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The Philippines faces a significant unmet need for mental health care services, especially in remote and underserved areas with limited access to traditional in-person psychiatric services. Telepsychiatry offers a potential solution for bridging this gap and improving access to care. This study aimed to evaluate the telepsychiatry service in a Level 1 government hospital in southern Philippines and assess its feasibility for improving mental healthcare access. This evaluation study used a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis of patient demographic data and psychiatric diagnoses retrieved from medical records (2018-2021), as well as qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with patients, guardians, and hospital staff. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was also conducted to assess areas for improvement. The majority of patients were between 18-35 yr old, male, and single. The most common diagnoses were schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, followed by depressive and anxiety disorders. Key issues included medicine shortage, lack of communication, and poor Internet connectivity. However, stakeholders cited advantages such as access to free consultations, timely diagnosis, and potential for service scaleup. This study features telepsychiatry's potential for enabling better mental health care access in resource-constrained areas of the Philippines. It is the first to demonstrate telepsychiatry service provision from a specialist hospital to a Level 1 government hospital in the country. However, sustained multi-sector and multi-level coordination is crucial for long-term viability. Recommendations for enhancement and future research directions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expose them to abuse, harming their mental wellness. Telepsychiatry offers hope by allowing prompt diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health issues. Yet, the acceptability of this technology among OFWs has not been studied, and specialized psychiatric services for them are scarce. This study assessed telepsychiatry acceptance among OFWs in Kuwait. Using a cross-sectional design, participants with mental health concerns in a Philippine Embassy shelter were selected. Tailored telepsychiatry software facilitated secure online video consultations and psychotherapy sessions with a Philippines-based psychiatrist. Acceptance was measured with the telemedicine satisfaction and usefulness questionnaire. Fifty-five (55) female OFWs participated; most were household service workers (n = 53; 96.36%) with a median age of 35. Mental health disorders were diagnosed in 22 participants (40%)-including acute stress disorder (n = 14; 25.45%), major depressive disorder (n = 5; 9.09%), brief psychotic disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), and adjustment disorder (n = 1; 1.82%). Acceptance-wise, the majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with the telepsychiatry service provided (mean = 4.77; SD=0.48). This pioneering research demonstrates the viability of telepsychiatry in providing vital psychosocial support to distressed OFWs in Kuwait. Sustaining and expanding this service across various countries is essential to ensure access to culturally sensitive and responsive mental health resources, thereby promoting mental health equity and the overall well-being of migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larva of Vestalis melania is described and illustrated for the first time, based on specimens collected from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines. The identity of the larva was confirmed by matching its mitochondrial COI sequence with the adult. The larva can be distinguished by the shape of the prementum and its median cleft, lateral gills, and posterolateral abdominal spines. Comparison with other known larvae in the genus is also provided. The significance of using DNA barcoding for identifying larvae of Philippine Odonata is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]