Introduction: Diabetics using insulin are the largest group of patients that use syringes and needles outside of the hospital. Despite this, few studies have been done regarding the disposal of sharps of these patients in the community setting. Objectives: The objective of phase 1 was to create a validated, self-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients with regard to the disposal of sharps in the community setting. The objectives of phase 2 were to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of these patients and identify which factors influence these characteristics. Methodology: Literature review and a focus group discussion were conducted. A conceptual framework based on the Health Belief Model was created. Questionnaire items were reviewed by an expert panel, translated into Filipino and pre-tested. The final questionnaire was administered to 130 patients. Results: Majority of patients (82%) disposed of their sharps through the community garbage collection and most (76%) used a sharps container. Less than one-fourth (23.7%) had acceptable disposal techniques. Respondents had moderate knowledge (mean score of 62.2%) and positive attitude (mean score of 3.95 out of 5) towards sharps disposal. A longer duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin use negatively influenced disposal practices. Attitude was positively influenced by needle stick injury to self and college education, but being married exerted a negative influence. Conclusion The majority of patients at the UP-PGH DM clinic have improper sharps disposal practices, and need to be better educated about proper techniques.
Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have spread globally and reached the Philippines in late January 2020. This study is the first local and nationwide research on admitted COVID-19 adult patients: their clinic-demographic profiles, managements, and clinical outcomes. We aim to determine the associated factors with mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study of rt-PCR confirmed and admitted COVID-19 adult patients in 89 hospitals in the Philippines from February to July, 2020. The data on admission of patient’s demographic, clinical, laboratory, pre-hospital and during hospital treatment management and in-hospital clinical outcomes were gathered. The data were described and analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 2884 rt-PCR confirmed and admitted COVID-19 adult patients included in the study. Majority were Filipinos (99·4%), with slightly more males (54.4%) than females. 21% were healthcare workers (HCWs). Mortality was higher among non-HCWs at 16% versus 2% among HCWs. 63% of the patients had a co-morbidity, which included hypertension (69%), diabetes mellitus (48%) and chronic kidney disease (26%). The significantly associated factors with mortality in this Philippine cohort were: age >60 years, hypertension as co-morbidity, tachypnea (> 22/minute), WBC count > 10 x 109 /L, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all p<0.05). Elevated serum LDH was the strongest factor associated with mortality (OR of 8.74, p=0.004). Conclusion This study identified that age, hypertension, tachypnea, elevated WBC count, and elevated serum LDH were associated with mortality among COVID-19 adult patients and results were consistent with results from studies done in other countries. We recommend that early detection and awareness of exposures and symptoms will improve the management and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 adult patients. Also, a long follow-up of the outcomes of COVID-19 to determine the effectiveness of treatment is recommended for further study.
Philippines ; Mortality