Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the sample population in a barangay in the City of Balanga, Bataan using the MINI International and Neuropsychiatric Interview and to describe the profile of those with psychiatric disorders based on sociodemographic and health characteristics. Methods: This is a cross sectional study from Barangay Tenejero, City of Balanga, Bataan done in 2019. Systematic random sampling was done where all zones were included. Sample size was 432 households (with at least one adult per household) based on a level of significance of 5%. Data were obtained using the sociodemographic profile, health profile, MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview Screen and MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6 done through face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. Results: Forty-four of the participants have a diagnosis of at least one psychiatric disorder (10.50%). Of these, the most common psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder (3.58%) followed by any psychotic disorder (1.91%) and generalized anxiety disorder (1.91%). Among the population, 3.10% have suicidal behavior. Psychiatric disorders are more common among women and people with low incomes. Among those with psychiatric disorders, mental health service utilization is low with only 4.55-6.82%. Conclusion This study reports for the first time the prevalence of psychiatric condition in a barangay in the City of Balanga, Bataan. Though the prevalence rate (10.50%) is low compared to other community data, the findings emphasize the need for strategies to promote mental disorder diagnosis and treatment. This study will influence and guide contextualized community mental health services and policies.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Mental Disorders ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba histolytica is an important etiologic agent of diarrhea. Globally, it is estimated to infect 40 to 50 million people and cause 40,000 to 100,000 deaths per year. Metronidazole is effective but can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. In search of alternatives, traditional medicinal plants are being studied. Several plants in Family Simaroubaceae have shown anti-amoebic activity. Quassia amara, a member of this family has not been tested.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Q. amara crude extract on Entamoeba histolytica in vitro.
METHODS: Initial testing of 104 µg/ml ethanolic bark extract was performed. Counts were made after 72 hours. Three trials in triplicates were performed.
Nine (9) dilutions of extract were then tested (18.8 to 5,00 µg/ml). Test tubes were checked for viable amoeba after 24-hour and 72-hour incubation. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for the two incubation periods. At least two trials in triplicates for each dilution were performed. metronidazole served as positive control.
RESULTS: At 104 µg/ml incubated for 72 hours, no viable amoeba was obtained and counted. The MIC after 24 hours was 5,000 µg/ml, while the MIC at 72 hours was 37.5 µg/ml.
CONCLUSION: Q. amara crude extract has inhibitory effects on E. histolycain vitro.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged 80 And Over ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child Preschool ; Infant ; Infant Newborn ; Quassia ; Metronidazole ; Entamoeba Histolytica ; Plants, Medicinal ; Amoeba ; Simaroubaceae ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Diarrhea