Translating COGNISTAT and the Use of the Cognitive Interview Approach: Observations and Challenges

Cognitive functioning is a salient issue among people in the late adulthood stage where mental health declines with age. A common cognitive disability among elders is Dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive screening tools such as the Mini- Mental Status Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment are most commonly used to measure the cognitive ability areas leading to a diagnostic evaluation. COGNISTAT as a neuropsychological instrument is a recent screener being introduced to a few outpatient clinics. In this study; COGNISTAT is translated to Filipino for the first time using a rigorous procedure and pilot tested on elderly volunteers in local settings. The translation was done by an interdisciplinary team of a Geriatric Physician; a Speech Pathologist; and a Clinical Psychologist. The Filipino-translated COGNISTAT was administered to 22 elders in two batches using the cognitive interview method. Challenges were identified in the initial testing phase which has implications for future adaptations of foreign instruments

The Development of a Community-Based Drug Intervention for Filipino Drug Users

This article documents the development of a community-based drug intervention for low- to mild-risk drug users who surrendered as part of the Philippine government\u27s anti-drug campaign. It highlights the importance of developing evidence-informed drug recovery interventions that are appropriate to the Asian culture and to developing economies. Interviews and consultations with users and community stakeholders reveal the need for an intervention that would improve the drug recovery skills and life skills of users. Evidence-based interventions were adapted using McKleroy and colleagues’ (2006) Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) framework. The resulting intervention reflected the country\u27s collectivist culture, relational values, propensity for indirect and non-verbal communication, and interdependent self-construal. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognised the importance of these in the Philippine culture

Healing the hurt amid the drug war: Narratives of young urban poor Filipinos in recovering families with parental drug use

Background This qualitative study explores the stories of young urban poor Filipino family members living with recovering parental drug users who turn themselves in to local authorities and completed theKatatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad (KKDK). This is a community-based rehabilitation program during the Philippine government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. Methods Young urban poor family members living with parental drug use were interviewed (n = 13) and asked to narrate their experiences of parental drug use, surrender, and recovery. Their stories were analyzed using an integrated approach to narrative analysis guided by Rhodes’ framework (2002) of risk environment. Results Narrative work of participants focused on the stories of their parents’ drug use and recovery after surrendering. These stories show contexts which evoke the salience of prevailing discourse (i.e., cultural organization of Filipino family) and shaming practices in the community, and how these are embodied in the lives of our young participants. In re-telling their stories of parental drug use, our young participants (re) positioned themselves in three different ways: “I am used to it”, “I was neglected”, “I am angry and hurt”. After their parents completed the community-based rehabilitation program, they reconstructed their parents’ stories of recovery as a catalyst to improve their situation as a family unit (i.e., “their change is our change”). Conclusion Set against a national anti-illegal drug campaign, our findings contribute to a contextually nuanced perspective on the impact of parental drug use on children and families living in poverty. Policy makers and interventionists (e.g., mental health practitioners, social workers, psychologists) may need to consider young people’s stories as a struggle to exercise their agency when tailoring community-based programs to respond to the needs of younger people. Challenges to advocate for psychological, social, and structural ‘healing are discussed

Evaluation of the training and implementation of Katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad

This study evaluated the training of facilitators and pilot implementation of the Katatagan Kontra Droga sa Komunidad (KKDK), a community-based drug recovery program. Paired samples t-test of pre and posttest scores of 111 community facilitators who underwent training revealed signifcant changes in their perceived competence, motivation, and commitment. The program was pilot-tested among 46 mild-risk drug users. Pre and posttest results revealed moderate effects in substance use dependence symptoms and life skills, and large effects in drug recovery skills and psychological well-being. Correlational analysis of posttest scores revealed a negative relation between life skills and SUD symptoms and a positive relation between recovery skills and psychological well-being. Post-program focus group discussions with participants and interviews with facilitators highlighted the value of building recovery and life skills in enabling change in the participants and their families. However, field observations revealed a number of enablers and challenges in implementation

A Pilot Evaluation of Katatagan Online: Benefits and Challenges of an Online Resilience Program in the Philippines during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines the feasibility of a virtual peer support resilience program for Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a mixed-method design with pre- and post-test surveys measuring adaptive coping; psychological well-being; depression; anxiety; and stress. Interviews and open-ended questions in post-program surveys also elicited reactions; learnings; and suggestions of participants.Seventy-one (71) participants; a majority of whom were female (82%),with ages ranging from 20–65 participated in the program. Paired sample t-tests revealed significant increases in adaptive coping,non-reactivity; resilience; and well-being; and significant decreases in depression and stress symptoms. Participants found the program useful; accessible; and appreciated that it was free. However; they also reported challenges related to connectivity; distractions; and time. Participants reported that the program increased their self understanding; self-care; and resilience skills. Other benefits cited were increased social support; learning from peers; and improved mental health