Influence of health support programs and the rate of psycho-social referral cases

Aim: This study examined the influence of Department of Education (DepEd) health support programs and psychosocial referral practices on the overall effectiveness of school-based health initiatives in secondary schools in the Division of Eastern Samar, Philippines. Methodology:The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design.Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire administered to 86 secondary school teachers from selected districts in the Division of Eastern Samar.Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and mean were used to describe program implementation and referral practices, while Pearson's r correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between health support programs, psychosocial referral cases, and program effectiveness.Results: Findings revealed that teachers generally perceived the implementation of DepEd health support programs-including the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), Adolescent Reproductive Health Education (ARH), Psychological First Aid (PFA), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS), and Healthy Learning Institutions (HLI)-as moderately positive in supporting student well-being and improving the school environment.Psychosocial referral practices were rated as very effective, with teachers expressing confidence in identifying students needing support and implementing referral procedures.However, gaps were noted in training opportunities, resource availability, and awareness of support services.Correlational analysis revealed significant positive relationships between health support program implementation and program effectiveness (r = .761,p = .000)and between psychosocial referral practices and program effectiveness (r = .603,p = .000). Conclusion:The study highlights the importance of strengthening the integration of health support programs and psychosocial referral systems in schools to enhance student well-being and improve program effectiveness.Strengthened teacher training, adequate resource allocation, and improved coordination among school stakeholders are necessary to sustain and enhance the impact of these initiatives in secondary schools in the Division of Eastern Samar.