OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of an interprofessional simulation-based training program on providers' perception, knowledge, and confidence in proning of pregnant patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to COVID -19 or other causes.

A total of 124 healthcare workers who took part in the management of patients in COVID wards and ICUs participated in the study. The simulation workshop was conducted on May 2022 and the participants were divided into interprofessional teams. Standardized patients and mannequins were used to simulate patients with ARDS. Standardized checklists for proning were used. The participants were debriefed after. The participants completed pre- and post-simulation questionnaires.

After the simulation workshop, the participants’ perception on the benefit of prone position in the ventilation of patients with ARDS, level of confidence in handling proning of pregnant patients, comfort in speaking to patient and next of kin regarding prone ventilation, and knowledge on proning significantly improved. Subgroup analysis
showed statistically significant improvements in knowledge scores among registered nurses, resident physicians, and participants with varying degrees of experience managing COVID-19 patients and proning pregnant patients. Majority of participants deemed it was easy to turn patients in the prone position using the supportive pillow as well as expressed confidence in doing the procedure.

Interprofessional simulation-based training of healthcare workers improved providers' knowledge and confidence in proning pregnant patients. Simulation based training also improved the comfort of the healthcare professional in advising the patient and next of kin on the benefits of proning.
Human ; World Health Organization ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Handling (psychology) ; Occupational Groups ; Knowledge

INRODUCTION

The growing misuse of antibiotics and the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in the Philippines pose significant public health concerns. While various Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaires on personal antibiotic use have been employed in local studies, none have been fully validated and a standardized, culturally appropriate tool remains lacking.

This study aims to develop a Filipino-translated and culturally adapted KAP questionnaire on personal antibiotic use (KAPQ-PAU-FIL) and evaluate its validity and reliability.

The research consisted of two phases. The first phase is the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire in collaboration with the UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin. The second phase is the validity and reliability testing of the KAPQ-PAU-FIL using a sample of 176 Filipino adults. This included assessment of its face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and equivalent forms reliability.

Most items were translated without difficulty, though four items were modified to better fit the linguistic and cultural context. The KAPQ-PAU-FIL demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with face validity (SFVI/Ave = 0.99), content validity (SCVI/Ave = 0.99), construct validity (CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.04; FL = 0.60-0.85; ITC = 0.58-0.71), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.83), internal consistency (α = 0.929) and equivalent forms reliability (p>0.05; κ = 0.62-0.74).

The KAPQ-PAU-FIL is the first ever, Filipino-translated, culturally adapted questionnaire designed to assess KAPQ-PAU-FIL, demonstrating strong validity and reliability to support public health programs against antibiotic misuse.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes an escalating global public health menace, intensified by the excessive utilization of antibiotics in human healthcare and agriculture. In the Philippines, the extensive misuse of antimicrobials in food production, especially in chicken, swine, aquaculture, and agriculture exacerbate AMR, presenting considerable threats to public health. Since the transmission of AMR is closely linked to food safety, food handlers play a critical role in mitigating its spread. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of food handlers in the Greater Manila Area concerning AMR and the utilization of antimicrobials.

This quasi-experimental study involved developing and implementing a customized training program based on pre-training KAP questionnaires, featuring specialized training materials for fruits and vegetables sellers, meat handlers, seafood vendors, and street food vendors. The training, conducted in partnership with government entities and industry specialists, emphasized AMR awareness, food safety rules, and optimal procedures for reducing AMR hazards.

The results showed statistically significant differences in pre- and post-intervention mean percentage scores in the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices about food handling and AMR. There was also substantial improvement observed across all four occupational groups as post-test scores increased in comparison to their baseline scores.

This study underscores the pivotal role of food handlers in combating AMR and stresses the necessity for a training program that is focused on AMR education within food safety initiatives. The training program should be customized, for example, according to the length of experience of the food handler, to either provide basic food safety measures or to improve and upgrade the acquired baseline knowledge and skills related to food safety. This particular study showed the importance of providing food handlers with essential knowledge and skills on food safety and proper food handling to aid in the mitigation of AMR transmission.

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Telestroke systems have been introduced to improve timely recognition and referral; however, their effectiveness depends on utilization at the community level.

To assess stroke and telestroke knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers among barangay health workers (BHWs), and to determine factors associated with telestroke utilization.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 BHWs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Associations between variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Respondents had high stroke knowledge (75.5%, SD = 17.45) and telestroke knowledge (85.5%, SD = 18.82), as well as favorable attitudes (mean = 4.37). However, only 31.1% reported telestroke utilization. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of training (61.4%) and poor internet connectivity (15.8%). Telestroke familiarity was significantly associated with higher knowledge (p = 0.005) and more favorable attitudes (p = 0.001). Stroke-related training (p = 0.001) and years of experience (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher utilization.

Despite high knowledge and favorable attitudes, telestroke utilization among BHWs remains low. Training, familiarity, and infrastructure appear to play key roles in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. Strengthening these factors may improve the effectiveness of community-based telestroke systems.

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted through exposure to water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Despite ongoing prevention efforts, leptospirosis remains a public health concern in the Philippines, especially in flood-prone urban communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among residents of Barangay Doña Imelda, Quezon City, and examined the association of selected sociodemographic factors with KAP. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with 345 residents of Barangay Doña Imelda. Data were collected using an adapted KAP questionnaire. Open-ended questions were used to probe the responses further. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rho correlation, Independent T-test, One-way and Welch ANOVA, and appropriate post hoc tests. Relationships among KAP domains were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge (86.80%) and positive attitudes (90.91%) toward leptospirosis, but comparatively lower practice scores (69.25%). Knowledge scores differed significantly according to household size and civil status, while attitude and practice scores varied significantly across sex, educational attainment, and household income. Weak but significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (rs = 0.126, p = 0.020), knowledge and practice (rs = 0.169, p = 0.002), and attitude and practice (rs = 0.170, p = 0.001). Conclusion Residents of Barangay Doña Imelda demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward leptospirosis; however, preventive practices remained suboptimal. Significant associations between KAP and selected sociodemographic factors were identified. Targeted health education, improved symptom recognition, and increased access to preventive resources may help strengthen leptospirosis prevention in high-risk urban communities.
Leptospirosis ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Parks, Recreational ; Philippines

BACKGROUND

The increase in demand for a more comprehensive care for the elderly in the Philippines raises the importance of sufficient number of adequately trained medical professionals in geriatric care. This study aimed to determine and compare the knowledge, attitude, and willingness to consider a career in geriatric medicine of fourth year medical students and postgraduate interns in a tertiary hospital in Manila.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 fourth year medical students and 81 postgraduate interns using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Facts on Aging Quiz 2015, UCLA Geriatric Attitude Scale, and a section exploring the willingness of students to consider a career in geriatric medicine and their reasons. Knowledge scores, attitude scores and prevalence of those willing to consider geriatric medicine as a career were analyzed using Student T-test, Mann Whitney U test, and Chi-square test, respectively.

The mean knowledge scores of fourth year medical students and postgraduate interns were 31.15 (60.30%) and 30.98 (61.95%), respectively. Median attitude score of both groups was 3.79. Among students, 58.10% are willing to consider geriatric medicine as a career, while 50.62% among interns. Both groups had adequate level of knowledge and positive attitude. However, no statistical significance was found between their knowledge scores (p=0.72), attitude scores (p=0.61) and prevalence of willingness (p=0.31). The main reason of participants in having interest in geriatric medicine was their social and personal responsibilities towards the elderly, while difficulty in handling patients was the top reason for not considering the field.

Continuously developing the Philippine geriatric medicine education and curriculum will assist in enhancing the knowledge and improving the positive attitudes of trainees. This will later translate in better care for the elderly.

BACKGROUND

The Philippines has been significantly affected by the HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, with a notable increase in new cases over the past decade. Despite efforts to promote HIV testing, access to treatment, and awareness campaigns, progress has been slow, particularly among youths. Tangere, a market research application, conducted surveys during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to assess HIV knowledge among Filipinos.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in HIV awareness among young Filipinos during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data collected via Tangere’s surveys. Specifically, it sought to analyze demographic characteristics, sources of HIV information, and knowledge regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and stigma.

Tangere collaborated with the investigators to develop a questionnaire assessing HIV knowledge among young Filipinos. Surveys were conducted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting subscribers aged 18-35 years, primarily from the National Capital Region and Luzon area. Data analysis involved calculating frequencies and percentages to summarize demographic characteristics and HIV knowledge. An Independent-Samples Proportions procedure was used to compare HIV knowledge during and after the pandemic.

The survey revealed that while respondents generally possessed reasonable knowledge about HIV, there were notable changes in the awareness during and after the pandemic. Social media and television were identified as primary sources of HIV information. Knowledge regarding HIV transmission and prevention increased postpandemic, particularly concerning preventive measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP) and motherto-child transmission (MTCT). However, persistent misconceptions and stigma surrounding HIV remained, indicating the need for continued education and advocacy efforts.

The study underscores the importance of utilizing social media platforms for HIV awareness campaigns, especially among youths who are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Despite improvements in knowledge, the Philippines has yet to achieve global HIV prevention goals. Continued efforts to enhance awareness, particularly regarding recent advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, are essential for curbing the epidemic and improving public health outcomes nationwide.

BACKGROUND: Effective interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic require an understanding of patients' knowledge and perceptions that influence their behaviour. Our study assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients and donors, hitherto unevaluated. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 325 kidney transplant recipients and 172 donors between 1 May 2020 and 30 June 2020. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, sociodemographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and precautionary behaviours during the pandemic. RESULTS: The mean COVID-19 knowledge score of the study population was 7.5 (standard deviation: 2.2) out of 10. The mean score was significantly higher among kidney recipients compared to kidney donors (7.9 [1.9] vs. 6.7 [2.6]; P <0.001). Younger age (21-49 vs. ≥50 years) and higher education (diploma and higher vs. secondary and lower) were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores in donors, but not among recipients ( P -interactions ≤0.01). In both kidney recipients and donors, financial concerns and/or social isolation were associated with lower knowledge levels. CONCLUSIONS Concerted efforts are needed to improve COVID-19 knowledge in kidney transplant recipients and donors, particularly older donors, donors with lower education and patients with financial concerns or feelings of social isolation. Intensive patient education may mitigate the impact of education levels on COVID-19 knowledge levels.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Kidney Transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Transplant Recipients/psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tissue Donors/psychology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Pandemics

INTRODUCTION: Health literacy plays an essential role in one's ability to acquire and understand critical medical information in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infodemic and in other pandemics. We aimed to summarise the assessment, levels and determinants of pandemic-related health literacy and its associated clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in Medline ® , Embase ® , PsycINFO ® , CINAHL ® and four major preprint servers. Observational and interventional studies that evaluated health literacy related to the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were included. Items used in health literacy instruments were grouped under the themes of knowledge, attitudes and practices. Determinants of health literacy were grouped into five domains: sociodemographic, medical, psychological/psychiatric, health systems-related and others. RESULTS: Of the 2,065 articles screened, 70 articles were included. Of these, 21, 17 and 32 studies evaluated health literacy related to COVID-19, SARS and MERS, respectively. The rates of low pandemic health literacy ranged from 4.3% to 57.9% among medical-related populations and from 4.0% to 82.5% among nonmedical populations. Knowledge about the symptoms and transmission of infection, worry about infection, and practices related to mask usage and hand hygiene were most frequently evaluated. Sociodemographic determinants of health literacy were most frequently studied, among which higher education level, older age and female gender were found to be associated with better health literacy. No studies evaluated the outcomes associated with health literacy. CONCLUSION The level of pandemic-related health literacy is suboptimal. Healthcare administrators need to be aware of health literacy determinants when formulating policies in pandemics.
Humans ; Health Literacy ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/epidemiology* ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology* ; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ; Female ; Male

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to understand the awareness and attitudes of elderly Southeast Asians towards telehealth services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in this study. METHODS: In this qualitative study, 78 individuals from Singapore (51.3% female, mean age 73.0 ± 7.6 years) were interviewed via telephone between 13 May 2020 and 9 June 2020 during Singapore's first COVID-19 'circuit breaker'. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of telehealth, their experience of and willingness to utilise these services, and the barriers and facilitators underlying their decision. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the United Theory of Acceptance Use of Technology framework. RESULTS: Of the 78 participants, 24 (30.8%) were able to describe the range of telehealth services available and 15 (19.2%) had previously utilised these services. Conversely, 14 (17.9%) participants thought that telehealth comprised solely home medication delivery and 50 (51.3%) participants did not know about telehealth. Despite the advantages offered by telehealth services, participants preferred in-person consultations due to a perceived lack of human interaction and accuracy of diagnoses, poor digital literacy and a lack of access to telehealth-capable devices. CONCLUSION Our results showed poor overall awareness of the range of telehealth services available among elderly Asian individuals, with many harbouring erroneous views regarding their use. These data suggest that public health education campaigns are needed to improve awareness of and correct negative perceptions towards telehealth services in elderly Asians.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Female ; Telemedicine ; Aged ; Male ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Qualitative Research ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics ; Awareness ; Asian People ; Southeast Asian People