OBJECTIVE: Malaria is a life-threatening, mosquito-borne disease that continues to cause numerous deaths worldwide. In the Philippines, malaria remains an important problem, with five provinces having >1000 cases of malaria a year. The objective of this cross-sectional analytical study was to determine the association of selected factors with non-compliance to anti-malarial treatment among malaria patients in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, specifically: perceived susceptibility to malaria, perceived seriousness and severity of malaria, perceived benefits of medication, perceived barriers to treatment compliance and cues to action.

METHODS: Using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, 320 individuals diagnosed with and treated for malaria from January to October 2010 were interviewed regarding compliance to anti-malarial treatment and the factors related to compliance. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The rate of non-compliance to anti-malaria treatment was 17% (95% Cl 12.1%-21.2%). After multivariate analysis using logistic regression, symptom perception as a cue to action and forgetfulness as a perceived barrier to treatment compliance were found to be significantly associated with non-compliance to treatment. The odds of non-compliance were three times higher for individuals who perceived that an improvement in symptoms implied cure of malaria. An individual who forgot to take at least one dose of medication was 17 times more likely to be non-compliant with treatment compared to someone who did not forget to take a single dose.

CONCLUSION: Given the factors found to be associated with non­compliance to treatment, more effective ways of ensuring compliance with anti-malaria treatment may be explored e.g., doing directly observed treatment and utilizing treatment partners that may help address the problem of forgetfulness. The fact that symptom improvement is not equivalent to cure must be stressed when advising patients. Emphasizing compliance to treatment and the consequences of noncompliance when conducting patient education activities may also help boost treatment compliance.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Malaria-therapeutics, therapy, drug therapy ; Patient Compliance

Objectives: This preliminary study determined the prevalence of HIV infection among patients with newly diagnosed solid and hematologic malignancies at the Philippine General Hospital - Cancer Institute. Methods: Adult Filipinos aged 19 years and above with biopsy- or imaging-confirmed malignancy and for chemotherapy, seen at the adult medical oncology and hematology clinic from January to September 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a questionnaire. Rapid HIV screening was performed using blood extracted via finger prick. Pre- and post-test counselling were conducted. Results: Of the 124 patients included in our study, majority were female (91, 73.4%), and 45 years old and above with a median age of 49 (20 – 74). Majority had solid tumors (121, 97.6%) with breast cancer being the most common (67, 54.0%) followed by colorectal (18, 14.5%), and head and neck cancer (14, 11.3%). Among those with hematologic malignancies, two had acute myelogenous leukemia and one had multiple myeloma. Six patients had AIDS-defining malignancies (NHL, cervical cancer). HIV risk factors and associated conditions were present in 18 patients (14.5%). Ten patients reported prior HIV testing. None of the patients tested positive for HIV. Conclusion The absence of HIV cases detected in our cohort may be due to the low prevalence of HIV risk factors and associated conditions. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend HIV testing among newlydiagnosed cancer patients. However, physicians are encouraged to offer HIV testing to cancer patients, especially to those with HIV risk factors, given the benefits of early detection and management of HIV.
HIV ; Philippines ; Neoplasms ; Mass Screening

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest incidence in the Philippines. Currently, there is a paucity in literature that is focused on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Filipinos regarding CRC screening. This is the first study in the Philippines that describes this. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that validated a 52-item Filipino questionnaire on the knowledge on colorectal cancer, willingness to undergo CRC screening, and perceived benefits and barriers to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. The study enrolled household heads more than 20 years of age residing in both urban and rural communities in the Philippines. Results: The UP-PGH CRC KAP (University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Colorectal Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) and Rawl Questionnaire’s validity and internal consistency were established in a pilot study of 30 respondents. A total of 288 respondents were then enrolled to the main study group with a median age of 54.0. Knowledge scores for prognosis and utility of CRC screening were modest (6.3/12 and 8.4/20, respectively). Perceived benefit scores to FOBT and colonoscopy were high (9.9/12 and 13.9/16, respectively).Median scores to barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy were intermediate (22.5/36 and 35.8/60, respectively). Notably, a vast majority (86.1%) were willing to participate in CRC screening programs initiated by the government, and 46.9% agreed to undergo screening tests even as out-of-pocket expense. Conclusion The UP-PGH CRC KAP Questionnaire as well as the Filipino translation of the Rawl Questionnaire are reliable and valid tools in extensively assessing the knowledge of Filipinos on CRC and willingness to undergo screening, as well as the benefits of and barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy. Knowledge scores were modest suggesting that directed educational campaigns and awareness programs can aid in increasing awareness about CRC and its screening. Household income and highest educational attainment were significantly positively correlated with knowledge scores, and perceived benefits of and barriers to CRC screening. Scores were generally comparable between urban and rural communities.
Knowledge ; Attitudes