Keyword: mental health

ABSTRACT: Understanding mental health literacy is essential in equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to manage mental health concerns effectively. A structured survey-based approach was implemented to examine key dimensions of mental health literacy among secondary and post-secondary students in Bukidnon, Philippines. The study involved 3,397 legally aged students from secondary and post-secondary institutions, with most participants enrolled in undergraduate programs. Using validated measurement procedures, the findings confirm that mental health literacy is shaped by awareness of resources, help-seeking behavior, perceived stigma, self-efficacy in managing mental health, and cultural influences. Each dimension demonstrated stable measurement properties and meaningful relationships within the overall model. The developed questionnaire provides a reliable and multidimensional tool for assessing literacy patterns within academic settings. By identifying strengths and gaps across these domains, the instrument offers a structured basis for designing interventions that strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, promote help-seeking, and support student well-being within similar educational contexts.

ABSTRACT: Academic institutions’ mental health programs and services play a vital role in nurturing students’ well-being and success. Despite progress, challenges in implementation and the need for sustainable strategies highlight the importance of collaborative efforts to optimize mental health programs and create supportive academic environments. This research is important as it bridges gaps in existing knowledge and lays a foundation for both future academic inquiry and practical application. The study engaged experienced mental health advocates and professionals through a two-round Delphi process to refine strategies for improving mental health programs in academic institutions. The exploratory stage identified twenty-one essential strategies for developing sustainable and inclusive mental health programs in academic settings, emphasizing the importance of policy integration, culturally responsive interventions, peer support networks, technology utilization, capacity building, and resource advocacy. The integration stage further synthesized these into nine strategies, highlighting the need for embedding mental health into institutional policies, strengthening leadership accountability, fostering community collaboration, enhancing program accessibility, and promoting awareness through education and innovation. The findings underscore the value of evidence-based practices, professional development, and regular evaluation mechanisms to ensure adaptability, inclusivity, and long-term program sustainability, offering critical implications for practice, policy, and future research.