Prevalence of Mental Health Issues and Its Associated Risk Factors among Philippine Navy Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being, influencing an individual's ability to think, express emotions, interact with others, and work productively. Military personnel, particularly sailors and marines, are frequently exposed to psychological and physiological stressors due to prolonged deployments, separation from family, and the demanding nature of their duties. This study aims to assess the mental health status and associated risk factors among deployed and field-assigned Philippine Navy sailors and marines. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 6-20, 2022, using an online survey with responses from 345 personnel stationed in Cebu, Palawan, and Tawi-Tawi. The study utilized standardized psychological assessment tools: the Short General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for distress, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GADS-7) for anxiety, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptoms-15 (PHQSS-15) for somatic symptoms. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression, were applied to determine significant associations. Results indicate prevalence rates of 20.87% for distress, 47.83% for depression, 22.32% for generalized anxiety, and 33.33% for somatic symptoms. Officers and non-commissioned officers exhibited higher distress and depression levels. Tenure in service significantly influenced distress, depression, and anxiety, with symptoms peaking at five years of service and decreasing over time. Sleep duration and quality were critical factors, as shorter sleep was linked to heightened depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of routine mental health assessments, accessible psychological support, and targeted interventions, such as mindfulness training and stress management programs, to promote well-being among military personnel.