In the Philippines, there is an urgent need to expand the clinical services for diagnosis, management and emotional support for patients with genetic conditions and their family members. Despite the lack of trained providers with specialization in genetics, public health related geneticsprograms are continuously being implemented. These address these current demands,strategic planning began in 2009 between local medical geneticists and international genetic professionals to develop the curriculum for an advanced degree in genetic counseling program. The board of regents at the University of the Philippines approved the proposed curriculum in January 2011, and training of the Philippines first cohort of genetic counseling students commenced in June 2011. The successful implementation of the MS of Genetic Counseling program will provide the opportunity to incorporate the match needed genetic counseling services in the country.
Human ; Male ; Female ; GENETIC COUNSELING ; GENETIC SERVICES ; HEALTH SERVICES

Preconception genetic counselling offers an opportunity for prospective parents to understand and adjust to the medical, familial, and psychosocial implications of genetic contributions to pregnancy outcomes. In this paper, we will illustrate how preconception genetic counselling made a difference to a Filipino couple with a previous child diagnosed with Trisomy 18.
Trisomy 18 Syndrome ; Philippines

BACKGROUND: Family communication facilitates coping a genetic condition by ensuring accurate understanding of the illness,its inheritance pattern,associated recurrence risk and risk perception.

OBJECTIVE: This paper explores Filipino mothers' experience in communicating information about congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to their children.

METHODS:Descriptive qualitative design was used.families affected with CAH were recruited  via a CAH support group.Semi-structure interview with mothers were done on the following topics:content and understanding information  communicated,reasons for communicating,and changes and adjustments in the family.Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS:Five families consisting 11 individuals ,including four mothers,were interviewed.finding revealed that while mother are open to communicate with their child about CAH,this is often triggered by question from the child.Mother find it challenging to discuss about the condition  and when they do discuss,this is most often done to facilitate better understanding among the siblings.There is an attempt to explain inheritance of CAH but this is also limited to the mother's understanding.

CONCLUSION:The findings of the study provide guidance to health professional on how they can support parents,particularly mothers,in discussing CAH with their children.

Human ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Communication ; Risk ; Inheritance Patterns

Introduction: Midwives play an important role in promoting newborn screening (NBS) and they ensure that all Filipino newborns are offered screening for life-threatening metabolic conditions. Of the disorders included in NBS, Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common disorder detected. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, self-perceived role, and experience of midwives who practice in urban and rural settings in educating parents of a newborn who are confirmed cases for G6PD deficiency. Method: One-on-one semi structured interview was conducted among 21 midwives from Manila City and Lipa, Batangas, Philippines. Results: The study findings indicate that midwives frequently serve as the primary information resource for parents of infants with G6PD deficiency. Assessment of knowledge showed that midwives have sufficient knowledge about the medical management and the necessary follow-up of infants with G6PD deficiency. However, it also revealed that they have inadequate knowledge of the underlying genetic cause of G6PD deficiency. The surveyed midwives recognized their role and the importance of proper education regarding G6PD deficiency. Conclusion The findings of this study identified gaps in the midwives’ knowledge on the genetic mechanisms and inheritance of G6PD deficiency, which could be a basis to improve the education and dissemination of information and to eventually improve parental education and care of newborns with G6PD deficiency
Genetic Counseling ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; Neonatal Screening