This study was designed to determine the mental health status and coping strategies among School of Medicine faculty using the ten-item Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, seven-item General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and coping strategies checklist questionnaire. The research utilized an analytical cross-sectional research design, and a total count was employed. One-hundred twenty (120) faculty members responded and have completed the survey. Overall, 52.5% of faculty experienced moderate to high perceived stress, 20.1% anxiety, and 29.2% depression. Stress was more prevalent among faculty who handles both academe and clinical roles at 16.7%, while both anxiety and depression are seen to be more common among faculty assigned in clinical setting at 8.3% and 9.2%, respectively. Socio-demographic data also revealed that mental health disturbances is more common among young, single, and male doctors, however, stress was found higher among females. Results from the chi-square analysis showed no significant difference among stress (p=0.102) and anxiety (p=0.331) level in different faculty assignments, however, depression showed significant difference with a p-value of 0.036. In terms of coping strategies, majority of the respondents were using positive coping skills to overcome stress with positive interpretation, planning, seeking social support for emotional problem, active coping, and acceptance were the top 5 common coping mechanisms used. Regardless of their area of assignment, doctors in general are constantly facing considerable stress which is not only attributed to the demanding nature of their work but can be factors such as socio-demographic profile, workplace situations, stigma, and poor screening and monitoring. Recommendations to expand this study include expanding the scope of this study not only among faculty of X-SOM but to include all doctors in Zamboanga City and neighboring provinces. An annual mental health assessment, monitoring, and establishment of a referral system for counseling and early intervention can be integrated in the institution’s wellness program.

Keyword: Mental health status and coping strategies School of medicine faculty