Analisys of strategies for mental health promotion at school in Medellin and Armenia

Abstract

Background: Mental health promotion is a public health priority, educational environments are ideal for delivering such actions, as are currently articulated with other sectors, including governing agents. Objective: to analyze the mental health promotion strategies in two Colombian cities that has structured programs to achieve mental health promotion in school during the years 2015-1019. Methods: a study with a qualitative, documentary approach, based on the analysis of social intervention programs. Results: an integral concept of promoting mental health, recognizes the importance of social determinants of health, human rights and intersectorality, leads to the implementation of information, education and communication strategies with different sectors. However, risk management actions prevail given the mental health problems reported in both cities. Conclusions: in practice, promotion and prevention have diffuse limits. Although there is progress in intersectorality and the recognition of social determinants, it is necessary to strengthen work teams to advance in non-hierarchical participation strategies to allow more timely and appropriate answers for different contexts. A commitment from institutions is necessary to allocate resources that allow continuous work with enough qualified professionals in mental health.