1.1 Background and Rationale The latest known data on mental health illnesses in the Philippines was dated back in 2000. Survey results from the National Statistics Office (NSO) showed that the prevalence rate of mental disorders in the country at the time was 88 cases for every 100,000 individuals. In that same year, census showed that mental illness was the third leading case for persons with disabilities (PWD). Of the 942,098 persons with disabilities in the country, 7.14 percent were categorized as suffering from "Mental Illness." In the National Capital Region alone, it was recorded as the second top category for PWDs. It was reported that substance abuse is the leading causes of mental illness. A World Health Organization study also revealed …show more content…
In light of the need of Philippine mental health nurses, it is only appropriate to consider the development of mental health nursing …show more content…
1.2 Significance of the Study The researchers intend to develop competencies for mental health nurse. Moreover, the researches would also like to find out the roles and responsibilities, knowledge, skill and attitudes or behaviors of mental health nurses. Furthermore, the study would also be beneficial to the following: Patients with mental health problems. The primary recipients for the effects and benefits of the study will be the patients with mental health problems. They are the ones who are being directly addressed with nursing care by mental health nurses. With the development of these competencies, mental health nurses will be more able to render competence and quality nursing care to the patients. Mental health nurses and nursing Practice. This study will be able to provide better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of mental health nurses, as it will be in line with research-based competencies. These competencies assist the professional development and ongoing evaluation of competence of the individual mental health nurse. Nursing administration. This study can serve as a framework of competency for mental health institutions. The administration may use these competencies to promote and uphold nursing