MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM IN PNP-SAF: A PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
PSOSEC
[ Browse Items ]
Publication Year
2025
Tags
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of the Special Action Force (SAF) Mental Health Programs across the Preventive, Intervention, and Restoration/Recovery Approaches. Using the Convergent Mixed Method Design, quantitative data were gathered through survey questionnaires from personnel assigned in the SAF Headquarters, special action battalions (SAB) and special action companies (SAC). Likewise, qualitative data were gathered through focused group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII) with key program implementers, personnel who underwent mental health interventions and their family members, and mental health experts.
Quantitative data indicated that the existing mental health programs of SAF are generally effective in all three (3) approaches, with the Intervention Program showing the highest ratings compared to the Preventive and Restoration/Recovery initiatives. On the other hand, qualitative data highlighted key challenges encountered in the program implementation such as lack of mental health experts, stigma associated with seeking mental health interventions, accessibility challenges due to the nature and geographical locations of SAF units, fragmented program implementation, lack of leadership capabilities, and underreporting of suicide cases involving SAF personnel.
The study led to the conclusion that while the existing mental health programs are deemed effective and beneficial to SAF personnel, the implementation, sustainability, and impact can be improved by integrating the fragmented programs into one holistic wellness program.
A holistic and integrated SAF Wellness Program is then proposed as the Action Plan for the study. The SAF Wellness program is an integration of the different programs related to wellness and wellbeing such as mental and physical wellness, family welfare, social wellness, spiritual wellness and peer support group. This wellness program is expected to improve the overall wellbeing of SAF personnel if seriously implemented across all units of SAF.
Quantitative data indicated that the existing mental health programs of SAF are generally effective in all three (3) approaches, with the Intervention Program showing the highest ratings compared to the Preventive and Restoration/Recovery initiatives. On the other hand, qualitative data highlighted key challenges encountered in the program implementation such as lack of mental health experts, stigma associated with seeking mental health interventions, accessibility challenges due to the nature and geographical locations of SAF units, fragmented program implementation, lack of leadership capabilities, and underreporting of suicide cases involving SAF personnel.
The study led to the conclusion that while the existing mental health programs are deemed effective and beneficial to SAF personnel, the implementation, sustainability, and impact can be improved by integrating the fragmented programs into one holistic wellness program.
A holistic and integrated SAF Wellness Program is then proposed as the Action Plan for the study. The SAF Wellness program is an integration of the different programs related to wellness and wellbeing such as mental and physical wellness, family welfare, social wellness, spiritual wellness and peer support group. This wellness program is expected to improve the overall wellbeing of SAF personnel if seriously implemented across all units of SAF.
Number of Copies
1
