Implementation of the Health Promoting University: Lessons Learned from Two Countries in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Creating a healthy campus isto having a healthy and productive academic environment. A campus is considered healthy if it meets several indicators, one of which is the promotion of mental health within the university community.A survey conducted across two campuses—one in Indonesia and one in the Philippines—revealed a high prevalence of emotional and mental health issues, including disorders related to psychosis, substance abuse, and PTSD. This high incidence underscores the need for further research to inform the development of a healthier campus environment. This study aims to examine the differences in the implementation of a healthy campus and the varying needs for such programs in the two countries. Using a descriptive analysis design, the study sampled academics from both campuses, selected through accidental sampling. An electronic questionnaire focused on healthy campus indicators was used as the primary instrument. The findings suggest that while the Indonesian campus is adequately implementing a healthy campus program, the Philippine campus shows a higher rate in one specific healthy campus indicator—zero-tolerance areas for problematic behavior. Even so, neither campus appears to have consistent policies or actions in place to sustain the healthy campus efforts. The study's findings have gained policy support from faculty leaders.