Quang Tri: Screening and Assessment of Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties among Persons with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, and Family Members

The activity was conducted through a two-level screening process aimed at early identification of emotional and mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety, prolonged sadness, and depression among persons with disabilities, Agent Orange victims, and their family members/caregivers. The results will serve as a basis for developing appropriate community-based psychosocial support interventions.

During the preliminary community-based screening phase (Level 1), conducted from 13–20 April 2026, commune health station staff interviewed and screened 89 persons with disabilities, Agent Orange victims, and family members/caregivers across the project areas. The initial screening identified many individuals showing signs of psychological distress, anxiety, sleep disorders, prolonged sadness, and difficulties in communication and social participation.

Health staff support a person with disability in completing the screening form to assess emotional and mental health difficulties

Based on the Level 1 screening results, 41 individuals participated in the detailed screening phase (Level 2), which took place on 9–10 May 2026 at Vinh Hoa Health Station, Gio Linh Health Station, and Ai Tu Health Station. The Level 2 screening was carried out by project-trained facilitators under the professional supervision of a psychologist, using in-depth assessment tools to evaluate anxiety, depression, and risks related to mental health conditions.

Through the activity, many cases of mild to moderate emotional and mental health difficulties were identified and assessed for further support needs. Sharing her experience during the screening session, Ms. N.T.S. from Vinh Hoàng commune emotionally stated, "My child has cerebral palsy and is bedridden. I love my child deeply, but I feel very sad seeing that my child is not like other children. If possible, I would like to participate in the project’s group sessions so that I can share my feelings with others and learn new knowledge and skills to feel mentally better.”

A person with disability participates in a mental health screening interview at the Commune Health Station as part of the project activity

In the coming period, the project will continue implementing psychosocial support group sessions for persons with disabilities, Agent Orange victims, and family members/caregivers in the project areas. It is expected that three support groups will be established, with six sessions per group, focusing on experience sharing, strengthening social connections, and equipping participants with basic psychosocial skills to cope with stress, manage emotions, and improve mental well-being.

This screening and assessment activity not only contributed to the early identification and timely support of individuals experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties but also helped raise community awareness of the importance of mental health care for persons with disabilities, Agent Orange victims, and their families. The activity also provides an important foundation for the project to further develop community-based psychosocial support models, contributing to improved quality of life and sustainable social inclusion for persons with disabilities in Quang Tri Province.