COVID-19 has brought disruptions in university operations that required the institution of health and safety protocols. The purpose of this study is to examine the experience of a college of nursing in developing and implementing these protocols. A multi- method design was employed using an online survey of 114 respondents and 6 key informant interviews from faculty, staff, and students. Results of the study suggest that the personnel and students rated their satisfaction on the college health and safety protocols towards higher scores in the areas of symptom monitoring, testing, contact tracing, isolation, referral, ventilation, disinfection, handwashing, limiting in-person activities, vaccination and health insurance requirement. Challenges reported were on their compliance to symptom monitoring and funds needed to the courses of action should they require testing elsewhere or test positive. Participants suggested more reminders on the compliance to health and safety protocols. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided important lessons learned to better respond to a future pandemic. Key areas of action have been identified which requires adequate planning of the university and all major stakeholders.

INTRODUCTION: More than one billion people worldwide are affected by mental health disorders, making up 16% of the world's population. However, psychological morbidity has been understudied and disparately estimated among Filipinos living in low-income
communities in the Philippines.

PURPOSE: The specific aims of this descriptive, cross-sectional study were to 1) describe depression, anxiety, distress, and quality of life in a large sample of Filipinos from low-income communities in the Philippines; and 2) determine the prevalence and correlates of
depression, anxiety, and distress in this sample.

METHODS: A convenient sample of Filipinos (?18 years old) were recruited to participate in the study and asked to complete a general health survey. Only one person per household was eligible to participate in the study to avoid biases based on the prevalence of mental health disorders.

RESULTS: One thousand two hundred three participants, mean age, 49.5 ± 17.6 years, primarily women (64.6%) and married (58.4%) reported the following cardiometabolic disorders: overweight/obesity (29%), hypertension (43%), hyperlipidemia (21%), type 2
diabetes (14%), and current smoker (19%). The mean physical and mental quality of life was 46.2 ± 8.1 and 48.6 ± 7.7, respectively. Depression (21%), anxiety (39%) and distress (82%) were prevalent in the sample. Depression was associated with older age, higher distress and anxiety, and lower quality of life. Anxiety and distress were associated with younger age, female gender, higher depression, and lower quality of life.

CONCLUSION: Mental health disorders are prevalent in Filipinos from low-income communities. Findings provide empirical support for the provision of mental health services consistent with the World Health Organization's action plan in this understudied population. The high association between psychological morbidity and perceived physical and mental quality of life signifies the need to screen for depression in older adults and anxiety and distress in younger adults and women.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged (a Person 65 Through 79 Years Of Age) ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age) ; Depression ; Anxiety ; Mental Health ; Philippines

BACKGROUND: Worldwide trends in health risks, lifestyle behaviors, health perceptions, and health-seeking patterns suggest alarming disparities among individuals from low- and middle-income countries. Such international comparisons are particularly troubling for older individuals (≥60 years). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare health risks, lifestyle behaviors, health perceptions, and health-seeking patterns between younger (<60) and older (≥60) Filipinos from rural communities in the Philippines. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was employed with 863 younger and 427 older Filipinos. Data were analyzed using frequencies, chi-squares, and T-tests. RESULTS: Older participants were more likely to be single/widowed, ≤ high school education and had higher rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and depression. They reported poorer health status and went to the village health center when sick. Furthermore, they were less likely to drink alcohol and see a physician. CONCLUSION There were significant differences in modifiable health risks and lifestyle behaviors and differences in health perceptions between younger and older cohorts of Filipinos living in rural areas in the Philippines. Our findings suggest the need to design separate health promotion interventions that target older and younger Filipinos' unique needs from rural communities.
Low-Middle-Income Countries ; Aging ; Cross-sectional ; Population Health ; Philippines

BACKGROUND

State universities in the Philippines should comply with the 2020 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards for government workers and must be guided by the 2017 ASEAN University Network’s Healthy University Framework (HUF) for them to become healthy universities. Both policy documents identify OSH policy and programs as key components.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of health and safety policies and programs in a state university in the Philippines.

METHODS

A case study design was used with a state university as its study site. Investigators conducted 14 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions which were participated by system officials, campus officials, academic teaching staff, academic non-teaching Staff, support staff, and students. Thematic analysis was used to identify and understand emerging patterns and themes.

RESULTS

The results generated seven themes consisting of Policy and Committee, Dedicated Personnel and Unit,Budget and Technology, Collaboration, Programs and Services, Working and Learning Environment, and Role Models. The identified challenges in the implementation of health and safety programs in the university were: (1) limited budget to implement initiatives, (2) lack of collaboration among its offices, and (3) absence of a dedicated unit and staff. There were also opportunities to improve implementation: (1) strong implementation of certain policies and programs, (2) presence of a good working and learning environment, and (3) existence of role models.

CONCLUSION

The identified challenges and opportunities correspond to the elements of the system and infrastructure considered as principal determinants of a healthy university. There is a need to recognize the interrelatedness of such elements to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs in the university. It also underscores the relevance of the HUF in promoting OSH within a university context.

Human ; Health ; Safety ; Universities