ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICE

Abstract

In western societies, there is an increasing occurrence of mental health problems despite the ever improving living standards; in international terms, the mental health of the Hungarian population is even less favorable. Mental health is a prerequisite for our personal well-being, it is essential for our self-care and for our appropriate interactions with other people. One of our main objectives at the Kecskemét Office of Public Health Improvement is to safeguard and preserve our local residents’ mental health, however, in order to provide suitable programmes and events, we must have a full understanding of their mental health state. The purpose of this survey was to find a method that could be used to assess the mental state of the participating population effectively. The Mental Health Questionnaire we devised and used to conduct the survey has met this objective. In addition to the fully online surveys, we also offered opportunities at some of our organized events for participants to fill out the questionnaire on a tablet. On these occasions, our mental health specialists were not only able to assist people with filling out the survey, but they were also able to advise the participants about mental health issues through individual discussions. Based on the experience gained, the Kecskemét Office of Public Health Improvement hopes to continue using the Mental Health Questionnaire with residents at various regional events with additional focus on the mentally vulnerable.