THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE POPULATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2786.2026.2.16467Keywords:
мental health; public health; mental disorders; prevention; stigma; access to healthcare.Abstract
Purpose: to analyze current approaches to mental health promotion and to determine the role of public health professionals in developing effective strategies for prevention, early detection of mental disorders, stigma reduction, and improving accessibility of mental health services for different population groups. Materials and methods: The study was conducted as a narrative review. An analysis of recent scientific pub- lications, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, international analytical reports, and policy documents in the field of mental and public health was performed. Results. Mental disorders are one of the leading causes of disability and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Despite the availability of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, a large proportion of individuals with mental disorders do not receive adequate care. Key determinants of mental health include socio- economic conditions, stigma, inequalities in access to healthcare services, and behavioral and environmental fac- tors. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening public mental health systems, promoting intersectoral collaboration, and implementing population-based prevention programs. Public health professionals play a crucial role in epidemiological surveillance, the identification of risk factors, the development of preventive strategies, the coordination of cross-sectoral initiatives, and the increase of public awareness. Conclusіons. Effective promotion of mental health requires a comprehensive intersectoral approach focused on prevention of mental disorders, reduction of stigma, and improvement of access to mental health services. Pub- lic health professionals play a key role in planning, implementing, and evaluating population-based mental health interventions, contributing to improved quality of life and reduction of the global burden of mental disorders.
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