Journal Detail Information

1

Cite

Share

An analytical cross-sectional study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on biomedical waste management among nurses and medical technologists in the Philippines

Camille Therese M. Aldeguer ; Eileen M. Alcaraz ; Reginald Christian L. Alfaro ; Alyssa Anne Z Alfeche ; Mark Christopher M. Abeleda ; Rafael Gianlorenzo V. Abilgos ; Tamam P. Abu Rayyan ; Samantha Rose A. Abulencia ; Julie Anne L Acierto ; Steffi G. Acuna, Angelie J. Aguilar ; Josette Chase H. Aguiting ; Jose Ronilo G. Juangco ;

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):1-9.

INTRODUCTION: Unregulated biomedical waste management is an emerging public health problem in the Philippines. This study aimed to differentiate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses and medical technologists toward biomedical waste management. METHODS: Using an analytic cross-sectional study design, an online survey of nurses and medical technologists from hospitals around the Philippines was conducted. A 27-item questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes and practices was used. The percentages of correct answers and mean scores in each domain was compared between the nurses and medical technologists. RESULTS: A total of 196 respondents consisting of 77 registered nurses and 119 medical technologists were included in the study. Medical technologists had significantly better knowledge scores than nurses on disposal procedures for expired blood units and by-products waste (55% vs. 19%, p = 0.026). Both had low correct responses on adequate disposal of human tissue remains, throwing blood waste into domestic waste, and throwing of expired medications in domestic waste. There was no significant difference in the attitude of nurses and medical technologists. Nurses had significantly better practice scores on disposal of liquid waste in bags (84.4% vs. 68.9, p = 0.018), but medical technologists fared better at disposal of human tissue together with other waste (13.0% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Both nurses and medical technologists had adequate knowledge of some aspects but were lacking in others. There was no significant difference in the attitude of nurses and medical technologists towards biomedical waste management. Half of the respondents practiced proper biomedical waste management.
Medical Laboratory Personnel ; Waste Management ; Knowledge ; Attitude

2

Cite

Share

Correlation of internet addiction to psychological well-being among high school students from private schools in Metro Manila

Bianca Maurice P. Go ; Kimberly Elline M. Garces ; John Patrick Garganera ; Marie Camille G. Garganta ; Keanu Raphael R. Garrido ; Isabelle Simone P. Gaspar ; Princess G. Gaspar ; Shannen Nicole T. Gaw ; Jasmine Therese G. Hipolito ; John Patrick L. Hoa ; Kathrina Veronica M. Inciong ; Jose Ronilo G. Juangco

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):10-15.

INTRODUCTION: The social environment of adolescents plays a significant role in their psychological wellbeing, which in turn contributes to their personal development as individuals. This research aimed to determine the correlation between internet addiction and the psychological well-being of high school students in private schools in Metro Manila for the school year 2020-2021. METHODS: High school students from Grades 7-12 in private schools in Metro Manila, with at least one account in any social media platform participated. The Internet Addiction Test and The Flourishing Scale were used to determine internet addiction and psychological well-being, respectively. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to determine the magnitude of correlation between internet addiction and psychological well-being. RESULTS: The prevalence of internet addiction was 46.1% among 128 respondents. The mean psychological well-being score of the participants was 45.9 ± 7.84. There was weak statistically significant negative correlation between psychological well-being and internet addiction (rs(126) = -0.346, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Students with higher scores of internet addiction were more likely to have lower scores in psychological well-being. There was weak statistically significant negative correlation between psychological well-being and internet addiction.
Humans ; Adolescent ; Internet Addiction Disorder ; Dependency, Psychological ; Internet

3

Cite

Share

Effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii on diarrhea, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jose Ronilo G. Juangco ; Nanette Y. Ramilo-Cruz ; Raymond Oliver A. Cruz ; Maribel Emma C. Hidalgo ; Kathryn Floro-Cruz ; Riezel Vanessa Abdon ; Ma. Leyhl Ann Nierves ; Shalemar Kasan

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):16-24.

INTRODUCTION: Probiotics such as Saccharomyces boulardii are now advocated for the treatment of diarrhea. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of diarrhea. METHODS: MEDLINE, EBSCO, Clinical Key, and the Cochrane Library were searched for clinical trials which used Saccharomyces boulardii as primary or adjuvant treatment for diarrhea. Outcomes included were treatment success in the form of cessation of diarrhea, decrease in the duration of diarrhea, decrease in hospital days, and improvement of dehydration. The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Critical Appraisal tool together with the Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias, RevMan 5.4 for encoding, and the Mantel-Haenszel method for analysis to compute a pooled result. RESULTS: Eleven clinical trials involving 1,541 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven studies showed a non-significant overall decrease in the duration of diarrhea of 1.65 days (p = 0.25), five studies showed an overall significant beneficial response (RR = 1.68, p < 0.001) in the cessation of diarrhea. There was a statistically significant mean decrease (1.01 days, p < 0.001) in duration of hospitalization; and a statistically significant decrease (0.18 days or 4.32 hours, p = 0.04) in the duration of vomiting. CONCLUSION A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials favors the use of Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of diarrhea in terms of cessation of diarrhea, decrease in the duration of hospitalization and duration of vomiting.
Saccharomyces boulardii ; Probiotics ; Diarrhea

4

Cite

Share

In vitro susceptibility of bacterial conjunctivitis standard isolates to non-fluoroquinolone ophthalmic medications

Moses Job D. Dumapig ; Eric Constantine Valera

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):25-34.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of standard isolates of common pathogens causing bacterial conjunctivitis to non-fluoroquinolone antimicrobial ophthalmic medications. METHODS: This is a single-blind experimental study which compared the in vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis to locally available non-fluoroquinolone ophthalmic medications, specifically chloramphenicol, tobramycin, fusidic acid, gentamicin sulfate, sulfacetamide and polymyxin-neomycin. Utilizing the disk diffusion method, zones of inhibition in millimeters for each bacterial isolate was recorded and tabulated. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistical differences. RESULTS: Both Staphylococci were sensitive to all antibiotics except sulfacetamide. Only chloramphenicol showed activity against all four isolates. Tobramycin showed the largest zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was statistically significant difference in the median zone of inhibition in each antimicrobial medication against Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.002) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (p < 0.001) with the largest mean zone of inhibition by fusidic acid of 34 and 38 millimeters, respectively. Streptococcus pneumoniae was least susceptible to antibiotics tested; only chloramphenicol and fusidic acid showed activity. There were also significant differences in the median zones of inhibition across the isolates. CONCLUSION The standard isolates are susceptible to at least one non-fluoroquinolone ophthalmic medication. The antibiotics tested showed differences in activity against the four isolates. The findings of this study may be used as a basis to review local practice patterns or/and initiate revisions in the guidelines for prescribing initial treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents

5

Cite

Share

Necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with Chiari malformation Type II - A family case analysis

Ramon Jason M. Javier ; Marie Rosanna C. Villarin ; Remigio Jay-Ar IV Z. Butacan ; Leopoldo Jr P. Sison

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):35-46.

The biopsychosocial approach to healthcare is fundamental to Family and Community Medicine specialists. Using the patient-centered, family-focused, community-oriented (PFC) matrix, the interplay of a myriad of biomedical and psychosocial factors is assessed in order to provide a thorough medical management that is custom-made to meet the needs and inherent values of a patient and his/her family. Family assessment tools are also utilized to better understand the family dynamics of a patient that may impact on the prescribed management plan. In addition, social determinants of health are evaluated to ascertain which ones may facilitate or hamper proper utilization of community resources. This family case analysis documented the medical ordeal of a young professional who had been diagnosed with two rare medical conditions: necrotizing fasciitis and Chiari malformation Type II. Employing the PFC matrix, the Family and Community Medicine specialist was able to provide inter-disciplinary care for the patient and his family in a holistic manner by recognizing patient needs, creating an enabling family support environment, and helping the family unit navigate various community resources.
Humans ; Social Determinants of Health ; Family Health ; Social Factors ; Patient-Centered Care

6

Cite

Share

Primary health care in the age of advanced technology and modern medicine: Perspectives of future Filipino doctors

Ramon Jason M. Javier ; Enfu Keith C. Shoda ; Christianne D. Cabanos ; Christian Protacio G. Betita ; ;

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):47-54.

INTRODUCTION: In a healthcare system that has been specialty-centric for decades, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act would try to refocus on primary health care (PHC) to better navigate the entire healthcare delivery system of the country. This paper determined the perception of clinical clerks on the relevance of UHC and PHC on the practice of medicine in the Philippines. METHODS: Clinical clerks rotating in Community Medicine were surveyed and focus group discussions were conducted to elicit the viewpoints of the students. Thematic analysis of the responses was subsequently performed. RESULTS: Majority of the 247 student-respondents viewed UHC and primary health care (PHC) as relevant, however, some did not see the need to shift the focus of care from a specialty-centric orientation to that of a PHC approach. Medical students still dream of becoming specialists, and the idea of general medicine practice was not very popular among them. There were negative perceptions on essential healthcare at the community setting, given the inadequacy of medical facilities and technology, medications, and healthcare services in the locality. CONCLUSION Sociopolitical factors remained important determinants of health, which often resulted in service delivery inequities, making access to health difficult for the marginalized and indigent. Given the efforts of the government to champion UHC amid the advances in modern medicine often localized in urban areas in the country, PHC was viewed to be relevant albeit not a priority for future Filipino doctors.
Universal Health Care ; Delivery of Health Care ; Primary Health Care ; Patient-Centered Care

7

Cite

Share

Significance of hypocalcemia in predicting dengue severity in the pediatric population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Katrina Mariz G. Domingo ; Cherrie Lou Nazareth-Duque ; Ma. Christina C. Blanco

Health Sciences Journal.2021;10(1):55-62.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients. Calcium has been shown to play a role in the myocardial function of the patient and is a potential cause of mortality among dengue patients. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of hypocalcemia in predicting the severity of dengue among pediatric patients. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies identified through an electronic literature search using PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Herdin, Google Scholar, and hand search. Validity was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy review was done using Review Manager 5.4.1 with the random effects model. Results showed sensitivity and specificity of hypocalcemia in severe dengue with a 95% confidence interval. The predictive values and likelihood ratios were also computed. RESULTS: Four studies were analyzed. The mean serum total and ionized calcium levels of patients were decreased among the severe dengue group. Data showed that there is a 74% sensitivity (95% CI = 0.58, 0.84) and 75% specificity (95% CI = 0.67, 0.81) with a positive predictive value of 67% and a negative predictive value of 90.7%. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that hypocalcemia may be a useful tool to predict severe dengue fever. However, further analysis is needed to strengthen the the diagnostic accuracy of hypocalcemia.
Severe Dengue ; Hypocalcemia

8

Cite

Share

A comparison of the levels of earthquake awareness and preparedness in a high risk and low risk barangay

Janine Alyanna O. See ; Lorraine C. Rivera ; Iñ ; igo Teodoro G. Santos ; Kristin Janina C. Santos ; Maebellene Grace R. Santos ; Niñ ; a Angelieksa V. Sarmiento ; Randulfo Erald G. Sese ; Shannon Petrina Sie ; Bernadine N. Urbano ; Jennifer M. Nailes ; Jose D. Quebral

Health Sciences Journal.2020;9(2):31-37.

INTRODUCTION: Metro Manila is at risk from “the big one”, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake caused by the movement of the West Valley Fault, thus awareness and preparedness of the people are very important. The study compared the levels of earthquake awareness and preparedness of households in a high-risk area and a low risk area. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 376 households each from a high- and a low-risk barangay in Metro Manila using a self-administered household-based survey questionnaire consisting of questions on awareness and preparedness. The prevalence of households classified as aware and wellprepared was computed; the significance of differences between the high- and low risk barangays was determined through Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS: There were fewer households classified as aware in the high-risk barangay compared with the low risk barangay, but the difference was not significant (PR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.84, 1.01, p = 0.078, Fisher’s exact test). Less than half of households were classified as well-prepared in both high- and low risk barangays (49.7 vs 46.5%) and the difference was not significant (PR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.92, 1.24, p = 0.422, Fisher’s exact test). Television was the most common source of information in both barangays. Households in the high-risk barangay were more likely to be well-prepared when a member was at least a high school graduate (PR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.24, 5.22, p = 0.001, Fisher’s exact test). CONCLUSION There was no difference in the levels of awareness and preparedness between high and low risk barangays. Television was the most common source of information in both high and low risk barangays. The presence of at least one high school graduate in the household from a high-risk barangay was associated with preparedness but not awareness.
environment ; earthquake ;

9

Cite

Share

Correlation of family function and the quality of life of young adults with chronically-ill siblings

Aezrile A. Ignacio ; Kimberly T. Huplo ; Danielle Camille A. Ignacio ; Shari L. Guerra ; Vanessa Angelica D. Gulla ; Alain Francis A. Guloy ; Erickson III P. Gudelano ; Alayssa Katrina Marie P. Ilagan ; Ada Marielle B. Ignacio ; Micah Raphaela C. Guerrero ; Camille Mariz P. Guerrero ; John Adrian Gelino M. Guibone ; Maria Teresa S. Tolosa

Health Sciences Journal.2020;9(2):46-52.

INTRODUCTION: Chronically-ill patients are known to pose an impact on the family function (FF) and quality of life (QoL) of their family caregivers and pediatric siblings. However, there is limited literature on the relationship between FF and QoL. This study aimed to determine the correlation of FF and QoL among healthy young adults with siblings with chronic diseases. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study among young adults, selected by purposive sampling, with chronically-ill siblings. The CAPGAR and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were used for data collection. Spearman’s correlation coefficient r was used to determine the correlation between FF and QoL. RESULTS: More than half (53.9%) of the respondents had highly functional families. Majority of the participants (66.5%) had fair QoL. There was a weak but significant positive correlation (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) between FF and QoL. CONCLUSION There is a weak but significant positive correlation between family function and quality of life among healthy young adults with a sibling suffering from a chronic debilitating illness.
quality of life ; Siblings ;

10

Cite

Share

A study on the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding mental health of residents in a selected barangay

Richard Dean Clod C. Dela Cruz ; Kelvin Michael G. Dela Cruz ; Micah Jeanne A. Dela Rosa ; Maria Kristina P. Descalzo ; Andrew Carlo F. Dioso ; Angelica Mae Camille P. Dizon ; Ellen Stephanie M. Dizon ; Vince Gabriel B. Dulay ; Justine William T. Duran ; Felicitas Asuncion C. Elago ; Nicole Pauline L. Ereñ ; o ; Angela B. Escobia ; Karl Lorenzo Miguel M. Escovidal ; Miraflor A. Espeleta ; Franciosa Gavino-Collins

Health Sciences Journal.2020;9(2):53-59.

INTRODUCTION: Stigmatizing attitudes are barriers to treatment of mental health disorders. The burden of stigma has not been established locally. This study aimed to assess the stigma in the community by determining the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of barangay residents towards mental health and persons with mental health illness. METHODS: A total of 422 participants were included using convenience sampling. Participants were given self-administered questionnaires that consisted of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI), and Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) tools. The mean scores and percentages were computed and compared across the sociodemographic data of the respondents. RESULTS: Knowledge levels were relatively high with a mean score of 26.63. Depression, stress, bipolar disorder and drug addiction were recognized as mental illnesses by the majority of the participants. Scores in the stigmatizing ideologies authoritarianism (3.07) and social restrictiveness (2.58) were low, while the positive ideologies benevolence (3.76) and community health ideology (3.85) had higher scores. Participants were reluctant to work with mentally-ill people (3.18) but were willing to be friends with them (3.87). CONCLUSION This study concludes that the respondents were generally knowledgeable about mental health illness. There was a general acceptance and less stigmatizing attitude, and a willingness to interact with people with mental illness.
psychiatry ; Mental health ; Social Stigma

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share