Human ; Aging ; Population

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability among older adults, often accompanied by mental health issues like depression. Understanding the impact of clinico-sociodemographic factors on OA and depression is essential for improving patient outcomes.

This study aimed to examine the association between osteoarthritis, clinico-sociodemographic factors and depression among elderly patients in a tertiary hospital setting.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients with osteoarthritis to explore the correlation between clinico-sociodemographic factors and the severity of depression. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2018, with descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and correlation analyses (Spearman’s Rank for WOMAC scores and Geriatric Depression Scale, Pearson’s for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities).

Despite most participants (48.15%) having normal depression scores, a significant number (37.04%) had mild depression and 14.81% had moderate depression. Knee pain was the most common affected area (56.79%), and 62.96% had one comorbidity. Albeit having no statistically significant correlations, positive weak relationships were identified between socio-demographic factors, clinical status and depression.

This study identified weak associations between osteoarthritis-related pain and depression, especially among individuals with comorbidities and higher pain levels. While socio-demographic factors may influence the severity of both osteoarthritis and depression, further research is necessary to explore these relationships more thoroughly and to consider additional contributing factors. These findings underscore the importance of integrated care approaches that address both the physical and mental health needs of elderly patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND

The Philippines is experiencing a significant demographic transition with a growing proportion of older adults within its population. This shift is accompanied by rapid urbanization, which is reshaping traditional family structures and altering the dynamics of caregiving. Despite the cultural emphasis on close family ties and the responsibility of caring for elderly relatives, there is a notable scarcity of research focused on elder care in residential facilities within the country. This gap highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how these societal changes impact the care of the elderly, particularly in a context where familial caregiving has historically been paramount.

To determine the relationship between family function and the acceptability of residential care facilities among elderly patients and their families at a tertiary government hospital last December 2024.

The study was conducted in Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center. A survey among elderly patients (n=40) and patient dyads (n=40) was conducted to determine the level of family function by using Family APGAR and their level of acceptability on residential care facility using the Likert scale. The relationship of Family function and acceptability on Residential Care facilities was determined using Spearman’s correlation.

The findings revealed a significant prevalence of functional families among respondents, 42.5% in the elderly, and 65% in the family member dyads, alongside a mixed perception of residential care facilities, 62.5% favorable response in the patient dyads, and 72.5% in the elderly group. Correlation analysis indicated a weak negative association (correlation coefficient -0.193, p-value 0.087) between family function and acceptability, suggesting that as family function decreases, the acceptability of residential care increases, although this relationship was not statistically significant.

There is a prevalence of highly functional families in both the elderlies and patient dyads in the selected institution. The level of acceptability of residential care facilities was noted to be high with a negative correlation but not statistically significant with family function. Future investigations are recommended to deepen understanding of the complex relationships between family dynamics and acceptability of residential care facilities. It is imperative to address the implications for healthcare strategies and the support systems that serve aging populations. Efforts must be made to ensure that both elderly individuals and their families are adequately prepared for the transition to residential care, taking into account their unique needs, fears, and expectations.

BACKGROUND

Aging is an inevitable aspect of life, and to create a plan for healthy aging, it is crucial to determine the prevalence of geriatric syndromes. This information is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality and to develop tailored intervention programs.

To determine the clinical utility of the 10-minute Geriatric Screener as a screening tool at the Outpatient Department in Southern Philippines Medical Center; and to determine the prevalence of geriatric syndrome and its associated risk factors.

Prospective cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in the Southern Philippines Medical Center Outpatient Department. This study evaluated 170 geriatric patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

There were 110 cases (164.71%) classified as a low-risk level and 60 (35.29%) as high-risk. Sex does not significantly dictate a pattern of geriatric syndrome classification (X2=0.006; p=0.936). However, a marginal significance was seen for civil status, where widowed patients have a high risk of geriatric syndrome (X2=7.506; p=0.057). Patients with a high risk of geriatric syndrome are significantly older (69+5.91 vs. 65+.98; t=4.014; pCONCLUSION

Those patients aged more than 70 years old, widowed, visually impaired, and with physical disability will more likely be classified as high-risk geriatric syndrome. These findings underscore the complex interplay of age and specific health conditions in determining risk profiles, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and further investigation into the nuanced factors influencing health risks in similar populations.

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens remains common in many countries. This was significantly observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dauis, Bohol, Philippines. However, there is limited research on the factors influencing this hesitancy.

This study aimed to identify the determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens in the municipality of Dauis, Bohol.

This case-control study employed a modified survey questionnaire adapted from relevant literatures. A total of 497 registered senior citizens participated, of whom 331 were vaccinated against COVID-19 and 166 were unvaccinated. The study determined the socio-demographic factors, health status, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine safety. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.

The study found that respondents aged 84 and older were significantly more likely to exhibit vaccine hesitancy (p = 0.018, OR = 7.817). In contrast, factors associated with a reduced likelihood of hesitancy included having tertiary education (p = 0.012, OR = 0.239), a low income (p = 0.042, OR = 0.138), receiving an annual flu vaccine (p = 0.020, OR = 0.328), and perceiving the COVID-19 vaccine as safe (p = 0.000, OR = 0.032).

Age is a significant determinant of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Educational attainment, monthly income, receipt of annual influenza vaccine and perception on vaccine safety were found to be influential determinants. These findings offer valuable insights for evidence-based interventions to enhance vaccine acceptance to this vulnerable population.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global health, especially among older adults at higher risk for severe illness. Despite the benefits of vaccination, booster vaccine hesitancy posed a barrier to optimal protection in the elderly population.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy among geriatric patients at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Region 1 Medical Center.

An analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted with 183 geriatric patients aged 60 and above who had received the primary COVID-19 vaccine series. Data were collected using a 25-item questionnaire addressing sociodemographic information, medical history, COVID-19 knowledge, and vaccine attitudes. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, identified factors influencing booster vaccine hesitancy.

The majority of participants were between the ages of 60-69 (66.7%, n=122) and predominantly female (69.4%, n=127). High hesitancy rates were notably observed among elderly females (75.6%), individuals with lower educational attainment (79.7%), and single individuals (93.3%). Other significant factors included hypertension (76.5%) and the absence of prior influenza (81.5%) or pneumococcal (75.9%) vaccinations.

These findings highlight the critical need for targeted educational efforts to mitigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within specific subgroups, particularly elderly females, those with lower education levels, and individuals with certain health conditions. By implementing personalized outreach and emphasizing the advantages of vaccination, stakeholders can enhance vaccine uptake and improve health outcomes for this vulnerable segment of the population.

BACKGROUND

The increase in demand for a more comprehensive care for the elderly in the Philippines raises the importance of sufficient number of adequately trained medical professionals in geriatric care. This study aimed to determine and compare the knowledge, attitude, and willingness to consider a career in geriatric medicine of fourth year medical students and postgraduate interns in a tertiary hospital in Manila.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 fourth year medical students and 81 postgraduate interns using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Facts on Aging Quiz 2015, UCLA Geriatric Attitude Scale, and a section exploring the willingness of students to consider a career in geriatric medicine and their reasons. Knowledge scores, attitude scores and prevalence of those willing to consider geriatric medicine as a career were analyzed using Student T-test, Mann Whitney U test, and Chi-square test, respectively.

The mean knowledge scores of fourth year medical students and postgraduate interns were 31.15 (60.30%) and 30.98 (61.95%), respectively. Median attitude score of both groups was 3.79. Among students, 58.10% are willing to consider geriatric medicine as a career, while 50.62% among interns. Both groups had adequate level of knowledge and positive attitude. However, no statistical significance was found between their knowledge scores (p=0.72), attitude scores (p=0.61) and prevalence of willingness (p=0.31). The main reason of participants in having interest in geriatric medicine was their social and personal responsibilities towards the elderly, while difficulty in handling patients was the top reason for not considering the field.

Continuously developing the Philippine geriatric medicine education and curriculum will assist in enhancing the knowledge and improving the positive attitudes of trainees. This will later translate in better care for the elderly.

BACKGROUND

Growing old is a remarkable journey filled with diverse experiences and wisdom. It’s a time when individuals often reflect on their lives, cherish memories, and share invaluable lessons with younger generations. Understanding aging is crucial as it encompasses more than just physiological and psychological processes, to comprehend the subjective sensations of the phenomenon of “being an elderly person”.

The purpose of this study was to describe the daily lives of frail older adults living alone in Quezon City.

The study utilized a qualitative research design. The approach employed was a descriptive phenomenological study describing the fundamental nature of being an elderly. The population consisted of frail older adult people (>60 years old) assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale and living alone in Quezon city using a purposive sampling of those who were present in their homes during the designated interview period. The study was conducted in a private, safe and secured place both agreed by the participants and the researcher through face to face interview.

Being an frail older adult in this study essentially involves balancing one’s life in a flow of motion. The older adult is balancing a number of life-altering events and a shift in their circumstances influenced by recollections from various stages of life. In the life of an older adult, all ages are harmonious and wisely expressed and developed from pleasant and lovely or less pleasant and beautiful or more stressful early life experiences that went throughout adolescence and young adulthood, middle age, and later years. Their family, children and grandchildren were their source of strength and inspiration.

This study gave light on the realities faced daily by a frail older adult. Insights gained from this study serve as an opportunity to develop or innovate appropriate support. This information is crucial for clinicians, community-based aged care providers, legislators, elderly associations, and other concerned citizens. On a local level, the government unit’s key officials or proponents for the welfare of older adults are encouraged to delve deeper and focus on the unique needs and life experiences of the elderly population.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a significant global health issue linked to high mortality and morbidity rates. It contributes not only to organ damage but also to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Despite the rise in hypertensive patients experiencing these mental health issues, evidence remains insufficient.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among hypertensive patients.

Observational studies published between 2020 and 2024 were sourced from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, adapted for cross-sectional studies, was utilized to evaluate study quality. A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression, alongside subgroup and sensitivity analyses to identify sources of heterogeneity.

Fifteen studies were included, with 14 eligible for quantitative analysis. The findings indicated a prevalence rate of 35% for depression (95% CI: 26%-44%) and 41% for anxiety (95% CI: 4%-78%) among hypertensive patients. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the studies (I²=98.3% for depression, I²=99.9% for anxiety). Subgroup analyses highlighted variability in assessment scales (p < 0.001), but not by region or population source. No publication bias was identified (p = 0.663 for depression, p = 0.710 for anxiety). Factors associated with depression included uncontrolled hypertension, female gender, marital status, and social support, while anxiety was linked to similar factors plus concerns about hypertension complications.

Depression and anxiety prevalence among hypertensive patients ranges from 30-42%. Uncontrolled hypertension and social support significantly impact mental health, with major barriers to psychiatric care compliance including economic constraints, lack of education, and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND

The Universal Health Care (UHC) Act of 2019 aims to improve health outcomes by strengthening primary care. The Konsulta outpatient benefit package is a key component of this reform. However, package availability does not guarantee utilization. Factors such as awareness, perceptions, and attitudes influence benefit use.

This study aimed to determine the awareness, perceptions, and attitudes regarding the Konsulta outpatient benefit package among working-age Filipino adults consulting at a tertiary government hospital.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 218 respondents. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, awareness, perceptions, and attitudes regarding Konsulta package. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics.

Twenty-one percent (45/218) of Filipino adults were familiar with Konsulta package. Respondents who were aware of Konsulta were generally aged 51-59, female, unemployed, completed secondary education, lived in Metro Manila, diagnosed with chronic disease, and had previous PhilHealth benefit use. Konsulta facilities were found to be moderately accessible, and the package was reported to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and to be easy to avail with short waiting times. However, there were limitations in coverage of health services. Negative attitudes predominated among those who were aware of the package (29/45, 64%), particularly concerning program value and effectiveness.

Filipino adults consulting at the Philippine General Hospital-Family Medicine Clinic have low awareness level on PhilHealth Konsulta Package. It was perceived to reduce healthcare expenses and to be easy to avail with short waiting times, but limitations in accessibility and appropriateness were reported. Negative attitudes toward program value and effectiveness were identified.