Community-Based Public Health Interventions for Improving Mental Health Awareness and Early Detection

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of community-based public health interventions in improving mental health awareness and strengthening early detection mechanisms within local communities. The research aims to analyze how participatory public health strategies contribute to reducing mental health stigma, increasing preventive healthcare participation, and enhancing community engagement in psychological support systems. The study employs a qualitative research method using a case study design because this approach enables an in-depth exploration of social experiences, behavioral perceptions, and institutional interactions related to community-based mental health interventions. The research was conducted in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, due to the region’s active implementation of participatory public health programs and diverse sociocultural characteristics. The study involved twenty informants consisting of healthcare professionals, community leaders, educators, youth facilitators, government representatives, and community members selected purposively based on their direct involvement in mental health programs. The findings reveal that community participation significantly improves mental health literacy, reduces social stigma, and increases willingness to engage in early psychological screening. The study recommends strengthening collaborative governance, culturally adaptive health communication, and community empowerment strategies to ensure sustainable mental health promotion and preventive healthcare development.