OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of hypertension and determine the risk factors for hypertension among apparently healthy adult Filipinos.

METHODS

This observational prospective community-based study included apparently healthy adult individuals aged 20–50 years from the Life Course Study in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (LIFECARE) Philippine cohort at baseline and followed-up after an average of four years. Sociodemographic data, psychosocial stress, and clinical and metabolic profiles were obtained and analyzed. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the development of hypertension.

RESULTS

A total of 2,089 non-hypertensive participants were included, with 59% women and average age of 35 years (SD = 8.4). The incidence rate of hypertension was 38.1 per 1,000 person-years. The cumulative incidence of hypertension over a mean follow-up time of four years was 15.4% (95% CI = 13.9–17.0%). The risk of incident hypertension was higher among males (aHR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.8; p=0.044), ≥40 years old (aHR=3.9, 95% CI: 2.6–5.8; pCONCLUSION

The 4-year incidence rate of hypertension among apparently healthy adult Filipinos is high. Increased age, male sex, family history of hypertension, abdominal obesity, and high normal blood pressure were significantly associated with the development of hypertension.

Human ; Hypertension ; Incidence

The country’s cardiology centers have been producing subspecialists in the field of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology. To date, 11 hospitals and/or medical centers are involved in training these subspecialists in a 1 to 2-year program. And to this date, there have been no uniform standards and guidelines as to what comprises the basic and/or acceptable training outcomes for the interventionalist in training. This paper describes the development of the core curriculum for an interventional cardiovascular training program to prepare its trainees to be competent in performing invasive diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures as part of comprehensive patient care. The task force for the core curriculum of the interventional training program gathered several officers and leaders of the PSCCI, the training heads of the various interventional programs in the country, as well as experts in the field of cardiology education. Through a series of meetings, consultations, and workshops, the task force laid out the template on which all the training programs would be based. Such a framework considered the international standards regarding minimum caseloads for interventional training and the peculiar situation of each training institution. International standards like the Core Cardiovascular Training Statement (COCATS 4) Task Force 10: Training in Cardiac Catheterizations and the 2020 EAPCI Core Curriculum for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions served as the reference framework for key recommendations. A consensus was achieved that upheld the highest standards of competence without disenfranchising certain institutions due to intricacies and uniqueness of hospital set-up and training situation.

Training ; Education ; Curriculum

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the demographics, clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes of retinoblastoma patients seen at medical institutions in the Philippines between two time periods: 2010 to 2015 and 2016 to 2020.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, analytical, cohort study using review of medical charts and databases of retinoblastoma patients seen in 11 medical institutions from 2010 to 2020.

RESULTS

There were 636 patients (821 eyes) included in this study: 330 patients were seen in 2010 to 2015 while 306 in 2016 to 2020. More cases per annum were seen in the latter timeline. The number of patients with unilateral disease was not significantly different between the two time periods (p=0.51). Age at onset of symptom, age at initial consultation, and delay in consult were also not significantly different between the two time periods (p > 0.05). Patients had significantly different distributions of intraocular grades (p < 0.0001) and systemic staging (p < 0.0001) between the two time periods. Enucleation was the most common surgical treatment performed in both timelines. There was significant difference in the status of patients based on the need for systemic chemotherapy (p < 0.01). There was significant difference in outcome between the two time periods, including the proportions of living and deceased patients.

CONCLUSION

This study compared the most comprehensive data on retinoblastoma patients in the country. There was no improvement in early health seeking behavior based on similar age at initial consult and delay in consult. Enucleation remained the most common treatment mode as opposed to chemotherapy due to similar percentage of patients with unilateral disease, an indication for enucleation rather than chemotherapy.

Human ; Retinoblastoma ; Philippines ; Epidemiology ; Treatment ; Therapeutics

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

<b>OBJECTIVE: b>To establish the validity of EQ-5D-3L in Tagalog language in assessing health-related quality of life states among adult Filipinos 20-50 years old.

<b>METHODS:b> A face-to-face cross-sectional community survey of apparently healthy adult Filipinos (20-50 years old) in Metro Manila and in 4 nearby provinces (Bulacan, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal) was conducted. Trained interviewers administered the Tagalog language versions of EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), Short-Form 2 (SF-26V2®), and a socio-economic questionnaire. All questionnaires were pre-tested for cultural appropriateness. Concurrent validity (against the SF-36v2R®) and known group validity of the EQ-5D-3L were evaluated.

<b>RESULTS:b> Complete data from 3,056 participants were analyzed. Almost half of the participants reported perfect health on EQ-5D-3L and had higher scores on all SF-36v2® domains compared to those who reported some problems on EQ-5D-3L. Compared to participants who reported some problems on EQ-5D-3L mobility (or anxiety/depression), participants who reported no problem on EQ-5D-3L mobility (or anxiety/depression) reported lower SF-36v2® Physical Functioning (or Mental Health) scores (differences of 7.1 and 10 points, respectively) that were minimally important (i.e. exceeds 5 points). Participants with poorer self-reported health had considerably lower EQ-5D index scores (p < 0.05) irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristics.

<b>CONCLUSION:b> EQ-5D-3L (Tagalog) demonstrated construct and known groups validity among adult Filipinos (20-50 years old).

Human ; Philippines ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures - Validity

<b>OBJECTIVE:b> The study determined the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and its association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics among adult Filipinos aged 20-50 years.

METHODS: Data from the Philippine cohort of the Life Course Study in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (LIFECARE) in Luzon were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression determined the factors associated with the use of CAM.

RESULTS: A total of 3,072 participants were included: average age of 36 years, more females, mostly married, living in the rural areas, and employed. The prevalence of CAM use in this population was 43%. The commonly sought traditional medicine practitioners were manghihilot (bone setter or partera) and albularyo (herbalist), and participants used herbal medicines and supplements. Use of CAM was more likely among older participants, females, living in rural areas, had medical consultation in the last six months, experienced moderate to extreme pain, and with poor perception of general health.

CONCLUSION: The use of CAM is prevalent among apparently healthy individuals aged 20-50 years. Further studies should uncover reasons for CAM use.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age) ; Adult (a Person 19-44 Years Of Age) ; Complementary Therapies ; Complementary Therapies ; Medicine, Traditional ; Herbal Medicine ; Philippines

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical profile of patients who underwent refractive surgery screening.

METHODS: Medical records of patients who sought consult for refractive surgery from January 2010 to December 2014 at a refractive center were reviewed and analyzed. The preoperative clinical conditions, optical characteristics of myopes and hyperopes, refractive screening tests, and causes for disqualification were determined.

RESULTS: A total of 1215 patients who sought consult for refractive surgery had a mean age of 36.45 ± 11.60 years. Seven hundred ten (58.44%) were females and 860 (70.78%) were Filipinos. Nine hundred eighty eight (81%) were myopes. The mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) for myopic patients was -4.41D±2.98 with mean uncorrected distance vision (UCDVA) of 20/400 (logMAR 1.26) and mean best-corrected distance vision (BCDVA) of 20/20 (logMAR 0.02). For hyperopic patients, the mean MRSE was +1.33D±3.76 with mean UCDVA of 20/40 (logMAR 0.33) and mean BCDVA of 20/20 (logMAR 0.001). Reasons for disqualification from undergoing a refractive procedure included thin cornea (5.27%), irregular corneal topography (2.39%), steep cornea (0.78%), high refractive errors (0.41%), optic nerve (0.41%), and retina (0.25%) pathologies.

CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent screening for refractive surgery were young, mostly female, with myopic refractive errors. LASIK remained the most popular refractive surgery procedure. 

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ ; Corneal Topography ; Hyperopia ; Myopia ; Refractive Errors ; Optic Nerve ; Retina ; Cornea ;

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes of LASIK, PRK, phakic IOL, and Supracor as treatment for errors of refraction, including presbyopia, performed at a private eye center.

METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon study that reviewed the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent LASIK, PRK, phakic IOL, and Supracor from January 2010 to December 2014. Main outcome measures were postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity (for Supracor), and mean manifest-refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) of patients who had at least 1 month follow up. Complications and enhancements were analyzed independently.

RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 1,366 eyes of 771 patients. LASIK was the most commonly performed procedure (68%), followed by PRK (18.3%), Supracor (10.2%), and phakic IOL (3.7%). The postoperative mean MRSE at 1 month for LASIK, PRK, and phakic IOL were -0.08 ± 0.36, +0.06 ± 0.52 and -0.11 ± 0.44, respectively. The mean postoperative logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 1 month for LASIK, PRK, and phakic IOL were 0.02 ± 0.10, 0.07 ± 0.12, 0.001 ± 0.09, respectively. In the Supracor group, the mean preoperative and postoperative spherical equivalent were +1.12 ± 0.8 and -0.76 ± 0.62, respectively. The mean postoperative logMAR UDVA and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) for Supracor were 0.24 ± 0.19 and 0.02 ± 0.08, respectively. The most common postoperative complication was symptomatic dry eye (13%). Regression and off-target outcomes occurred in 24 (1.8%) and 13 eyes (1%), respectively. Overall enhancement rate was 2%.

CONCLUSION: LASIK remained to be the most common refractive procedure, with femtosecond laser-created flap becoming the norm. Refractive and visual outcomes showed good efficacy with all the refractive procedures. Complication and enhancement rates were low.

Human ; Adult ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ ; Presbyopia ; Visual Acuity ; Eye ; Surgeons ; Postoperative Complications ; Outcome Assessment (health Care)

Objective. The present study aims to correlate the LGU list of PhilHealth Sponsored Members in a municipality of Batangas with the list of poor residents as identified by the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology. Method. Interview of key informants documented the processes utilized by the LGU in determining PhilHealth beneficiaries for the Sponsored Program and the Participatory Action Research (PAR) survey in the classification of households into poor, middle and rich in four barangays of the municipality. The list of LGU Sponsored members was then cross matched with the PAR household classification. Results. The comparison of the LGU list of Sponsored members and the household classification by the PAR survey showed a wide discrepancy: (1) 464 "Not Found" Sponsored households or 70% of the LGU's Sponsored list; (2) inclusion of the non-poor: 140 middle class families as classified by the PAR survey or 21.1% of the LGU's Sponsored list; and (3) exclusion of 413 or 87.5% of true poor families identified by the PAR Survey. Only 59 families or 8.9% of the LGU Sponsored list were classified as poor families by PAR. Conclusion. PAR offers communities, LGUs and the National Health Insurance Program a tool to validate the coverage of the Sponsored program. LGUs and the PhilHealth should consider such tool or similar tools to validate their identification, selection and enrollment of the poor, which is extremely vital in achieving universal coverage. Given the right tool, communities are in the best position to identify the poor for the Sponsored program. By way of collaboration with the underprivileged themselves, the academe has a role in assisting communities in acquiring collective awareness of their own situation and developing capacity for improving their lives. The academe also has a role in assisting LGUs in improving their health systems and national health programs in validating and improving their implementation. Further studies should be done to investigate the following: the identity of the "not found" SP members; the utilization of PhilHealth benefits by the poor; and the prospect of utilizing the PAR method by other non-academic institutions in monitoring the progress of community programs.
Human ; Male ; Female ; PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS ; HEALTH SERVICES ; INSURANCE, HEALTH ; HEALTH CARE ECONOMICS AND ORGANIZATIONS ; ECONOMICS ; FINANCING, ORGANIZED ; INSURANCE

Research ; Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral