OBJECTIVES

his quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices
regarding COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated adult patients admitted at Region II Trauma and Medical Center
(R2TMC). This may help determine the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 vaccination, address it, and to achieve
the goal to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos. Furthermore, this may also be a springboard for future researches and
management regarding novel infections needing new vaccinations.

METHODS

Collected data from the sample size of 197 using the formula for finite population with 95% confidence
level, population proportion of 50%, population size of 400, allowing 5% margin of error were summarized in a
Microsoft excel database and tables, then were analyzed using Jamovi version 2.6.22 software. Frequency, mean,
and standard deviation were calculated to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices; Pearson correlation and
Kendall’s Tau b correlation for its relationship.

RESULTS

There is moderate level of knowledge (MS: 9.80-11.8), a positive attitude (MR: 2.35-2.60), and good preventive
practices (MS: 12.00-13.00) regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among the unvaccinated adult in-patients
of R2TMC post-pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices statistically differed (pCONCLUSION

There is a significant correlation among the knowledge of the respondents about COVID-19 vaccination,
their attitude towards it, and their practices, implying that promoting preventive behaviors toward COVID-19 would
require promoting both knowledge and efficacy beliefs among the public.

Human ; Bacteria ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Population Density ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Forecasting ; Sars-cov-2 ; Sars Virus ; Covid-19

BACKGROUND

The Philippines has been significantly affected by the HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, with a notable increase in new cases over the past decade. Despite efforts to promote HIV testing, access to treatment, and awareness campaigns, progress has been slow, particularly among youths. Tangere, a market research application, conducted surveys during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to assess HIV knowledge among Filipinos.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate changes in HIV awareness among young Filipinos during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data collected via Tangere’s surveys. Specifically, it sought to analyze demographic characteristics, sources of HIV information, and knowledge regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and stigma.

METHODS

Tangere collaborated with the investigators to develop a questionnaire assessing HIV knowledge among young Filipinos. Surveys were conducted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting subscribers aged 18-35 years, primarily from the National Capital Region and Luzon area. Data analysis involved calculating frequencies and percentages to summarize demographic characteristics and HIV knowledge. An Independent-Samples Proportions procedure was used to compare HIV knowledge during and after the pandemic.

RESULTS

The survey revealed that while respondents generally possessed reasonable knowledge about HIV, there were notable changes in the awareness during and after the pandemic. Social media and television were identified as primary sources of HIV information. Knowledge regarding HIV transmission and prevention increased postpandemic, particularly concerning preventive measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP) and motherto-child transmission (MTCT). However, persistent misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV remained, indicating the need for continued education and advocacy efforts.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the importance of utilizing social media platforms for HIV awareness campaigns, especially among youths who are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Despite improvements in knowledge, the Philippines has yet to achieve global HIV prevention goals. Continued efforts to enhance awareness, particularly regarding recent advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, are essential for curbing the epidemic and improving public health outcomes nationwide.

Human ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Hiv ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased risk of developing antimicrobial resistance due to the high utilization of antimicrobial agents. Since antimicrobial utilization is a crucial driver in the development of antimicrobial resistance, the need for antimicrobial use surveillance is crucial in identifying prescription patterns that would help provide proper interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the antibiotic use and prevalence of prescription quality indicators among COVID-19 patients admitted at a tertiary government hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to provide data on antibiotic use and the prevalence of prescription quality indicators among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary-level hospital from June 2021 to June 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 342 patient medical records were surveyed. The majority (119, 34.8%) of the patients were in the age group 41-60 years old and there were more male patients (52.34%) than female patients (47.66%). About 88.99% of the patients were considered to have community-acquired COVID-19 infections. Co-morbidities among patients were seen in more than half of the surveyed population (64%). These include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, chronic lung disease, and hematologic disorders.

Empiric antibiotic therapy was high at 88.88%, while definitive treatment with confirmed bacterial infection was only at 11.11%. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic therapies are azithromycin (250, 45.9%), ceftriaxone (188, 32.2%), and cefuroxime (58, 9.9%). Patterns of antibiotic use are attributed to the similarities of respiratory bacterial infections with COVID-19 cases.

Prescription quality indicators assessed in the study include documentation of indication for prescriptions, guideline compliance, collection of culture before antibiotic therapy, and stop/review documentation. Out of 583 antibiotic prescriptions, 464 (79.58%) were properly documented with an indication. Non-compliance to guidelines reached 39.11%, while the stop and review date documentation rate was 20.41%. The collection of culture before the start of antibiotic therapy was at 50.2%.

CONCLUSION

The results from the study highlighted the need for antimicrobial surveillance and stewardship efforts among COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Human ; Covid-19 ; Anti-bacterial Agents ; Antibiotic ; Coronavirus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

COVID-19 has quickly spread over the world and became an unprecedented burden on health care systems. COVID-19 diagnosis necessitates the use of precise testing methods such as RT-PCR. This method is generally reported as positive or negative, however, studies have shown its semi-quantitative capability through Ct values. This study determined an association that exists between the Ct values, clinical features, and laboratory findings among COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Manila, Philippines. This attempts to further explore the utility of RT-PCR in disease severity classification and diagnosis.

METHODS

This was an observational retrospective study that utilized a purposive sampling method, wherein patients were selected based on the DOH case definition of confirmed COVID-19, and were stratified according to disease severity. Baseline laboratory data of the patients were gathered from medical records covering the period of June 2021 to January 2022 using a Data Collection Form. Chi-square test was used to measure the degree of association between the groups and categorical variables. Regression Analysis was used to identify predictors for certain variables. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 was utilized for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The total WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts, serum urea, LDH, CRP and PTT were found to be predictors of COVID-19 severity. There was no significant difference observed between the disease severity and the patient’s clinical outcome. All routine laboratory tests that were taken at baseline (ORF Gene, N-Gene, Hematocrit, White Blood Cells, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Platelet Count, Urea, Creatinine, SGPT, SGOT, Na, K, LDH, Ferritin, C Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, D-Dimer, PT, PTT) were not significant predictors of the clinical outcome. Although WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte count, urea, LDH, CRP, and PTT were predictors  of disease severity. The study also reported that the odds of having severe to critical disease increases by 20.6% for every one unit increase in neutrophil count, and 17.4% for every one unit increase in lymphocyte count. Among the laboratory parameters, neutrophil count (p=0.010654063) and urea (p= 0.04149874 have direct relationship with the N gene Ct values while Orf gene Ct Values have direct relationship with lymphocyte count (p=0.01269027). Similarly, regression showed that as monocyte count, creatinine levels, and serum ferritin decrease, Ct values increase. Sex was found to not be a significant predictor of disease severity and clinical outcome. There was also no significant difference observed between the disease severity and the patient’s clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that the Ct values for both ORF and N genes were not significant predictors of both disease severity and clinical outcome. However, ORF gene Ct values have direct relationship with lymphocyte counts while N gene Ct values have direct correlation with neutrophil count and urea levels. Similarly, monocyte, creatinine, and ferritin are negatively correlated with Ct values. It is important to monitor the patient’s laboratory biomarkers in order to determine the proper course of treatment and management for each case.

Human ; Sars-cov-2 ; Covid-19

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 has been associated with cardiac injury, often detectable through electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. This study seeks to characterize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic profiles of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

METHODS

This study included adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 from June 2021 to June 2022. Clinical profiles and 12-lead ECG tracings were obtained from electronic medical records and reviewed independently by three cardiologists. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the cardiovascular and electrocardiographic findings in this population.

RESULTS

The study included 998 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 50 years; 53.7% male). The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. A majority (31.36%) presented with severe COVID-19 infection. The most frequent significant ECG abnormalities observed at admission were sinus tachycardia (22.8%), and atrial fibrillation (11.02%). Additional ischemic findings included ST segment depression (2.91%), T-wave inversion (1.70%), and ST segment elevation (2.71%).

CONCLUSION

The baseline ECG findings among COVID-19 patients were predominantly normal; however, significant abnormalities were also identified. The most frequent abnormalities included sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic changes, all of which may have clinical implications.

Human ; Coronavirus Disease 19 ; Covid-19 ; Electrocardiography ; Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students, categorically focusing on effective coping strategies adopted.

METHODS

The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional design and a pseudo-random number sampling method with an inversion technique to randomly select 548 health science students who participated fully out of the sum of 4,140 students from each department. The initial goal was to include 572 students in the sample. This ensured a fair representation of students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The researcher evaluated these students using the COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire and Brief-Cope Scales.

RESULTS

Findings showed that 58.8% of the respondents were females, 34.7% were enrolled in the nursing program, and 59.7% chose to live with their parents. Most of the students experienced moderate stress, with 45.25% and 5.47% experiencing extremely stressful or distressing situations, in terms of relationships and academic life, respectively. There were no significant differences in fear of contagion, regardless of the students' gender. and social isolation between students who lived with and without their parents. In terms of relationships and academic life among the students, there was no significant difference in relation to the demographic characteristics. Results also showed that 26.6% of the students used problem-focused coping “a little bit," and there was no significant difference as to their developmental characteristics for those using problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, or avoidant coping. However, the results indicated a greater tendency towards avoidant coping strategies, with no significant differences observed. Students disproportionately adopted problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping strategies. Students reported a weakly significant positive correlation between emotionfocused coping and problem-focused coping, and a large negative association between fear of contagion and problem-focused coping strategies. They also reported a slightly positive correlation between relationships, academic life, and social isolation.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that most students experience moderate stress, which gradually escalates into extremely stressful situations, particularly in relationships and academics. The researcher found no significant differences in fear of contagion or social isolation. However, avoidant coping was more prevalent compared to problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies. There were weak positive correlations between emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Policy reform in the health and academic systems will strategically improve students' mental health.

Human ; Covid-19 ; Covid-19 Pandemic ; Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital role of vaccination in mitigating widespread morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, the global vaccination campaign has also brought to light rare but notable immune-mediated adverse events. Vaccination is inherently immune stimulatory, designed to provoke a robust immune response, and in rare instances, this heightened immune activity may unmask or trigger autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals. Proposed mechanisms include molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and bystander activation, all of which can disrupt immune tolerance and initiate autoreactive responses. This case report explores a potential link between COVID-19 vaccination and the onset of dermatomyositis, adding to the growing body of literature examining the rare but important phenomenon of vaccine-associated autoimmunity.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Dermatomyositis ; Covid-19 ; Vaccines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The global pandemic caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions, with growing evidence of the potential role of ocular tissues in viral transmission. At the time of writing, local data regarding the phenomenon was limited. This study investigated external ocular manifestations in patients with COVID-19 at a referral center in the Philippines, examined correlations between demographics, systemic manifestations, and laboratory results with ocular manifestations, and determined their timing relative to systemic symptoms.

METHODS

This single-center, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from December 8 to 18, 2020 at the adult COVID-19 wards of the Philippine General Hospital involving 72 participants. Data collection involved relevant clinical history taking and performing gross eye examination. The prevalence of ocular manifestations was described with 95% confidence intervals. Correlations between ocular manifestations and quantitative variables were analyzed with point-biserial correlation, and associations with qualitative variables were tested using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

RESULTS

Among participants, 31.9% presented with ocular manifestations with foreign body sensation as the most prevalent ocular symptom (11.1%) and conjunctival hyperemia as the most prevalent ocular finding (19.4%). The median age of patients with ocular manifestations was 41 years old with a higher prevalence in the male population (73.9%, CI=95%, p=0.001). No significant correlation was observed between presence of external ocular manifestations and the different systemic and ocular co-morbidities as well as with COVID-19 clinical classification. Among those who experienced symptoms, majority (29.2%) of the patients experienced systemic symptoms prior to the onset of ocular symptoms. Ocular complaints may present as the sole manifestation (13.9%). Several laboratory parameters were measured and only temperature and AST levels showed a low positive correlation with the presence of ocular manifestations. 

CONCLUSION

Ocular manifestations occur in roughly one third of patients with COVID-19 based on this study population. With some individuals presenting with ocular signs or symptoms as the initial and sole manifestation, healthcare practitioners must exercise caution and remain vigilant in managing patients who present as such. At the time of writing, this is the first local study investigating the different external ocular manifestations in patients with COVID-19. There is a need to pursue more robust studies and conduct more local investigations which will guide both ophthalmologists and other practitioners in strengthening existing guidelines regarding precautionary practices, clinical diagnosis, and management of COVID-19 patients.

Human ; Sars-cov-2 ; Covid-19 ; Philippines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ensuring the total well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs), including their mental health and psychological well-being, is an essential aspect in the delivery of patient care and the preservation of the health workforce. This study aimed to determine the level of mental well-being and emotional state of HCWs in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 scale in a tertiary government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and to identify the job-related factors that may be associated with these outcomes.

METHODS

This is an analytical, cross-sectional study among HCWs involved in direct patient care in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted from February to March 2022 through an online self-administered questionnaire, which included the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ), and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). This was sent to doctors, nurses, and allied medical workers actively working in the clinical areas. All responses were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-four healthcare workers were included in the study. Majority were single (62.62%), living with immediate family (50.82%), and working in a COVID-designated area (62.09%). High prevalence of depression (49.18%), anxiety (61.54%), and stress (30.22%) was found among the HCWs. Work in high infection/COVID-designated areas was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, and high-job demand was significantly associated with all three mental health states compared to low job-demand.

CONCLUSION

Focus should be placed on modifying the condition of high job demand among healthcare workers working in hospitals. This includes ensuring optimum staffing levels and patient to HCW ratio which avoids HCWs from being subjected to high workloads and time pressures that subsequently increase risk for stress, anxiety, and depression.

Mental Health ; Depression ; Anxiety ; Health Personnel ; Covid-19

INTRODUCTION

It is anticipated that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has greater risk in acquiring COVID-19 infection and poorer outcome. However, current worldwide data are conflicting.

OBJECTIVES

This study primarily aims to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 patients with COPD and those without COPD in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS), recovery or mortality, treatment received, and predictors of mortality.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort chart review of 1,017 admitted adult COVID-19 patients from July to December 2020. Age, gender, smoking status, current control and medications for COPD, COVID-19 severity, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of the two study groups were compared.

RESULTS

Prevalence rate of COPD was 3.8%. COVID-19 patients with COPD were older (median age of 69 vs 54, pCONCLUSION

COPD increases the risk for severe COVID-19 and lengthens LOS.

Human ; Covid-19 ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Mortality