Scholars

Asia-Pacific Mental Health and Well-being Congress

THEME: "Future Directions: Pioneering Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives"

img2 27-29 Oct 2025
img2 Bali, Indonesia
Charisse Jae Faa

Charisse Jae Faa

National Center for Mental Health, Philippines

Attitude, Awareness And Clinical Competency Among Physicians Of The National Center For Mental Health Towards The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender (Lgbt) Community

Biography

Charisse Jae  is a graduating Psychiatry resident from the National Center for Mental Health in the Philippines. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the Adventist University of the Philippines and ranked 3rd on the National Nurse’s Licensure Examination in May 2014. She completed her medical degree at the De La Salle Health and Medical Sciences Institute in 2019. In 2022, she was the champion of the annual Interhospital Case Competition conducted by the Philippine Psychiatric Association. Most recently, she presented a poster at the 2025 HKCPsych International Mental Health Congress, held on June 28 to 29, 2025.

Abstract

Introduction:LGBT Filipinos continue to face a multitude of minority stressors from society due to the continuous clash between their values and those of the dominant culture which contribute to high rates of depression, anxiety and stress. Mental health requirements of LGBT Filipinos are difficult to address due to the dearth of service providers who respect  SOGIE.
Objective: This study investigated physicians' clinical competency, attitudes, and awareness regarding the LGBT community at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), a level 3 special research and training center and hospital in the Philippines. It aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors influencing these variables and the relationships between them. NCMH physicians are in a unique position intervene and enhance subpar mental health outcomes of the LGBT community.
Methods: A survey-based quantitative methodology was employed using a descriptive correlational research design. The study included a total of 58 psychiatrists and 115 medical physicians working at the National Center for Mental Health. The study assessed physician demographics, training, and their attitude, awareness, and clinical competency. Participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling based on their available time. Data was collected through LGBT-DOCSS survey questionnaire.
Results:The results indicated that years of practice, specialty (psychiatry vs. other medical fields), and LGBT-related training hours were significantly associated with differences in physician attitudes, awareness, and preparedness. Younger physicians, those in psychiatry, and those with more LGBT-related training demonstrated higher levels of awareness and more favorable attitudes.
Conclusion: The study concluded that structured LGBT health education in medical curricula and specialized training programs are essential to improve physician competency and promote inclusive healthcare practices. Direct patient exposure alone is insufficient without formal training. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address gaps in knowledge and promote positive attitudes towards the LGBT community among healthcare professionals.