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A randomized controlled trial of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program in the Philippines

SIkini Labastilla (Asian Society of Community Rehabilitation Practitioners, San Juan City, The Philippines)
Maria Regina Hechanova (Department of Psychology, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, The Philippines and University Research Co LLC, Bethesda, Maryland, USA)
Antover Tuliao (Department of Community, Family and Addiction Services, Texas Tech University System, Lubbock, Texas, USA)
Mariel Rizza C. Tee (University Research Co LLC, Bethesda, Maryland, USA)
Jigette Cyril Zalun (Anti-Drug Abuse Office, Caloocan City, The Philippines)
Romeo Canonoy Jr (Anti-Drug Abuse Office, Caloocan City, The Philippines)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 20 September 2024

15

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the delivery of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program for Filipino drug users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

It used a randomized control longitudinal design with data collected prior to the program and every two months for 10 months. The programs focused on building recovery skills, life skills and family modules. Program length ranged from a brief intervention of three sessions to 24 sessions depending on whether clients were low risk, moderate risk or those arrested for drug use.

Findings

Results revealed significant improvements in recovery skills of participants in the treatment group compared to those in the control group. Mental health illness symptoms decreased for both control and treatment groups; however, no differences were found in recovery capital and cravings.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of significant changes in certain variables, such as recovery capital, requires more data to understand the barriers to enable greater recovery. The study was limited to virtual delivery of rehabilitation services conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies may wish to compare modalities of online and onsite delivery to enable a comparison of effectiveness.

Practical implications

Results suggest the feasibility of virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment implemented by trained paraprofessionals. However, it also highlights the necessity to build the capacity of service providers and address connectivity challenges.

Social implications

Stigma and discrimination prevent people who use drugs from seeking treatment. Virtual delivery of mental health and substance use treatment can provide a platform where people can seek help while maintaining some privacy.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence from under-represented populations – persons who use drugs in the Philippines.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This program was designed and evaluated with the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development’s Renewhealth project. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily the views and opinions of USAID. The authors wish to thank Dr Yolanda Oliveros and Madison Ethridge for their inputs on the manuscript.

Citation

Labastilla, S., Hechanova, M.R., Tuliao, A., Tee, M.R.C., Zalun, J.C. and Canonoy Jr, R. (2024), "A randomized controlled trial of a virtual community-based mental health and substance use program in the Philippines", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-08-2024-0141

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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