INTRODUCTION: The problem of increasing mortality from noncommunicable disease (NCD) in the Philippines warrants an in-depth assessment of premature death rate in the country. This research aims to explore the temporal characteristics of mortality younger than 70 years old from the leading NCD among Filipinos from 2006 to 2012 and forecast premature mortality rates in 2013 to 2016.
METHODS: Time series modeling and forecasting using the Box-Jenkins method was performed on secondary ecologic data extracted from the national mortality database maintained by the Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office.
RESULTS: Premature death rate from cardiovascular diseases has been increasing steadily. Diabetes mellitus, which shows initially rising mortality among the 30-69-year-old age group, has been reversed in 2009. Trends of premature mortality from cancers and chronic lung diseases did not appear to change over time. NCD mortality rates in the 30-69-year-old age group are generally expected to plateau from 2013 onwards.
CONCLUSION: This novel application of time series analysis on premature NCD mortality data drives both further scientific studies and formal programmatic evaluation by providing a better evidence-based picture of NCD burden in the country. 

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Mortality ; Population ; Lifestyle ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Lung Diseases ; Mortality, Premature ; Neoplasms ; Philippines

This article describes the partnership between the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and the province of Laguna in the context of implementation of the field practice course. This partnership paved the way for the development and implementation of projects in seven field practice sites. Projects concentrated mainly on improving quality of data and health information system, development of educational materials, and addressing health problems such as tuberculosis, hypertension and rabies. After the implementation of the various activities, there is a need for both parties (the College of Public Health and the Provincial Health Office of Laguna) to monitor and evaluate if projects have been sustained. Moreover, successful projects must also be fully documented which can serve as models for other areas in the province of Laguna.

Human ; Rabies ; Health Information Systems ; Public Health ; Tuberculosis ; Quality Improvement ; Universities ; Teaching Materials ; Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide concise background information regarding the state of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors as well as the existing efforts to address them in the Philippines in the last 25 years.

METHODS: A desk review of documents and literature review as well as analyses of available statistical data and several consultations with involved government agencies have been made to come up with summary figures and tables.

RESULTS: NCDs as well as metabolic conditions that can potentially lead to NCDs are on the rise in the last score of years. The Philippines, through the Department of Health, has been visionary in leading various projects and activities to fight NCDs over the last two decades, and its efforts are slowly paying off: the prevalence of tobacco use and that of hypertension have decreased over the last 5 years. NCD mortality (including premature deaths) and prevalence of behavioral risk factors, however, generally remain high, and the Philippines needs to accelerate whole-of-society and whole-of-government actions to sustain the gains and attain its NCD targets in the next 10 years or so.

CONCLUSION: The need to strengthen health system interventions and promote accountability of various sectors in addressing NCDs and its risk factors in the country arises. The development of a multisectoral action plan on NCD prevention and control is needed to halt the rise of NCDs in the country.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Health Systems Plans ; Delivery of Health Care

Objectives: The study aims to determine whether there is an association of perceived weight status with unhealthy diet practices. Method: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adult undergraduate students from U.P. Manila. The survey included questions regarding sociodemographic status, habits related to diet and weight management, and perceived body mass index (BMI). Actual BMI were obtained and calculated from actual anthropomorphic measurements. Results: In the population surveyed, it was seen that 53.28% of the students accurately perceived their BMI status, 26.08% overestimated their BMI status, while 17.28% underestimated their BMI status. It was also seen that over-estimating of BMI status is more associated with unhealthy diet practices. Those who over estimated their BMI were 1.95 times more likely to skip meals (p=0.001) and 1.56 times more likely to engage in cutting of food (p=0.034). Physical activity was also seen to be associated with these practices. Conclusion Over-estimation of BMI may be linked to unrealistic goals in weight loss resulting in unhealthier diet-related habits.
Body Mass Index ; Weight Perception ; Feeding Behavior ; Diet ; Exercise

The burden of suicide increases globally in ages 15-19 as they are more vulnerable to risky behaviors [8]. The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study of 2013 (YAFS4) suggests further analysis and accounting for other related variables to determine if a true relationship between educational attainment and suicide is reflected. An analytic cross-sectional study was employed using secondary data from the YAFS4. The proportion of suicide attempt among the different education levels and its confounders was determined using point and interval estimates, whereas the association between educational attainment and suicide attempt was determined through multiple logistic regression analysis. Results revealed a high prevalence of suicide attempt among those with 'No schooling/Elementary' (38.36%), who have used alcohol (36.15%) and drugs (50.82%), and identified as 'bisexual' or with an 'identity crisis' (52.00%). Overall, there was an association between educational attainment and suicide attempt. The odds of suicide attempt was 1.69 times higher among those with “No schooling/Elementary” as compared to those “College Graduates or Higher”, and was the only group found to be statistically significant even after controlling for socioeconomic status. An association exists between educational attainment and suicide attempt, wherein having a lower level of education has higher odds of suicide attempt. The study suggests that interventions start as early as elementary school and focus on the out-of-school youth. Additionally, future research may also look further into the confounding effects of socioeconomic status and the mechanisms involved.
Educational Status ; Suicide, Attempted ; Adolescent

Objective: This study aims to explore the fishing methods and occupational safety practices of fisherfolk in a coastal municipality in Central Luzon.

Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with leaders of fishing organizations and the Municipal Agricultural Officer using a semi-structured interview guide.

Results: Fisherfolk in the selected municipality adopted a variety of fishing practices, equipment, and methods suitable for each individual or group of fisherfolk. Safety practices were either self-learned from observation of elders and family members or arose from a trial-and-error basis, with an emphasis on precautionary measures to avoid injury.

Conclusion: Fishing practices highly varies, the most prominent of which is using numerous equipment for catching fish and other marine products by hand. Occupational safety practices are mainly focused on the avoidance of hazards.

Hunting

Objective: The study aims to determine the factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome among patients who have undergone tuberculosis treatment. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was employed through secondary data analysis of administrative data collected by the National Tuberculosis Control Program from October 2015 to September 2016. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome were determined. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that belonging to age groups 25 to 34 (aOR=0.73; 95%CI 0.54-0.99) or 35 to 44 (aOR=0.75; 95%CI 0.56-0.99), being male (aOR=1.30; 95%CI 1.03-1.64), doing crafts and related trades work (aOR=0.66; 95%CI 0.46-0.94), living in either a 4th class city (aOR=0.46; 95%CI 0.26-0.82), 1st class municipality (aOR=0.75; 95%CI 0.57-0.98), 4th class municipality (aOR=0.59; 95%CI 0.38-0.93), having a positive sputum smear result (aOR=1.60; 95%CI 1.29-2.00), having rifampicin-resistant/ multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (aOR=9.32; 95%CI 7.28-11.93), being a treatment after lost to follow-up case (aOR=1.84; 95%CI 1.37-2.47) or a case with previously unknown treatment outcome (aOR=1.42; 95%CI 1.00-2.01) were significant correlates of unsuccessful treatment outcome. Conclusion The study found that age, sex, occupation, residence, sputum smear results, drug resistance, and history of previous treatment were associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome.
Philippines ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; Treatment Outcome ; Regression Analysis