Luzon provinces are hotspots for severe depression, anxiety, and stress among emerging adults

10 Dec 2025

Despite the enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act, mental illness remains a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to identify spatial clusters of mental health distress to inform targeted interventions and policy planning.

Our research explores the geographic distribution of severe depression, anxiety, and stress among Filipino emerging adults using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emerging adults (18 to 29 years old) are in an important stage of development, and mental health disorders are common in this age group. Using convenience sampling method, we collected data from 2,729 Filipino emerging adults through an online self-administered survey. The Depression Anxiety Scales-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health levels, and GIS-based spatial analysis identified significant hotspots in Luzon, particularly in Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and the National Capital Region. Early emerging adults and females exhibited higher prevalence rates of severe and extreme distress.

Our findings highlight the need for localized mental health interventions, particularly in identified hotspot areas, where community-based screening and support programs can be prioritized. The study advances the application of spatial epidemiology in mental health research and supports the call for improved accessibility to mental health services in the Philippines. By integrating spatial analysis with mental health data, we provide an evidence-based framework to enhance public health strategies and address mental health disparities among emerging adults. Future studies should examine socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing these patterns to develop more comprehensive, targeted solutions.

Authors: Zypher Jude G. Regencia (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila | Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, De La Salle University), Vergel T. Marteja Jr. (Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila) and Emmanuel S. Baja (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila | Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila)

Read the full paper: https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/47/2/149/8046705

Luzon provinces are hotspots for severe depression, anxiety, and stress among emerging adults

Despite the enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act, mental illness remains a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to identify spatial clusters of mental health distress to inform targeted interventions and policy planning.

Our research explores the geographic distribution of severe depression, anxiety, and stress among Filipino emerging adults using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emerging adults (18 to 29 years old) are in an important stage of development, and mental health disorders are common in this age group. Using convenience sampling method, we collected data from 2,729 Filipino emerging adults through an online self-administered survey. The Depression Anxiety Scales-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health levels, and GIS-based spatial analysis identified significant hotspots in Luzon, particularly in Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and the National Capital Region. Early emerging adults and females exhibited higher prevalence rates of severe and extreme distress.

Our findings highlight the need for localized mental health interventions, particularly in identified hotspot areas, where community-based screening and support programs can be prioritized. The study advances the application of spatial epidemiology in mental health research and supports the call for improved accessibility to mental health services in the Philippines. By integrating spatial analysis with mental health data, we provide an evidence-based framework to enhance public health strategies and address mental health disparities among emerging adults. Future studies should examine socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing these patterns to develop more comprehensive, targeted solutions.

Authors: Zypher Jude G. Regencia (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila | Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, De La Salle University), Vergel T. Marteja Jr. (Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila) and Emmanuel S. Baja (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila | Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila)

Read the full paper: https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/47/2/149/8046705