INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading global health concern. Modifiable behavioral risk factors are increasingly recognized in young adults, especially among medical students who often live independently. This study investigated the association between living alone and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors—sleep quality, sodium intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI)—among medical students at UERMMMCI during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Researchers conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 220 medical students. Validated tools were used: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Scored Sodium Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and BMI classification. Researchers performed statistical analyses using Chi-square tests and calculated relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals.

A significant positive association was found between living alone and poor sleep quality (RR 2.132 p = 0.047). No significant associations were observed between living alone and sodium intake (RR 0.96 p = 0.6868), physical activity (RR 1.18 p = 0.2239), or BMI (RR 1.03 p = 0.7367).

Among the studied cardiovascular risk factors, only poor sleep quality was significantly more prevalent among students living alone. These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting sleep hygiene in this demographic.

INTRODUCTION

Mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, yet stigma and misconceptions persist, even among future healthcare professionals. This study assessed medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding mental health and explored their association with sociodemographic characteristics.

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 270 medical students at a private Philippine university from September to October 2023. Participants completed a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and odds ratios were calculated.

Most respondents exhibited high knowledge (80.7%), positive attitudes (90.4%), and favorable perceptions (95.6%) toward mental health. Students who had not interacted with individuals with mental illness were 2.87 times more likely to display negative attitudes (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.19–6.90, p = 0.015). Attitude and perception showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.409, p < 0.001), while knowledge and perception demonstrated a weak negative correlation (r = -0.129, p = 0.034).

These medical students generally possessed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and perceptions regarding mental health. Academic progression and real-life exposure positively influence attitudes, highlighting the need for experiential learning to reduce stigma and promote empathy in medical training.

Introduction: In the realm of education and professional licensure, the assessment of individuals’ competencies is pivotal in determining eligibility for entry into various fields of practice. Medical school assessments encompass cognitive and non-cognitive measures. The Philippines’ Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) relies solely on cognitive assessment. This study explored the predictive power of cognitive assessment in the passing the Physician Licensure Examinations. Methods: A case-control study design was done. Cognitive examination grade was defined as the average cumulative grade of written examinations in specific subjects, while the dependent variable was PLE scores. Results: The study revealed a positive association between failing written examinations and failing the Physician Licensure Examination. In all subjects, there is an observed association, but only Pharmacology reached statistical significance (OR: 2.30 CI:1.01,5.24). For the remaining subjects, although there is an association, it did not reach statistical significance (Biochemistry OR:1.42, CI: 0.43, 4.72; Medicine 3 OR:1.56, CI: 0.81, 3.0; Surgery 3 OR:1.28 CI: 0.63, 2.58). There was no association seen between failing the written examination and failing the PLE in Obstetrics (OR:0.98 CI: 0.47, 2.03). Furthermore, there was a weak positive correlation (0.18-0.31) between written examination grades and corresponding board exam subject grades for all subjects, highlighting the importance of cognitive assessments in predicting success. The research also found a statistically significant difference in PLE grades between those who failed the written examinations and those who passed. Conclusion These findings emphasized the crucial role of cognitive assessments in predicting success in the PLE and its associated board subjects. The study underscored the need for medical institutions to focus on strengthening cognitive competencies and to align the content and rigor of written examinations with the PLE. Addressing these issues would better prepare students for the licensure examination and enhance the quality of healthcare professionals entering the workforce. The results may contribute to the ongoing discussion on the effectiveness of assessment methods in medical education and licensure examinations.
Association

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with adherence to treatment often influenced by socioeconomic status. This study assessed adherence to hypertension medication among patients in Quezon City across economic classes from August to October 2023. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 116 hypertensive Filipinos aged 18-64 years using the Brief Medication Questionnaire-1 (BMQ-1) and socioeconomic classifications based on multiples of the poverty line. RESULTS: Findings revealed that 50.9% of respondents were adherent or probably adherent to treatment, while 49.1% exhibited low or probable low adherence. Those who are low adherent and probable low adherent are 1.399 times more likely to belong to the “Low Income and Below.”, though this association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Adherence to hypertension treatment among the respondents was suboptimal, particularly among the lower-income groups. While the association between socioeconomic status and adherence was not statistically significant, the findings underscore the need for interventions targeting financial barriers and improving healthcare accessibility. Addressing these challenges can enhance adherence levels and reduce the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular risks across socioeconomic strata.
Cardiovascular diseases ; hypertension ; prescription drugs ; medication adherence ; developing countries

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to chemical agents in salon products, such as ammonia and formaldehyde, poses significant respiratory health risks for hairdressers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease Patterns (DPLD) observed in chest X-rays of hairdressers in the National Capital Region and to document their reported respiratory symptoms. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 hairdressers who underwent plain chest X ray examinations to identify any of the 12 recognized DPLD patterns. Participants also accomplished a self administered questionnaire detailing their demographic information, working conditions, health histories and current respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty nine percent of participants showed DPLD patterns on chest X-rays, primarily fine reticular opacities (69.23%) and coarse reticular opacities (25.64%). Positive associations (RR>1) were linked to over five years of work, lack of PPE, daily exposure to hair iron steam, respiratory symptoms, and salon vapor exposure of exceeding five hours daily. Symptoms reported included shortness of breath (27%) and throat irritation (15%). Logistic regression confirmed a significant link between DPLD and positive respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION This study highlights the risk of structural lung abnormalities and respiratory symptoms among hairdressers, emphasizing the need for improved workplace safety, consistent PPE use and routine medical screenings to reduce occupational health risks.
Human ; Lung diseases, interstitial

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased reliance on digital devices for education, leading to heightened concerns about digital eye strain (DES) among students. This study aimed to investigate the association between screen time and the degree of DES among first to third-year medical students at a private medical school from August to September 2023. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, involving 194 participants who completed a self administered questionnaire, including the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and relative risk calculations. RESULTS: The mean daily screen time was 6.94 hours, with 79.38% of participants reporting symptoms of digital eye strain. A significant association was found between screen time and DES, with a positive risk ratio of 1.304 for those spending 4-8 hours on screens compared to those with less than 4 hours. CONCLUSION This study highlights the growing prevalence of DES among medical students during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to implement strategies that mitigate screenrelated health risks. Recommendations include awareness programs, ergonomic guidelines and regular eye check-ups to promote ocular health.
Human ; Students, medical ; online learning ; education, distance

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools shifted to blended learning. This study aimed to determine the demographic and level of confidence of a private medical school’s clinical clerks of School Year 2021-2022 on general competencies and skills. Methods: The study aimed to identify the skills that exhibited the highest and lowest levels of confidence among a group of 139 clinical clerks. Additionally, it sought to examine whether there were significant differences in confidence levels based on sex and prior clinical experience. An analytical cross-sectional study design was employed using a Google Form as the data collection tool. Results: The clerks were most confident in handwashing, and least in NGT insertion, performing digital rectal examination (DRE), and suturing. Females were more confident in history taking of obstetric and gynecologic, surgical, and medical patients, physical examination of pediatric patients, and preparing a discharge summary, while males were more confident in performing digital rectal examination. Clerks with prior medical experience were significantly more confident in foley catheter insertion, intravenous insertion, blood extraction, suturing, and performing essential intrapartum and newborn care (EINC) than those without. The results aligned with previous studies since clerks with prior experience were able to practice the skills in a psychomotor sense. Conclusion The study revealed significant differences in the confidence level on the competencies and skills for medical practice between sex and prior medical experience.
Clinical Competence

Introduction: Caffeine use disorder (CUD), a problematic caffeine use pattern, is yet to be recognized under DSM-5 and is under consideration for further research. This study aimed to determine if the sex, employment status, and smoking status of Quezon City residents aged 18 years old and above are associated with CUD, and to determine the mean daily caffeine consumption (MDCC) of caffeinated products and the proportion of individuals meeting the CUD criteria. Methods: A total of 334 respondents accomplished the online survey that collected socio-demographic information and evaluated CUD using an 8-point Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire (CCQ). Results: The study population was mostly composed of females, unemployed, and non-smokers. Results showed that 17% of respondents have CUD, that brewed coffee was most consumed daily, the MDCC of the study population was 158.31 mg; and females were at an increased risk for CUD, while nonsmokers and unemployed individuals were at reduced risk. Conclusion The proportion of Quezon city residents that have CUD is at 17%, consuming an average of 158.31 mg of coffee daily, with brewed coffee being consumed most. Female residents are at an increased risk of having CUD, while nonsmokers and unemployed individuals are at a decreased risk.
Caffeine ; Coffee ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Introduction: Constant stress predisposes medical students to anxiety. The study aimed to determine the association between animal companionship and anxiety among medical students at UERMMMCI. Methods: The study utilized an analytical cross-sectional design via an online form with the anxiety portion of the HADS questionnaire. Participants included first to third year medical students of a private medical school. Results: A total of 161 responses were recorded. Sex and year-level exhibited significant association with anxiety. Those with anxiety were 2.71 times more likely to be females (p = 0.007). Stratification showed that those with anxiety were 1.72 times less likely to be females with pets (p = 0.37) while, in contrast, those with anxiety were 3.64 times more likely (p = 0.02) to be males with pets. Those with anxiety were likely to belong to first and second-years (p = 0.01 and p = 0.06), respectively and pet owners, though, not statistically significant (p = 0.357). Conclusion An association between sex and year-level with anxiety was noted. Those with anxiety were likely to be females, first-years, and males with animal companionship. Although they did not reach statistical significance.
Anxiety ; Animals ; Students, Medical

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines tops globally for time spent on social media. This study aimed to explore the association between social media addiction, body image, and social comparison among young adult Filipino women aged 18-25 years old in Metro Manila. METHODS: The Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ), and Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM) were used to assess social media addiction, body image, and social comparison, respectively. PRR (CI 95%) assessed the association between SMA and BI, and SMA and SC. RESULTS: Majority of participants had social media addiction (91.11%), while most reported a neutral body image (87.64%). Additionally, more than half of the participants exhibited a high tendency towards social comparison (53.15%). The study found a positive association between social media addiction and negative body image, as well as a significant positive association between social media addiction and social comparison. Obesity showed a significant positive association with negative body image perception, while being overweight was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of having a positive body image. Spending at least 4 hours per day on social media was significantly associated with a higher tendency towards social comparison. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the presence of social media addiction among young adult Filipino women and its association with body image and social comparison. Awareness of these associations can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and educational programs to promote healthier social media use and positive body image among young adults.
Social media addiction ; body image ; social comparison