UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH

AWARENESS IN PREVENTING
DEPRESSION

EDWARD G. AGUTAYA
DOMINICK R. DEQUIÑA
JOHN ANDREI M. MAGALLANES
LYKA JEAN H. CAPIN
CRISTINE T. LUSA

ACCOUNTANCY, BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

JANUARY 2025
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UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
AWARENESS IN PREVENTING
DEPRESSION

This Research will be presented to Mr. Edgardo Gonzales

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the subject Practical Research 1

EDWARD G. AGUTAYA
DOMINICK R. DEQUIÑA
JOHN ANDREI M. MAGALLANES
LYKA JEAN H. CAPIN
CRISTINE LUSA

Accountancy, Business and Management

January 2025

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE 1
CHAPTER Page
I. INTRODUCTION 4
Background of the study 4
Research Problem 4
Objectives of the study 5
Significance of the study 5
Scope and delimitation of the study 5

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Framework 11
Conceptual Paradigm 11
Operational Definition of Terms 5

III. METHODOLOGY
Locale of the Study
Respondent of the Study
Sampling Procedure
The Research Instrument
Procedure of Data Gathering
Pictorials of conduct
Procedure for Data Analysis
APPENDICES

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, particularly for students
navigating the pressures of academic life, social development, and personal growth.
The college years can be a period of significant transition and adjustment, often
leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. This transition can
exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or even trigger new ones.
Depression, a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of
sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, can significantly impact students’
academic performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the
importance of mental health in the student population is crucial for fostering a
supportive and inclusive campus environment. By promoting mental health
awareness, institutions can empower students to prioritize their well-being, seek help
when needed, and create a culture of open dialogue and support. This report aims to
shed light on student perceptions of mental health awareness and its potential to
prevent depression, offering valuable insights for developing impactful campus
initiatives. Extensive research underscores the prevalence of mental health challenges
among students, particularly depression. Studies consistently show that Senior High
students are at a higher risk for experiencing mental health issues compared to the
general population. This heightened risk can be attributed to factors such as academic
pressure, social isolation, financial stress, and adjusting to a new environment. A
significant body of literature emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness
in mitigating the impact of depression. Increased awareness can lead to earlier
detection, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging individuals
to seek help. Furthermore, research highlights the effectiveness of targeted mental
health initiatives and programs in promoting positive mental well-being and reducing
the incidence of depression among students.

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Objectives of the study
This study aims to:
a. Assess students knowledge and attitude towards mental health and depression.
b. Evaluate the impact of mental health awareness campaign.
c. Identify the barriers for seeking help for metal health issues.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to answer the following:
a. How students will cope their stress and it will not lead to depression?
b. What are the efficient mental health awareness campaigns to cope depression on
many students?
c. Understanding and identifying the significance of mental health awareness in
preventing depression?
Significance of the study
This study will be beneficial to Central Taytay Senior High School – Stand Alone
students, this study aims to inform the student’s about the importance of coping
depression.
Scope and Delimitation
This study will be conducted only on the students of Central Taytay Senior High
School Stand – Alone and will focus only on the Understanding Students’ Perceptions
of the Significance of Mental Health Awareness in Preventing Depression.

Students; it gives a narrow explanation about coping the stress that may lead to
depression, giving them the significant value of knowledge to know how to cope
depression.
Definition of terms
 Mental health: it refers to the health of our minds.
 Depression: refers to the feeling of an individual about his/her thoughts
and problem inside his/her minds.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Local literature
Local study: Understanding Students’ Perceptions of the Significance of Mental
Health Awareness in Preventing Depression.
According to Jose T Decena III et. A1, The study determined the relationship
between student engagement and academic performance among 170 students of
Tacurong National High School. The study utilized a quantitative research design
using the descriptive-correlational design. In terms of sampling method, the study
employed a purposive sampling method. The questionnaire on student engagement
was adopted from the study of Delfino(2019), while the grading scale on academic
performance was patterned form the SF9 K-12 DepEd Curriculum. Data were
analyzed using men and pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient. Results
showed that the level of student engagement among ABM students is high, which
indicates that it is oftentimes observed. The level of academic performance is very
satisfactory.
Futhermore, there is no significant relationship between student engagement and
academic performance among ABM students of TNHS. By understanding the factors
that lead to student engagement in the educational process, institutions ,teachers, and
school administrators can develop and implement strategies to improve student
engagement and academic performance, leading to improved academic outcomes and
a positive educational experience.
International Literature
International study: African mental health towards Depression among students.
According to Eseldah Nkhensani Mboweni, Mental health disorders pose a
critical global public health concern, affecting individuals and communities
worldwide. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders has risen, impacting
one in eight people globally in 2019. Alarming statistics reveal that only one in three
individuals facing depression receives adequate care, emphasizing the urgent need for
enhanced global mental health support . In Africa, mental health problems contribute
to 19% of disabilities, affecting one in four Africans, leading to substantial
productivity loss. The prevalence of depression in Africa reached 116.29 million in
2019, with South Africa bearing a considerable burden. In low- and middle-income
countries like South Africa, factors such as conflict, trauma, hunger, poverty, limited
access to heal
th care, and social inequality contribute to the high prevalence of mental health
disorders . Despite the significant impact of mental disorders, these countries allocate

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less than 3% of their health budgets to mental health care, emphasizing the critical
need for increased investment and resources in mental health initiatives.
South Africa specifically faces a significant mental health challenge, with over 12
million people grappling with mental health disorders, and a concerning 75% of them
remain untreated, revealing a substantial treatment gap. The 12-month prevalence
estimate for common mental disorders in South Africa is 16.5%, affecting nearly one-
third of the population during their lifetime. Anxiety disorders top the list as the most
prevalent class of mental disorders in South Africa, affecting 15.8% of the population,
followed by substance use disorders at 13.3% and mood disorders at 9.8%.
Shockingly, 25.7% of South Africans are likely to be depressed, with more than a
quarter reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression [7,8]. Although there is
no clear indication of the prevalence of mental health disorders in the Mpumalanga
province, where Matsafeni village is located, the province stands out with one of the
highest rates of mental health disorders within South Africa.

Referrence: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/1/85
Canadian youth pursuing postsecondary education are facing a major mental health
crisis. There are substantial gaps between the diagnosis and treatment of mental
illnesses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a web-based mental
health educational intervention was an effective tool with which to increase mental
health awareness and help-seeking behaviors of university students. The theory of
planned behavior, the help-seeking model, and the technology acceptance model were
the theories that guided this study. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental research
design, data were collected from 329 undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health
Sciences at a university in Eastern Ontario. The attitude, perception, and knowledge
about mental health were measured before and after an online mental health
educational module (Mindsight) using the Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire
(AMIQ), Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (HSAS), and Knowledge Test (KT). The
paired t test and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the effects of the Mindsight
on pre/post survey AMIQ, HSAS, and KT scores. The results indicated that there was
no statistically significant difference in the mental health attitude and knowledge of
students after completing a web-based mental health educational module; however,
there was a statistically significant difference in the mental health perception of
students. Positive social change may be accomplished through the implementation of
strategies aimed at improving the mental health awareness and increasing the help-
seeking behaviors of university students. Students who have good mental health are
more likely to do well academically and become productive members of their
communities and society.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?
hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Understanding+Students
%27+Perceptions+of+the+Significance+of+Mental+Health+Awareness+in+Preventin
g+Depression&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=1736754124186&u=%23p
%3DbtMW7AdmuRsJ
7
Mental health literacy and the public perception of persons with depression and
schizophrenia in Vietnam
Vietnam’s mental health care system is undergoing significant changes since the
government has initiated large-scale programs to reform and develop the mental
health care infrastructure. Cultural belief systems on mental illnesses influence help-
seeking behavior and compliance. This study investigates the belief systems about
people with schizophrenia and depression among people living in the Hanoi area.
Mental health illness has been increasing worldwide. The prevalence of mental illness
and is higher among females than among males. It is estimated that one in 5 women
experience a common mental health disorder. This article highlights gender disparities
in the risk, prevalence, and presentation of different mental health disorders. Nearly
all survivors of critical illness experience 1 or more domains of the post–intensive
care syndrome. We review different mental health disorders including anxiety
disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?as_ylo=2021&q=rrl+.Understanding+Students
%27+Perceptions+of+the+Significance+of+Mental+Health+Awareness+in+Preventin
g+Depression&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5#d=gs_qabs&t=1736408039638&u=%23p
%3D6YygnAScy78J
Mental health disorders in school-aged children are on the rise. The need for mental
health care is well recognized, and the provision of this care in schools is
recommended. An integrative review explored how school nurses view their role in
addressing students’ mental health. Fourteen articles were identified, eleven using a
qualitative design and three using a quantitative design. Findings suggest that school
nurses see their role as trusted members of the school community. They perceive
upholding standards of practice as an integral part of their position and recognize
competence in mental health care to be highly important. Practice recommendations
include providing school nurses with evidence-based training on managing the mental
health needs of students, as well as ensuring access to school nurses who can provide
mental health supervision in the community.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?as_ylo=2021&q=Understanding+Students
%27+Perceptions+of+the+Significance+of+Mental+Health+Awareness+in+Preventin
g+Depression&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5#d=gs_qabs&t=1736407242995&u=%23p
%3Dyg4wO42Dcq0J
Depression is one of the most common psychological problems encountered by
students in higher and tertiary education yet remains under-researched particularly in
indigenous cultures. This study explores how Shona students in a tertiary institution in
the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe understand depression and how it interacts with
their learning. Guided by the pragmatic paradigm, the study adopted a sequential
mixed-methods approach to facilitate the collection of both qualitative and
quantitative data in order to make the research comprehensive. Quantitative data were
initially collected through the use of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The
questionnaire informed the study of the prevalence and severity of depressive
symptoms in a sample of 367 volunteer first-year students. Qualitative data were
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collected using a semi-structured interview guide from 11 volunteer students
exhibiting severe symptoms of depression as informed by the BDI-II ratings. Thirteen
volunteer lecturers who taught these students were also interviewed. This approach
facilitated triangulation of data-collection sources and methods to provide stronger
evidence for conclusions through convergence and corroboration of findings.
Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) and qualitative data were thematically analysed. The study discovered a 36
per cent prevalence rate of depressive symptoms with no significant differences in
prevalence rates for males and females. The findings indicate that the Shona students
and lecturers understand depression largely as stress, thinking too much,
“kufungisisa”, sadness, “kusuruvara”, mental instability, and as spiritually orientated.
The students experience somatic, emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression
stipulated in the DSM-5, as well as feelings of loneliness, anger, lack of a social life,
missed menstrual cycle and “pain in the heart”. Depression inhibits optimal academic
performance in the students and leads to a lack of concentration and motivation, a
failure to meet academic demands, indiscipline, and alcohol, drug and substance
abuse. The study recommends on-campus professional counselling services and
programmes to increase mental health literacy and aid the prevention of depression.
https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/30098c67-f568-43c9-9254-cf6960dc3a6e
Child and adolescent mental health has been declared a national crisis in the United
States, with multiple high-ranking U.S. officials and federal agencies citing the need
for urgent attention from multiple sectors. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, more
than one-third of children and adolescents were considered high risk for developing a
diagnosable mental health disorder in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has
compounded these concerns, leading to increased stress, anxiety and depression,
substance use, and acting out behaviors in recent years. Considering the scale of child
mental health concerns and their impact on academic and life outcomes, schools have
faced increasing pressure to address mental health. School mental health services,
wherein mental health clinicians are embedded in schools to provide on-site therapy
to students, have long been promoted as a potential solution. By reducing access
barriers, school mental health services greatly expand the availability of mental health
services for children and youth. However, given long-standing mental health
workforce shortages, focusing on individual therapy remains an unlikely solution to
meeting the significant demand for mental health support. This is particularly true in
the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which simultaneously increased mental
health needs and disrupted access to traditional mental health services.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/8/649
Research reveals veterinary medical students and professionals are at increased risk
for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality, yet many
individuals in distress do not seek professional mental health services. Although some
barriers to accessing services have been identified, other factors, including how
professional culture influences service underutilization, are poorly understood. In this
study, we used a mixed-methods approach to investigate 573 veterinary students’
perceptions of barriers to seeking mental health services and potential mechanisms to
9
lessen them. We identified four barrier themes: stigma, veterinary medical culture and
identities, services, and personal factors. Participants’ suggestions for reducing
barriers to seeking help related to three themes: culture, services, and programmatic
factors. We compared perceptions of barriers based on the severity of participants’
self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety and found that participants with
severe depression, compared with participants with mild depression, were more likely
to perceive barriers related to veterinary medical culture. The results of this study
provide a deeper understanding of veterinary students’ barriers to seeking mental
health services and, in particular, how these barriers, as both individual and
sociocultural phenomena, are often interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar
Depression is considered a major global public health problem that is linked with
morbidity and disability (Aluh et al., 2018; Carrellas et al., 2017). Most cases of
depression usually occur among the youth population of 16 to 24 years of age (Perre
et al., 2016). Although most mental health problems, particularly depression, begin at
young age, most cases remain undetected and untreated (Aluh et al., 2018).
Undetected and untreated depression in adolescents and youths is related to other
problems, including poor educational achievement, impaired social functioning, and
an increased exposure to violence, substance abuse, and suicide (Carrellas et al., 2017;
Dardas et al., 2016a). A recent study showed that the average rate of suicide attempts
among adolescents aged 12–18 years in 40 low-income and middle-income countries
was 17.2 %, with rates ranging from 6.7 % in Malaysia to 61.2 % in Samoa (Liu et al.,
2018). Male adolescents have higher suicide rates than females, while female
adolescents have higher attempted suicide rates than males (Liu et al., 2018).
Depression among this vulnerable population has been associated with suicide
casualties (Liu et al., 2018). Other risk factors of suicide include weak socio-
economic status (poverty, unemployment, and low educational level), psychological
symptoms/problems (bullying, anxiety, and depression), substance use (smoking and
alcohol use), and poor relationships with family and others (Liu et al., 2018).
One of the most common mental illness in the world is depression; it is also the
primary issue regarding health (Sarokhani et al., 2013). The problems in a student's
mental state are a problem globally, and it comprises both developed and non-
developed societies, including modern and traditional (Bayram & Bilgel, 2008).
Young people are being challenged by a lot of contradictions and pressure to succeed,
especially at university (Arslan, Ayranci, Unsal & Arslants, 2009).
Depression has something to do with the sick wellbeing of a particular person, and it
most likely leads to suicide. The most common causes of depression among teenagers
are a family history of depression and psychosocial stress. Different psychosocial
variety combines with inherited risks, developmental factors, and sex hormones to
increase risk through perturbed neural pathways and hormonal aspects (Thapar,
2012).
Today, there is still no adequate solution to aid depression and development in
understanding the neurobiology of depression is quite slow;however, hypotheses
10
about depression and antidepressant action. On the other hand, there are sure advances
that will gradually develop the cure and prevention of depression and that is by
understanding the neurobiological aspect of depression that requires identification of
the genes of a particular person that makes it vulnerable or resistant to the disease
(Nestler et al., 2002).
Major depression is a widespread disease that acutely limits one's psychosocial
functioning, fand it decreases the quality of life. In 2008, major depression was
recorded by the World Health Organization as the third reason for the burden of
diseases globally and prognosticated to be ranked first by the year 2030. Further, there
are still some challenges for clinicians like its practice, diagnosis, detection, and
management because of its numerous presentations, unpredictable prognosis, and
variable response to treatment (Malhi J. and Mann G.. 2018).
Depression is the emotional expression of a state of ego-helplessness and ego-
powerlessness to fulfill actively maintained egoism. The fact that depression is a
primary ego reaction to situations of narcissistic frustration does not invalidate
accepted theories of the role of orality and aggression in depression (Bibring, 2016).
Connecting with others for help, signaling yielding in a hierarchy conflict, improving
disengagement from commitments to unachieved goals, and controlling patterns of
investment are some of the many ways portrayed for depression prevention (Nesse,
2000).
Conceptual Framework
The main factors of depression and the effect of depression on
students will be independent variable while the understanding students’
perceptions of the significance of mental health awareness in preventing
depression will be the dependent variable of the study.
Conceptual Paradigm
Independent Variable Dependent Variable

 Main factors of  Understanding students’

depression. perceptions of the

 The effect of depression significance of mental

on students. health awareness in

preventing depression.

Figure 1. The conceptual paradigm of the study.

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Locale of the study

This study will be conducted at Central Taytay Senior High School – Stand Alone
located at Montevista, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan.
Participants of the Study
The participants of the study are the Grade 11 Students SY: 2023-2024
Researcher Design
The researchers will use a phenomenological.
Sampling method
This study will use a quota sampling to select the number of participants research
instrument.
The researchers will use a survey questioners to gather data from the respondents.
Data collection procedures
The researchers will send a letter to the principal office to ask a permission to
conduct a research study. The data will be collected using a survey questioners and it
will be confidential.

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