The state of mental health publications in the Philippines from 1996 to 2022 and its comparison with the ASEAN region

Abstract

This study evaluates psychiatry and mental health publications in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, specifically focusing on the Philippines from 1996 to 2023. Academic publication varies among ASEAN states, with Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand leading. Despite the 2018 Mental Health Act, the Philippines did not significantly increase research output. However, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred mental health research in the Philippines. This highlights the need for further research on barriers and research quality. Policymakers should consider these findings for regional mental health research strategies. The study also shows the research community’s adaptability during crises, which can inform future responses to public health challenges.

Keywords:

• Mental health research
• research productivity
• research policy
• Mental Health Law
• Southeast Asia
• Asia
• Philippines

Authors’ contributions

RA contributed to the conceptualization, writing – original draft, and writing – review and editing.

Ethical approval

This work does not necessitate ethical approval and consent forms since the data is publicly available and there was no human participant.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).