Exposure to drug-related killings and its psychological consequences in the Philippines.

Abstract

The rise in drug-related killings (DRKs) in the Philippines has raised concerns about the mental health of those exposed to violence. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to DRKs with reference to drug use status and to analyze the association between the exposure and mental health. The authors recruited 540 adults from the community and a drug rehabilitation program in an urban-deprived area. The authors used the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale to assess mental distress and the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition to determine probable posttraumatic stress disorder. A high number of participants had been bereaved due to a DRK (9.8%), had directly witnessed a DRK (13.1%), and had been exposed to media reports on DRKs on a daily/weekly basis (51.3%). Bereavement and direct witnessing were reported more by those with current drug use (22.4% and 23.7%), compared to by those without history of drug use (6.2% and 10.5%). Bereaved participants were more likely to experience severe mental distress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.69, p = .01). Those who had witnessed a DRK were more likely to experience moderate mental distress (AOR = 1.87, p = .04) and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (AOR = 1.88, p < .001). Those exposed to media reports on DRKs on a daily/weekly basis were more likely to experience moderate mental distress (AOR = 5.10, p = .04). The findings highlight the negative ramifications of DRKs on the mental health of exposed parties and the importance to connect those affected with mental health services.

Strengthening mental health initiatives and care pathways for families affected by the Philippine drug war

“… 1 Such measures have led to thousands of fatalities, including innocent victims and children, and engendered significant psychological distress amongst relatives and communities, predominantly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. 2 , 3 , 4 Underpinned by structural inequities, socio-political determinants, and help-seeking barriers, these circumstances have exacerbated unmet care needs. Accordingly, researchers have advocated for national drug policy changes.…”

“…From a psychiatric perspective, affected families have experienced short- and long-term stressors, specifically those who endured a critical life event, such as a relative’s death. 3 , 4 Due to underreported fatalities and limited help-seeking, it is difficult to estimate the true extent of this mental health burden. Nevertheless, evidence shows how Filipinos exposed to drug-related killings had higher vulnerabilities for severe mental distress and post-traumatic stress disorder.…”

“…Nevertheless, evidence shows how Filipinos exposed to drug-related killings had higher vulnerabilities for severe mental distress and post-traumatic stress disorder. 4 This is compounded by insufficient death investigations, leaving many bereaved individuals still seeking closure. 3…”

Confronting the Philippines' war on drugs: A literature review

“…Among the social and collateral damages of the WOD (De Villa, 2022; Tugade, 2019) that scholars described was the resulting poverty and social stigma suffered by victims' families (Ofreneo et al., 2022; Pangilinan et al., 2020). Still other impacts include that on public health (Arquiza‐Legarde, 2023); COVID response (Hapal, 2021; M. Thompson, 2022); individuals' mental health (Treceñe et al., 2019; Yamada et al., 2023); human rights workers such as Amnesty International (Stansfield, 2017); climate change activists (Holden, 2023); international relations with China (Lopega, 2019); the burden to students of drug testing in schools (Lasco, 2023), and how the police used the WOD to harass sex workers (Parmanand, 2019). Generally, scholars agree that the impact of the WOD is catastrophic across various communities, except the drug trade itself.…”

“…7 7 Some call for reforms, such as for the government to mitigate the effects of the WOD on families (Pangilinan et al., 2020) and connect them with mental health services (Yamada et al., 2023), do not fall under ‘alternatives’ in this sense. …”