The Sixth Environmental and Occupational Health Forum, conducted virtually on November 23 to 24, 2023, focused on "Accelerating the Development of Healthy and climate-smart Hospitals in the Southeast Asian Region." This forum, a collaborative effort of the University of the Philippines Manila and Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, aimed to explore and exchange strategies, challenges, and innovative practices for integrating environmental sustainability in healthcare settings across Southeast Asia. The event gathered healthcare professionals, policymakers, and environmental experts to discuss the transformation of hospitals into health and climate-smart institutions. Keynote speakers from various countries presented case studies and research findings, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches that include policy development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous education. Significant outcomes highlighted were the identification of effective policies for sustainable hospitals, understanding the impact of healthcare facilities on climate change, and the necessity for political acumen in promoting environmental stewardship in healthcare. The forum concluded with a consensus on the critical need for ongoing collaboration and innovation in environmental and occupational health, underscoring the importance of transforming healthcare facilities into entities that prioritize both patient care and planetary health.
Delivery of Health Care ; Occupational Health

Background: Vaccination is an effective public health measure. Health workers, who are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases due to their occupation, are important targets of vaccination. However, previous studies have shown varying rates of vaccine uptake among health workers. Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and intention towards COVID-19 and vaccination of Filipino health workers in the city of Manila, Philippines. Methodology: The study employed a sequential mixed methods design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the study variables. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the level of COVID-related knowledge, attitude, risk perception, and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors that were associated with intention. Results: Majority (89.4%) had a good knowledge of COVID-19 but had little to moderate knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. Around half reported feeling unsure about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines while the remaining half expressed intent to get the vaccine. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of intention to get vaccinated were higher among those with positive perceived self-efficacy, behavioral intention, external cues to action, perceived vaccine efficacy, and good knowledge on COVID-19 infection prevention. Conclusion Health workers play a crucial role in the promotion of public health measures such as vaccination to control the spread of COVID-19. The study confirms the need for strengthening education and communication strategies focusing on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the spread of false information and promote vaccine uptake among health workers.
COVID-19 ; Knowledge

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Climate anxiety is an emerging concept defined as increased anxiety about climate change and has been linked to negative mental health outcomes. As a relatively new concept, only a few have characterized it and its relationship with mental health, especially in the Global South populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between climate anxiety and depressive symptoms among undergraduate students from a college in a higher education institution in Manila, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to (1) determine the proportion of undergraduate students who reported high levels of climate anxiety and depressive symptoms; and (2) determine the association between climate anxiety and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method, the investigators collected data through an online survey to assess levels of climate anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 148 respondents (N=325), 14.86% had high climate anxiety (i.e., CCAS score >= 3) and 62.84% had high depressive symptoms (i.e., PHQ-9 score >= 10). Regression analysis showed that the odds of those having high climate anxiety reporting high depressive symptoms are higher than those with low climate anxiety, though this is not significant (OR = 2.53, p=0.144).

CONCLUSION

The study verifies the existence of climate anxiety among undergraduate students and reflects an alarming mental health situation in the selected college. It is recommended that wide-scope investigations on the current state of climate anxiety and mental health among the youth be done to verify their impacts, along with inter-sectoral efforts such as increasing awareness through health education interventions to improve the youths’ mental health literacy and resilience to the effects of climate change, and promoting climate change-responsive mental health services to address these as pressing threats to youth health.

Human ; Climate Anxiety ; Depressive Symptoms ; Depression ; Mental Health

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are acknowledged as key drivers in realizing health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of the Philippines Manila, College of Public Health (UP CPH) together with the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), hosted the 53rd APACPH International Conference last 21-23 September 2022. The conference discussed current issues relating to the attainment of SDGs and promoted collaboration of leading academic institutions and other stakeholders in addressing various public health challenges. The conference revolved around the challenges and opportunities in attaining health-related SDGs, and the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities. The lack of certificati on framework of public health tertiary programs, pedagogy and infrastructure, and ambiguous roles and network of public health professionals were discussed. The conference served as a platform for discussing potential resolutions and ways forward in addressing these challenges. Opportunities for improvement such as updating of policies and curricula, strengthening of internship and community engagement programs, establishment of capacity-building partnerships and programs, and developing multidisciplinary-competent faculty and students were identified. This paper providesthe highlights of the conference focusing on the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and other issues and challenges in attaining SDGs.

Human ; Sustainable Development ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Public Health

Even after two years, the COVID-19 pandemic still disrupts public activities and services as it exposes vulnerabilities among the population and negatively impacts environmental conditions. The crisis also impeded global progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Fourth Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Forum held virtually on November 25 to 26, 2021 provided a venue for learning about local and international COVID-19 responses to help prepare for the next global crisis. Through the systems thinking approach, the discussions prioritized analyses of leadership and governance, financing, human resource, technologies, information management, and service delivery. These analyses focused on community and/or workplace programs and services linked to air quality, waste management, psychosocial wellness, and COVID-19 vaccination. The forum amplified calls for climate actions and public health improvement and emphasized the significance of a collaborative, evidence-based, integrated public health response to a crisis underscoring the apparent interdependence of the SDGs.
Environmental Health ; Occupational Health ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Covid-19 ; air quality