An Exploration of the Psychosocial Health Status of Women Artisanal Miners in Mindanao, Philippines

This study aimed to determine the psychosocial health status of women artisanal miners in Barangay Puntalinao, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental where small-scale mining of raw magnesite rocks is prevalent. This study utilized a descriptive multiple case study research design. Primary data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire on the respondent's socio-demographic profile and survey of psychosocial health status. Other primary data sources include key informant interviews, respondent's journal entries, observations and outputs during the structured learning exercises, focus group discussion transcripts, and the researcher's log. Documentary reviews were also utilized to gather additional facts. Results show that the coping process, attitude of perseverance, and stress management of the women artisanal miners have moderate impact on the ability to manage life experiences. Thus, the study proposed a self-efficacy enhancement program as an intervention to improve the psychosocial health status of women artisanal miners.