This capstone project of the Master in Public Health International of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery initiated the development of community health programs. Phase 1K, Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal, a partner community of the University of Santo Tomas - SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office was chosen as the primary stakeholder for the implementation of this capstone project.

Addressing the identified priority problem of lacking a community-based strategy in the community, the project aimed to initiate community-based prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) through risk factor reduction in Phase 1K-Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal at the end of the 6-week project timeline. Specifically, the project aimed (1) to increase the mobilization of the community through a consultative workshop, (2) to raise awareness of the community through Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, and (3) to increase the baseline knowledge of the community through public health education lay forum.

The project outputs include (1) mobilization of the community leaders in identifying their own health problems and in formulating their interventions, (2) posting and distribution of IECs in the community, and (3) increased baseline knowledge after the public health education lay forum.

With the potential of influencing local policies to improve the health of the community, this project was formally and officially endorsed to the community through its local government leaders, rural health unit officials, and community leaders.

Health Promotion ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Risk Factors

Telemedicine has been an emerging method for delivering healthcare services due to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive quantitative correlational study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP), and their relationship among adults aged 18-34 without prior experience in the use of telemedicine in Manila, Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study had 322 eligible respondents who answered an online survey questionnaire of three parts that asked for their socio-demographic profile, KAP on telemedicine. Descriptive statistics, profile analysis and Spearman's rho were utilized as statistical tools. The respondents' knowledge was on an average to low level, and attitude and perception towards telemedicine were both neutral. Results showed no significant difference between the KAP of the respondents when analyzed according to socio-demographic variables. Knowledge and attitude have a weak positive linear relationship while knowledge and perception have a moderate positive linear relationship. A strong positive linear relationship was indicated between attitude and perception. A positive attitude can be attributed to a positive perception towards telemedicine but both do not consequently come from high knowledge levels of it.

Telemedicine ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; COVID-19

Background: The presence of COVID-19 has increasingly overwhelmed the Philippine healthcare system, which is affecting the mental and emotional health of healthcare workers in the country. Objective: The study aimed to assess the emotions, stressors, stress-reducing factors, coping mechanisms, and motivational factors of the emergency room (ER) doctors in selected high-risk private hospitals within the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) during the COVID-19 pandemic between March 14, 2020 to November 12, 2020. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using electronic and/or physical surveys, given to 127 ER doctors in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Makati Medical Center in Makati, and Chinese General Hospital in Manila. Results: Results showed that ER doctors continuously work as it is their professional and ethical duty despite feeling nervous and scared to do so. However, the safety of their colleagues and family increases their stress levels, which were reduced when their family and friends were safe from COVID-19 and when the condition of their colleagues improved. Following strict protocols and chatting with friends and family helped them cope to alleviate stress, and the assurance of adequate personal protective equipment and family support motivated the ER doctors to continue working. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on ER doctors, and all involved parties can improve the experiences of ER doctors during any future outbreaks similar to COVID-19 by providing psychosocial interventions.