starting point
of Balanga, Bataan using the MINI International and and so on. Every 3rd household was the interval used until
Neuropsychiatric Interview the desired number of households was gathered. In cases
2. To describe the profile of those with psychiatric disorders that the household was not available during the interview, it
based on sociodemographic and health characteristics was skipped and the rater proceeded to the next one. Raters
did not return to the skipped household anymore. In the
Rationale sample household, all the eligible adult household members
There is an urgent need to provide reliable data on the who consented were interviewed. The principal investigator
magnitude of psychiatric disorders in the catchment area was trained by the School of Statistics in University of the
where a psychiatric facility is being established in the City of Philippines, Diliman in a Survey Sampling Workshop to
Balanga. Since the psychiatric facility is located in Barangay properly conduct the sampling of the survey.
Tenejero and with limitation of funds, the initial study was The population of the setting is 9, 346 people18 and 812
conducted in the site. This is the first to be held in both the households. As seen in Table 1, a minimum of 432 house-
city and the province. holds (with at least one adult per household) was required
This study's findings will aid mental health research by for this study based on a level of significance of 5%, a preva-
giving local data on suburban mental problem prevalence. lence of substance abuse of 8% with a desired width of confi-
This will help Balanga, Bataan's local governments, especially dence interval of 5%, as noted from the reference article from
the DOH, district hospitals, and primary care units, formulate WHO.13 The prevalence of substance abuse of 8% was used as
policies and appropriate funding for a larger scale provincial it yielded the highest requirement among the various disorders.
prevalence study. This data will also improve mental health
promotion and prevention services. The expected objectives Sample size formula: Legend:
are initiatives to improve health service delivery, access to
Zα2 × P × (1-P) n = minimum sample size
mental health treatment, access to psychiatric medications, n≥
d P = proportion of patients in
priority of needs, improvement of health-seeking behavior, 2

the outpatient diagnosed

and allocation of funds to mental health service. Currently, a 1.962 × 0.08 × (0.92) with substance abuse = 8%
local government mental health ordinance is being drafted, n≥
0.0252 d = precision = 0.025
which involves the provision of funding for urgent needs
n ≥ 452.39 ≈ 453 width of confidence interval =
for psychiatric hospital mental health services; hence, local 2d = 0.05
statistics on the prevalence of mental health conditions will N × P × (1-P)
n ≥ deff × Zα = 1.96
be useful in this process. (d2/Z21-α/2)(N-1) + P(1-P)
deff = design effect = 1
N = 9346

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 Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

Sample size per purok: Where: The questionnaires were written in Tagalog and the MINI
Ni ni = sample size for stratum h questionnaires used were linguistically validated in Tagalog.
ni = n
n = total sample size 1. Socio-demographic characteristics included age, sexual
N
orientation, religion, marital status, educational level,
Ni = population size of the strata
employment status, level of income
N = total population size
2. Health characteristics included presence of current
and previous medical and psychiatric comorbidities,
Computation was based on sample size formula with consultation to a psychiatric service.
finite population correction. Sample population based on 3. MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
proportion was also identified per zone/purok as seen in 6 –a brief structured diagnostic interview tool for major
Table 2. psychiatric disorders in DSM IV and ICD 10. Dr. David
Data collection consisted of two phases: 1) Preparation Sheehan, the author provided instructional material
and training 2) Data generation. Phase 1 was conducted and license to use the MINI 6 and MINI Screen.
from June to July 2019 and Phase 2 was conducted from M.I.N.I. 6 was linguistically validated by the MAPI
August to September 2019. In Phase 1, approval from Language Services, the exclusive coordinating center
the local government unit was gathered prior to the data of the M.I.N.I. Validation and reliability studies were
gathering. Four questionnaires were used: sociodemographic done comparing the MINI to the Structured Clinical
questionnaires, health characteristics questionnaire, MINI Interview for DSM-4 (SCID-P) and Composite
International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Screen and International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). “The results
MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 6. of these studies show that MINI has similar reliability and
validity properties to both these instruments such as 0.05 –
Table 1. Minimum Sample Size at 0.05 Level of Significance 0.75 reliability scores and 0.75 predictive values.20,21” MINI
and d = 0.05 unless stated otherwise was used in community- based prevalence studies done
With finite in Japan, India, Nepal, Morrocco, and France.22-25
Population
population The MINI assesses the 16 most common disorders
unknown
correction in mental health, which are: Major Depressive Disorder,
WHO200713 Suicidal Behavior, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder,
Schizophrenia = 57% 377 363 Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive
Mood disorder = 19% 237 231 Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,
Substance abuse = 8% (d = 0.025) 453 432 Alcohol Use Disorder, Substance – Use Disorder (Non-
DOH200816 alcohol/Tobacco), Any Psychotic Disorder, Anorexia
Mental health = 32% 335 323 Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Generalized Anxiety Dis-
Specific phobia = 15% 196 192 order, Organic Cause, Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Alcohol abuse = 10% 139 137 4. MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
Depression = 6% (d = 0.025) 347 335
Screen uses only twenty-four screening questions.
Conde200419 According to the manual of MINI “a negative response
Mental disorder in adults = 17% 217 212 to the screening questions usually means it is unlikely that
Mental disorder = 35% 350 338
the patient has a major psychiatric disorder.” A positive
APEC Mental Health17 response to any questions in the MINI Screen prompted
Schizophrenia = 42% 375 360 the interviewer to ask additional questions from the
Bipolar disorder = 15% 196 192
MINI 6. The questionnaire was administered by the
Substance abuse = 6% (d = 0.025) 347 335
interviewer and the respondent was only be required
to answer with YES or NO. There were twenty-four
Table 2. Sample Size per Zone (Purok) in the Study screening questions. Every YES answer was directed to
Number of
Sample size
specific structured interview for the disorder. Like the
households MINI 6, the MINI Screen was linguistically validated
Batungbakal 237 126 in Filipino (Tagalog).
Lote 171 91
Banzon 56 30 The research was coordinated with the DOH provincial
Campo 24 13 office and City of Balanga Health Office. Nine DOH nurses
Campsite Tolentino 43 23
were trained on the study's procedure and instruments over
Dona Maria 100 53
three days. For interrater reliability, case sample exercises
Villa Lina 181 96
were done. All diagnosed cases were appropriately referred
Total 812 432
to the hospital.

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Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

The MINI scales and the subsequent 23 questions privacy, and confidentiality. It only commenced after the
for sociodemographic and health profile reliability were approval of the UPM Research Ethics Board. No potential
examined. This was done during the case training/workshop. conflicts of interest were identified. The principal investigator
There appeared to be good internal consistency among the reported no disclosures.
scales. Cronbach's alpha was 0.79, with an average inter-
item correlation of 0.14 (0.15-0.50) and an average-measures RESULTS
intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.79 (0.76-0.82), indicating
good reliability across the nine raters. In total, 432 households were interviewed as part of
Phase 2 data collection was done on weekdays and the study. Four hundred ninety-eight (498) people were
holidays to reach additional households. The 15-30 minute recruited from there, but only four hundred nineteen (419)
interview began only with consent. The study lasted for were included in the current study. There were 79 (15.86%)
eight months. Codes were employed to safeguard participant people who refused to participate, and two (0.40%) people
identities. Microsoft Excel for Mac encoded the data. who refused to answer the socio-demographic profile sheet
Questionnaires were shredded after a year to protect the data. for the current activity. The study's overall response rate was
STATA 13 analyzed the data. Using descriptive statistics, 84.13 percent.
data summarized the general and clinical characteristics of
the participants. Frequency was used for nominal variables, Sample Characteristics
median and range for ordinal variables, and mean and standard The 419 included participants had age range between
deviation for interval/ratio variables. Analysis includes all 19 to 65 years old. Percent distribution of sample population
valid data, not replacing or estimating missing variables. The based on the socio-demographic was shown in Table 3.
study followed ethical guidelines on rights, well-being, safety,

Table 3. Socio-demographic Characteristics of Study Participants (N=419)

Characteristics Summary Measures Characteristics Summary Measures
Age (in years) 40 ± 14.20 Number of Children
Sex None 89 (21.34%)
Male 119 (28.43%) 1–2 162 (49.39%)
Female 297 (71.57%) 3–5 124 (37.80%)
6 – 10 41 (12.50%)
Gender identity
>10 1 (0.30%)
Male 116 (27.88%)
Female 296 (71.15%) Number of Siblings
Does not identify on both (non-binary) 4 (0.96%) None 10 (2.45%)
1–2 51 (12.50%)
Marital status
3–5 153 (37.50%)
Single 173 (41.69%)
6 – 10 193 (47.30%)
Married 199 (47.95%)
>10 1 (0.25%)
Separated 14 (3.37%)
Widowed 29 (6.99%) Parents living together while growing up
Yes 343 (82.45%)
Educational attainment
No 73 (17.55%)
Elementary level 48 (11.57%)
High school level 144 (34.70%) Type of parents who raised the participant
Technical/college level 219 (52.77%) Mother only 62 (14.90%)
Post-graduate level 4 (0.96%) Father only 12 (2.88%)
Both parents 301 (72.36%)
Ability to read
Others 41 (9.86%)
Good 293 (70.43%)
Fair 116 (27.88%) Educational attainment of the parents
Poor 7 (1.68%) Elementary level 164 (39.42%)
High school level 139 (33.41%)
Employment status
Technical/college level 111 (26.68%)
Unemployed 217 (54.52%)
Post-graduate level 2 (0.48%)
Employed 181 (45.48%)
Income status
<P 15,000 325 (79.46%)
P 16,000 – 50,000 79 (19.32%)
P 51, 000 – 100,000 4 (0.98%)
>P 100, 000 1 (0.24%)

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It was seen that majority of the participants were from most common were cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
age 40 ± 14.20 years old, female sex (71.57%), heterosexuals such as hypertension and diabetes. It was noticeable that
(91.03%), married (47.95%), with one to two children 8.19% have mental illness in the family. Among those with
(49.39%), vocational and college graduate (52.77%), with family history of mental illness, nine participants said history
good ability to read (70.43%). The study population was of depression, one with autism, one with attention deficit
with a relatively low socio-economic background given that hyperactivity disorder, two with anxiety disorders and the
most participants were unemployed (54.52%) and earned rest were with unknown diagnosis to the participants. It was
only less than fifteen thousand a month (79.46%). Most also noted that six (1.44%) participants consulted the rural
have six to ten siblings (47.30%), grew up with and raised health center for psychiatric service for the past three months,
by both parents (82.45%; 72.36%). Educational attainment and eight (1.92%) consulted the hospital. Five (1.20%)
of participants’ parents ranges from primary to college level participants consulted the rural health center for a psychiatric
without apparent variability on the percentages on each level. service in the past while nineteen (4.57%) availed the services
The percent distribution of the population based on of the hospital in the past.
their health profile was shown in Table 4. Majority of the
participants perceived their health to be in good condition Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders
(65.38%). Half of the population reported to have no Table 5 depicts the prevalence of mental disorders
medical illness (66.91%) and no family history of medical in Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga. According to the
problems (58.89%) but on those with medical illness, the MINI screen, 26.1% of the population had experienced at

Table 4. Health Profile of the Study Participants (N=419) Table 5. Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Barangay
Characteristics Summary Measures Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan (N=419)
Status of physical health Conditions Frequency (%) 95% CI
Good 272 (65.38%) Number of persons positive on 109 (26.01%) 21.88-
Fair 133 (31.97%) MINI screen 30.49%
Poor 11 (2.64%) Number of psychiatric disorders 44 (10.50%) 7.73-13.84%
Presence of medical Illness Number of comorbidities
Yes 138 (33.09%) 1 condition 28 (6.68%)
No 279 (66.91%) 2 conditions 9 (2.47%)
Presence of family medical illness 3 conditions 5 (1.19%)
Yes 171 (41.11%) >3 conditions 2 (0.47%)
No 245 (58.89%) Major depressive disorder 15 (3.58%) 2.02-5.84%
Presence of family mental disorder Suicidal behavior 13 (3.10%) 1.66-5.25%
Yes 34 (8.19%) Low risk 5 (38.46%)
No 381 (91.91%) Moderate risk 4 (30.77%)
Consultation for a psychiatric service in the rural health center for the High risk 4 (30.77%)
past three months Bipolar disorder 5 (1.19%) 0.39-2.76%
Yes 6 (1.44%) Bipolar I disorder 1 (20%)
No 411 (98.56%) Bipolar II disorder 5 (80%)
Consultation for a psychiatric service in the hospital for the past Panic disorder 5 (1.19%) 0.39-2.76%
three months
Agoraphobia 7 (1.67%) 0.67-3.41%
Yes 8 (1.92%)
No 409 (98.08%) Social anxiety disorder -

Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the rural health center Obsessive compulsive disorder 2 (0.48%) 0.06-1.71%
Yes 5 (1.20%) Posttraumatic stress disorder 1 (0.24%) 0.01-1.32%
No 412 (98.80%) Alcohol use disorder 3 (0.72%) 0.15-2.08%
Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the hospital Substance use disorder (Non-alcohol/ 3 (0.72%) 0.15-2.08%
Yes 19 (4.57%) tobacco)
No 397 (95.43%) Nicotine 2 (66.67%)
Clonazepam 1 (33.33%)
Any psychotic disorder 8 (1.91%) 0.83-3.73%
Anorexia nervosa -
Bulimia nervosa 1 (0.24%) 0.01-1.32%
Generalized anxiety disorder 8 (1.91%) 0.83-3.73%
Antisocial personality disorder -

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least one core symptom of any of the psychiatric disorders. using MINI and its distribution based on sociodemographic
From that, the number of persons diagnosed with psychiatric and health characteristics in the community of Barangay
disorders as measured by MINI module was forty-four. Thus, Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan. The prevalence of psychia-
using M.I.N.I, the prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders in tric disorders in the community population of Barangay
Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga was 10.50%. This means Tenejero which is 10.50% seems lower compared to other
that one out of every ten people in the community has a studies. In local setting, the study of Perlas et al.14 revealed
psychiatric disorder. Among those diagnosed with psychiatric 35% prevalence of mental illness with total population of
disorder, 2.47% has at least two comorbid psychiatric 3,044 adults. While in the WHO 2007 report13, it showed
conditions, 1.19% have three comorbidities, and 0.47% have 25% of all attendees in primary care settings suffering from
more than three comorbidities. mental disorder with sample population coming from fifteen
Major depressive disorder (3.58%), any psychotic community residential facilities examined. In comparison
disorder (1.91%), and generalized anxiety disorder (1.91%) with meta-analysis that included studies conducted between
were the most common psychiatric disorders. It was also 1980 and 2013 around the globe26, it reported prevalence
clear that 3.10% of this population, or thirteen cases, exhibit of mental disorders ranging from 17.6% to 29.2%. These
suicidal behavior, with eight of them having a moderate to reports covered both the adolescent and adult populations.
high suicide risk. Some factors may have contributed to this study's noticeable
low prevalence rate when compared to the literature. One
Psychiatric Disorders as per Sociodemographic possible reason for the difference is the larger population
and Health Characteristics and inclusion of children and adolescents in other studies.
Table 6 shows psychiatric conditions by sociodemographic Another is the use of MINI screen, in which only those with
and health factors. The small number of cases prevented positive scores are asked to complete specific modules. This
inferential statistics (p-value) analysis as the small number might have limited the possible cases that could be diagnosed
of cases might create insignificant statistical value and if the whole M.I.N.I module was administered to all.
interpretation. This study also finds that depression is the most common
Descriptively, psychiatric problems are more common in community setting (3.58%). This is similar to the WHO
in women (20-100%) than men in this population, and they 201423 report that states 3.3% of the total population of
are most common in early-middle adulthood (20-45 years Filipinos suffer from depressive disorders. Based on the
old). Higher-educated people had the more psychiatric study of Perlas et al.14, in Negros Occidental population,
conditions. Employment had no effect on the prevalence of the rate for depression is almost the same (3.2% ± 0.9). The
major depressive disorder, suicidal behavior, bipolar disorder, WHO Report 201426 and the cross-sectional study done in
agoraphobia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unemployed China, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand also states that
participants, on the other hand, had higher rates of PTSD, prevalence of depression is highest among other psychiatric
substance use disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. disorders.9
Across all psychiatric conditions, higher cases were reported Generalized anxiety disorder is 1.91% in the study which
among low-income people who earned 15,000 pesos or less is lower as compared to the study of Perlas et al.14 which is
per month and had just one parent. 14.3% in the general population. The rate of psychosis which
Based on the health profile correlates, percentage of is 1.91% is also lower as compared to what they found which
psychiatric disorders with medical comorbidity is 37.50- is 4.3% in the general population. However, it is relatively
73%, and around 12.50-50% of the cases have genetic pre- the same with the prevalence rate they found in Antique
disposition or with family history of psychiatric condition. It which is 1.7% ± 0.5. Though, anxiety disorder is seen highest
was also shown in Table 7, that the service utilization of the as compared with depression in the study of Perlas et al.14,
population with psychiatric condition was only 4.55-6.82%. anxiety and psychotic disorders are still the most prevalent
Others who were diagnosed never had psychiatric consulta- cases in their study among all other psychiatric conditions.
tion and subsequent treatment. However, it should be noted Significantly, the suicide rate (either suicide ideation or
that from those without diagnosed psychiatric disorders, attempt) in this community population is high: 13 people
there were few who sought psychiatric consult ranging from out of 44 people with psychiatric conditions, or 3.10 percent
1.07-4.30%. Seemingly, having psychiatric disorder was not of the total population, have considered or attempted
indicative of service utilization. All person with diagnosed suicide. Because there is no national suicide registry in place,
condition/s during the study were subsequently and appro- the prevalence of suicide in the Philippines is unknown.
priately referred to the hospital and rural health center. However, a time trend analysis of suicide in the Philippines
from 1974 to 2005 revealed that 0.23 to 3.59 per 100,000
DISCUSSION males attempted suicide, while 0.12 to 1.09 per 100,000
females attempted suicide.27 In a study on depressed youth12,
This study makes an important contribution, reporting it was found that 13.5% of Filipino youth aged 15-27 had
for the first time the prevalence of psychiatric disorders considered suicide at least once and 3.4% had attempted

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Table 6a. Socio-demographic Characteristics across Psychiatric Disorders

Socio-demographic Major depressive Suicidal Bipolar Obsessive
Panic disorder Agoraphobia
Characteristics disorder behavior disorder compulsive disorder
Frequency (%) 15 (3.58%) 13 (3.10%) 5 (1.19%) 5 (1.19%) 7 (1.67%) 2 (0.48%)
Age (in years) 41 ± 15.31 41 ± 17.47 46 ± 16.93 48 ± 10.18 35 ± 14.35 39 ± 4.24
Sex
Male 1 (6.67%) 1 (7.69%) 4 (80%) 2 (40%) 2 (28.57%) 1 (50%)
Female 14 (93.33%) 12 (92.31%) 1 (20%) 3 (60%) 5 (71.43%) 1 (50%)
Gender identity does not 1 (6.67%) - 1 (20%) 1 (20%) 1 (14.29%) -
identify to both (Non-binary)
Marital status
Single 9 (60%) 8 (61.54%) 3 (60%) - 5 (71.43%) 1 (50%)
Married 6 (40%) 3 (23.08%) 1 (20%) 1 (20%) 2 (28.57%) 1 (50%)
Separated - - 1 (20%) 4 (80%) - -
Widowed - 2 (15.38%) - - - -
Educational attainment
Elementary level - 1 (7.69%) 1 (20%) 3 (60%) 1 (14.29%) -
High school level 5 (33.33%) 7 (53.85%) 2 (40%) 2 (40%) 3 (42.86%) 1 (50%)
Technical/college level 10 (66.67%) 5 (38.46%) 2 (40%) - 3 (42.86%) 1 (50%)
Ability to Read
Good 8 (53.33%) 7 (53.85%) 1 (20%) 2 (40%) 4 (57.14%) 2 (100%)
Fair 7 (46.67%) 5 (38.46%) 4 (80%) 2 (40%) 2 (28.57%) -
Poor - 1 (7.69%) - 1 (20%) 1 (14.29%) -
Employment status
Unemployed 7 (46.67%) 8 (61.54%) 2 (40%) 3 (60%) 3 (42.86%) 1 (50%)
Employed 8 (53.33%) 5 (38.46%) 3 (60%) 2 (40%) 4 (57.14%) 1 (50%)
Income status
<P 15,000 14 (93.33%) 13 (100%) 5 (100%) 4 (80%) 7 (100%) 1 (50%)
P16,000 – 50,000 1 (6.67%) - - 1 (20%) - 1 (50%)
Number of Children
None 5 (33.33%) 4 (30.77%) 3 (60%) 3 (60%) 4 (57.14%) 1 (50%)
1–2 4 (26.67%) 5 (38.46%) - 1 (20%) 2 (28.57%) -
3–5 4 (26.67%) 1 (7.69%) 1 (20%) 1 (20%) 1 (14.29%) 1 (50%)
6 – 10 2 (13.33%) 3 (23.08%) 1 (20%) - - -
Number of Siblings
None 1 (6.67%) 1 - - 2 (28.57%) -
1–2 1 (6.67%) 1 (7.69%) - 3 (60%) 1 (14.29%) 1 (50%)
3–5 6 (40%) 4 (30.77%) 5 (100%) 2 (40%) 4 (57.14%) 1 (50%)
6 – 10 7 (46.67%) 7 (53.85%) - - - -
Parents living together
Yes 13 (86.67%) 8 (61.54%) 5 (100%) 3 (60%) 6 (85.71%) 1 (50%)
No 2 (13.33%) 5 (38.46%) - 2 (40%) 1 (14.29%) 1 (50%)
Type of parents who raised them
Mother only - 5 (38.46%) - 1 (20%) - -
Father only 11 (73.33%) 7 (53.85%) 4 (80%) 4 (80%) 6 (85.71%) 2 (100%)
Both parents 4 (26.67%) 1 (7.69%) 1 (20%) - 1 (14.29%) -
Parental educational attainment
Elementary level 5 (33.33%) 7 (53.85%) 1 (20%) 2 (40%) 1 (14.29%) -
High school level 3 (20%) 5 (38.46%) 3 (60%) 1 (20%) 4 (57.14%) 1 (50%)
Technical/college level 7 (46.67%) 1 (7.69%) 1 (20%) 2 (40%) 2 (28.57%) 1 (50%)

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Table 6b. Socio-demographic Characteristics across Psychiatric Disorders (continuation)

Socio-demographic Post-traumatic Alcohol use Substance use Any psychotic Bulimia Generalized
Characteristics stress disorder disorder disorder disorder nervosa anxiety disorder
Frequency (%) 1 (0.24%) 3 (0.72%) 3 (0.72%) 8 (1.91%) 1 (0.24%) 8 (1.91%)
Age (in years) 30 24 ± 3.51 51 ± 8.62 39 ± 16.48 26 40 ± 14.51
Sex
Male - 2 (66.67%) 1 (33.33%) 3 (37.50%) - 2 (25%)
Female 1 (100%) 1 (33.33%) 2 (66.67%) 5 (62.50%) 1 (100%) 6 (75%)
Gender identity does not - - - - - 1 (12.50%)
identify to both (Non-binary)
Marital status
Single - - - 5 (62.50%) 1 (100%) 4 (50%)
Married 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 2 (25%) - 3 (37.50%)
Separated - - - 1 (12.50%) - 1 (12.50%)
Widowed - - - - - -
Educational attainment
Elementary level 1 (100%) 3 (100%) - - - -
High school level - - - 4 (50%) - 2 (25%)
Technical/college level - - 3 (100%) 4 (50%) 1 (100%) 6 (75%)
Post-graduate level - - - - - -
Ability to Read
Good 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 2 (66.67%) 4 (50%) 1 (100%) 6 (75%)
Fair - - 1 (33.33%) 4 (50%) - 2 (25%)
Poor - - - - - -
Employment status
Unemployed 1 (100%) 1 (33.33%) 2 (66.67%) 1 (12.50%) - 5 (62.50%)
Employed - 2 (66.67%) 1 (33.33%) 7 (87.50%) 1 (100%) 3 (37.50%)
Income status
<P15,000 - 2 (66.67%) - 8 (100%) - 7 (87.50%)
P16,000 – 50,000 1 (100%) 1 (33.33%) 3 (100%) 1 (100%) 1 (12.50%)
P51, 000 – 100,000 - - - - - -
>P100,000 - - - - - -
Number of Children
None - 1 (33.33%) 1 (33.33%) 3 (37.50%) - 1 (12.50%)
1–2 - 2 (66.67%) 1 (33.33%) 2 (25%) 1 (100%) 5 (62.50%)
3–5 1 (100%) - - 3 (37.50%) - 2 (25%)
6 – 10 - - 1 (33.33%) - - -
>10 - - - - - -
Number of Siblings
None - 1 (33.33%) - 1 (12.50%) - 1 (12.50%)
1–2 - - - 3 (37.50%) - 4 (50%)
3–5 1 (100%) - 3 (100%) 4 (50%) 1 (100%) 3 (37.50%)
6 – 10 - 2 (66.67%) - - - -
>10 - - - - - -
Parents living together
Yes 1 (100%) 3 3 (100%) 5 1 8 (100%)
No - - - 3 (37.50%) - -
Type of parents who raised them
Mother only - 1 (33.33%) - 2 (25%) - -
Father only 1 (100%) - 3 (100%) 4 (50%) 1 (100%) 7 (87.50%)
Both parents - 2 (66.67%) - 2 (25%) - 1 (12.50%)
Others - - - - - -
Parental educational attainment
Elementary level 1 (100%) 1 (33.33%) 5 (62.50%) - 2 (25%)
High school level 2 (66.67%) 1 (33.33%) 2 (25%) - 3 (37.50%)
Technical/college level - - 2 (66.67%) 1 (12.50%) 1 (100%) 3 (37.50%)
Post-graduate level - - - - - -

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Table 6c. Health Characteristics across Psychiatric Disorders

Major depressive Suicidal Bipolar Obsessive
Health Characteristics Panic disorder Agoraphobia
disorder behavior disorder compulsive disorder
Status of physical health
Good 4 (26.67%) 7 (53.85%) 2 (40%) 1 (20%) 5 (71.43%) 1 (50%)
Fair 9 (60%) 5 (38.46%) 3 (60%) 4 (80%) 2 (28.57%) 1 (50%)
Poor 2 (13.33%) 1 (7.69%) - - - -
Presence of medical illness
Yes 8 (53.33%) 3 (23.08%) 3 (60%) 2 (40%) 4 (57.14%) -
No 7 (46.67%) 10 (76.92%) 2 (40%) 3 (60%) 3 (42.86%) 2 (100%)
Presence of family medical illness
Yes 6 (40%) 4 (30.77%) 3 (60%) 4 (80%) 2 (28.57%) 2 (100%)
No 9 (60%) 9 (69.23%) 2 (40%) 1 (20%) 5 (71.43%) -
Presence of family mental disorder
Yes 4 (26.67%) 2 (15.38%) 2 (40%) 2 (40%) - 1 (50%)
No 11 (73.33%) 11 (84.62%) 3 (60%) 3 (60%) 7 (100%) 1 (50%)
Consult for a psychiatric service in the RHU for the past three months
Yes - - 1 (20%) - - -
No 15 (100%) 13 (100%) 4 (80%) 5 (100%) 7 (100%) 2 (100%)
Consult for a psychiatric service in the hospital for the past three months
Yes - - - - - -
No 15 (100%) 13 (100%) 5 (100%) 5 (100%) 7 (100%) 2 (100%)
Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the rural health center
Yes 1 (6.67%) - 1 (20%) 1 (20%) 2 (28.57%) -
No 14 (93.33%) 13 (100%) 4 (80%) 4 (80%) 5 (71.43%) 2 (100%)
Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the hospital
Yes 1 (6.67%) - 2 (40%) 2 (40%) 2 (28.57%) 1 (50%)
No 14 (93.33%) 13 (100%) 3 (60%) 3 (60%) 5 (71.43%) 1 (50%)

suicide. This study's relatively high rate could be attributed of Rehabilitation Treatment, which actively implements
to the tool used. The MINI module does not further classify substance abuse prevention programs. Balanga has received
the suicidal behavior as to suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, recognition for being a smoke-free city and for its active
aborted suicide or non-suicidal-self-injury, as compared campaign against methamphetamine and other drugs, as well
to literature which categorized and differentiated one from as alcohol. Its active implementation of local ordinance in
the other. controlling substance and tobacco use may have contributed
Interestingly, the rate of substance use disorder (0.72%) to the community's low prevalence of this disorder.
is similar to the 0.7 %+0.4 rate reported by Perlas et al.14. Epidemiological studies on bipolar disorders have
However, this is relatively lower compared to prevalence suggested that the lifetime prevalence of bipolar 1 disorder in
rates in literature which is 10% on DOH 200816 report and the general population is 1%28, which is consistent with the
8% on the WHO 2007 report13. One possible explanation is study (1.19%). However, in studies, the prevalence of bipolar
the social desirability bias. There could be under-reporting 1 (0.6%) is higher than that of bipolar II (0.4%), which
of the substance use and symptoms. Due to the stigma contradicts the results of the study, which found more cases
associated with substance use and mental health disorders, of bipolar II than bipolar I. Although results varied across
individuals might under-report their actual use of substances countries, it is unclear whether these differences are due to
or the severity of their symptoms. They might do this to the diagnostic tool used in each study.
appear in a better light, avoid judgment, or out of fear of The significant number of people (26.04%) who had
potential repercussions (like losing a job or facing legal positive or experienced at least one of the sixteen psychiatric
consequences). There might also be inaccurate reporting of disorders is also significant. This has implications for the
frequency and quantity, meaning that even if individuals do development of community-based preventive and resiliency
admit to substance use, they may downplay the amount or programs for mental health. Screening for mental health
frequency due to SDB. This can impact the categorization conditions may become part of the community mental health
of substance use severity, leading to underestimations of program and services as a result of this.
high-risk or heavy use patterns. Another factor is the effect In terms of service utilization, it is clear that only 4.55-
of the social policies. Local government of Balanga’s anti- 6.82% of people diagnosed with mental health disorders
tobacco and anti-alcohol campaign, as well as the presence received care recently or in the past, from a rural health center

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Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

Table 6d. Health Characteristics across Psychiatric Disorders (continuation)

Post-traumatic Alcohol use Substance Any psychotic Bulimia Generalized
Health Characteristics
stress disorder disorder use disorder disorder nervosa anxiety disorder
Status of physical health
Good - 2 (66.67%) 1 (33.33%) 5 (62.50%) 1 (100%) 3 (37.50%)
Fair 1 (100%) 1 (33.33%) 2 (66.67%) 3 (37.50%) - 4 (50%)
Poor - - - - - 1 (12.50%)
Presence of medical illness
Yes - - 3 (100%) 3 (37.50%) - 6 (75%)
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) - 5 (62.50%) 1 (100%) 2 (25%)
Presence of family medical illness
Yes - 1 (33.33%) - 4 (50%) - 4 (50%)
No 1 (100%) 2 (66.67%) 3 (100%) 4 (50%) 1 (100%) 4 (50%)
Presence of family mental disorder
Yes - - - 1 - 1 (12.50%)
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 7 (87.50%) 1 (100%) 7 (87.50%)
Consult for a psychiatric service in the RHU for the past three months
Yes - - - 2 (25%) - -
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 6 (75%) 1 (100%) 8 (100%)
Consult for a psychiatric service in the hospital for the past three months
Yes - - - 1 (12.50%) - -
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 7 (87.50%) 1 (100%) 8 (100%)
Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the rural health center
Yes - - - 1 (12.50%) - 1 (12.50%)
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 7 (87.50%) 1 (100%) 7 (87.50%)
Past consultation for a psychiatric service in the hospital
Yes - - - 2 (25%) - 1 (12.50%)
No 1 (100%) 3 (100%) 3 (100%) 6 (75%) 1 (100%) 7 (87.50%)

Table 7. Percentage Distribution of Health Seeking Behavior aimed at increasing service utilization may be beneficial in
and Psychiatric Disorders addressing the population's psychiatric concerns.
Psychiatric Disorder (MINI) Although the study does not examine the relationship
Health Seeking Behavior Consult
Present Absent between socioeconomic and health factors and psychiatric
Consult for a psychiatric Yes 2 (4.55%) 4 (1.07%)
disorders, there is an increase in the prevalence of all
service in the RHU for the psychiatric disorders among populations with low income
past three months No 42 (95.45%) 369 (98.93%) (15,000php/month salary) and female sex, with the exception
Consult for a psychiatric Yes 1 (2.27%) 4 (1.07%) of bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. Flores et al.30
service in the hospital for discovered that psychiatric conditions such as depression
the past three months No 43 (97.73%) 369 (98.93%)
and anxiety are associated with female sex, age, and quality
Past consultation for a Yes 3 (6.82%) 5 (1.34%) of life among Filipinos. According to a 2005 WHO report1,
psychiatric service in the
rural health center No 41 (93.18%) 368 (98.66%) unemployment and poverty, along with substance abuse,
lack of education, poor nutrition, war, violence, workplace
Past consultation for a Yes 3 (6.82%) 16 (4.30%)
psychiatric service in the stress, and racial injustice, are risk factors for mental health
hospital No 41 (93.18%) 356 (95.70%) issues. A larger sample size follow-up study would be useful
to investigate the possible associations or correlations of the
factors to psychiatric disorders in this community study.
or a hospital. This suggests that a large number of people in
this community sample who needed psychiatric services Limitations of the Study
went undiagnosed and untreated. This disparity appears to A number of important limitations must be appreciated
be shared by other studies. WHO described huge treatment in understanding the study. Fear of discrimination and
gaps in its 2005 Investing in Mental Health report29, stating stigmatization despite confidentiality might lead to non-
that only a small minority of patients with mental disorders reporting bias. Another limitation is the inclusion criteria
receive even the most basic treatment. According to this for age which are participants ages 19-65. Most survey
report, the treatment gap for these disorders is closer to families include children and the elderly, which may affect
90% in developing countries like the Philippines. Policies psychiatric condition prevalence. The study's sample size is

62 VOL. 58 NO. 22 2024

 Prevalence Study of Psychiatric Disorders

another limitation. Larger samples or different barangays may Author Disclosure

give a better picture of psychiatric problems and may allow Both authors declared no conflicts of interest.
inferential statistics. Nonetheless, this study gives important
data that can assist policy decision and may aid further city- Funding Source
wide and provincial-wide research. The study was funded by the authors.

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