1.Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Assessment of Unvaccinated Adult In-patients Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines: A Cross-sectional Study.
Charity May B. Pazziwagan ; Emmeline B. Borillo
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):78-87
OBJECTIVES
his quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices
regarding COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated adult patients admitted at Region II Trauma and Medical Center
(R2TMC). This may help determine the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 vaccination, address it, and to achieve
the goal to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos. Furthermore, this may also be a springboard for future researches and
management regarding novel infections needing new vaccinations.
Collected data from the sample size of 197 using the formula for finite population with 95% confidence
level, population proportion of 50%, population size of 400, allowing 5% margin of error were summarized in a
Microsoft excel database and tables, then were analyzed using Jamovi version 2.6.22 software. Frequency, mean,
and standard deviation were calculated to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices; Pearson correlation and
Kendall’s Tau b correlation for its relationship.
There is moderate level of knowledge (MS: 9.80-11.8), a positive attitude (MR: 2.35-2.60), and good preventive
practices (MS: 12.00-13.00) regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among the unvaccinated adult in-patients
of R2TMC post-pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices statistically differed (pCONCLUSION
There is a significant correlation among the knowledge of the respondents about COVID-19 vaccination,
their attitude towards it, and their practices, implying that promoting preventive behaviors toward COVID-19 would
require promoting both knowledge and efficacy beliefs among the public.
Human ; Bacteria ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Population Density ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Forecasting ; Sars-cov-2 ; Sars Virus ; Covid-19
2.Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma in a Posttraumatic Contusion Eyeball in a 7-year-old Filipino Male: A Case Report.
Aramis B. Torrefranca ; Angel Antonette L. Devocio ; Mary Caroline E. Magboo ; Allan Joseph D. Limbago ; Mariel B. Abaquita
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):99-103
Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma is an extremely rare form of retinoblastoma which is characterized by its atypical growth pattern. This unusual presentation adds complexity to the diagnostic process. The purpose of this paper is to report a rare presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma presenting after an ocular trauma. We described a 7-year-old Filipino boy presenting with total hyphema following an ocular trauma. Comprehensive ophthalmologic clinical and diagnostic evaluations were performed including visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, ocular ultrasound, neuroimaging, and histopathology post enucleation to determine diagnosis. The misleading, atypical presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma may delay diagnosis. While this dilemma is expected in these scenarios, it should be remembered that timing of diagnosis in retinoblastoma is crucial, as this also equates to optimal management. One should remain vigilant for these uncommon presentations especially in the setting of any intraocular inflammation in children.
Human ; Male ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Visual Acuity ; Retinoblastoma ; Research Report ; Neuroimaging ; Inflammation ; Hyphema ; Contusions
3.Local understandings and first aid responses to burn injuries: A phenomenological study in an urban Indonesian community.
Hardin LA RAMBA ; Yarwin YARI ; Ulfa Nur ROHMAH ; Fitri Diana ASTUTI ; Fransiska Anita Ekawati Rahayu SA’PANG ; Indra Gilang PAMUNGKAS ; Kristoforus MARSELINUS
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):107-114
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.
OBJECTIVESThis qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.
METHODSThe study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTSThree (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.
CONCLUSIONCommunity knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.
Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population
4.Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis and vaccination reactions in a Filipino child: A case report.
Anne Camilley T. CUMAGUN-YAPTINCHA ; Maria Lourdes H. PALMERO
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2026;10(1):1928-1933
INTRODUCTION
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare and severe form of cutaneous mastocytosis which may present in the neonatal period; thus early recognition is essential. Symptoms of mastocytosis are exacerbated by mast cell degranulating agents more commonly from heat, friction, local trauma, drugs and food. This is a case of DCM presenting with bullous eruptions after immunization.
CASE REPORTAn 11-month-old boy presented with generalized erythematous to hyperpigmented macules and patches initially at birth, with progression to bullous eruptions immediately after immunization without any systemic symptoms. Biopsy revealed superficial and deep mixed cell infiltrates consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes and numerous mast cells. Giemsa stain highlighted the metachromatic mast cell granules. Serum tryptase was elevated by 13 times (130 ug/L). The patient was prescribed oral antihistamines and topical steroids that offered good response. Avoidance of all potential triggers was instructed.
DISCUSSIONThe extensive cutaneous involvement in DCM (generalized erythema, diffuse papules that develop pachyderma, darker skin, peau d’orange) are due to the diffuse infiltration of the dermis with mast cells, accompanied with an elevated serum tryptase.
Unique to this local case are exacerbations triggered by vaccination. There is literature to support evidence of vaccination reactions to pentavalent vaccine in children with DCM though the pathway associated with mast cell degranulation after immunization has not yet been specified.
It is advised that patients with DCM follow scheduled immunization guidelines with precautionary measures.
Human ; Male ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Wounds And Injuries ; Research Report ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; Mastocytosis, Cutaneous ; Hot Temperature
5.Trauma prevention care in natural disaster-prone areas: Concept analysis.
Eriyono Budi Wijoyo ; Mustikasari
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(2):73-83
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Natural disasters occur frequently in Indonesia, so the community must understand the impact of these disasters. Nurses, on the other hand, can perform trauma prevention care and carry out interventions in areas prone to natural disasters. The concept of trauma prevention care is not new in nursing. However, it needs to be analyzed further because there are still unclear definitions and inconsistencies in its implementation.
This study aims to describe the concept of trauma prevention care using the Walker & Avant analysis method.
METHODSThe Walker and Avant concept analysis method was used which consists of eight systematic steps. Information sources include electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, EBSCO, and SAGE, for articles published from January 2006 to June 2024. Embase was searched for the terms "trauma prevention," AND "trauma prevention care," AND "trauma prevention natural disasters."
RESULTSThe literature search identified 80 articles in the fields of medicine, nursing, sociology, and psychology. After analysis, 13 articles were selected for this study. Data extraction and analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Trauma prevention care is defined as 1) knowledge, 2) recognition, 3) caring, 4) respect, and 5) communication. The idea of antecedents includes trauma, education, and skills, while consequences comprise assessment, safety, resources, psychological stress, unidentified trauma, and limitations of nurses.
CONCLUSIONUnderstanding the attributes of trauma prevention care, along with its antecedents and consequences, can facilitate development in nursing practice. This concept of trauma prevention care can be used to conduct trauma assessment and prevention in natural disaster-prone areas to minimize the impact that will occur.
Natural Disasters ; Wounds And Injuries
6.Local understandings and first aid responses to burn injuries: A phenomenological study in an urban Indonesian community.
Hardin LA RAMBA ; Yarwin YARI ; Ulfa Nur ROHMAH ; Fitri Diana ASTUTI ; Fransiska Anita Ekawati Rahayu SA’PANG ; Indra Gilang PAMUNGKAS ; Kristoforus MARSELINUS
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):107-114
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.
OBJECTIVESThis qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.
METHODSThe study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTSThree (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.
CONCLUSIONCommunity knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.
Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population
7.Traumatic peripheral nerve injury in the Philippines: A retrospective study
Kathleen Joy O. Khu ; Abdelsimar T. Oma II ; Karlo M. Pedro
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(13):16-21
BACKGROUND
Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) is a debilitating condition that may result in significant disability. There is variability in the epidemiology, clinical profile, and mechanism of injury worldwide, but data for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as the Philippines are sparse.
OBJECTIVEWe aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients who sustained TPNI in our center.
METHODSWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients referred for TPNI at our institution from 2013 to 2019. Data on demographics, clinical features, etiology, surgical management, and status on last follow-up were collected.
RESULTSForty-four patients with injuries to 62 peripheral nerves were included in the cohort, which had a strong male predilection (98%). The mean age at diagnosis was 35.5 years, with 78% of patients aged between 16-45 years. The most common etiologies were laceration due to sharp objects (39%), stab wound (23%), hacking injury (14%), and vehicular crash (14%). In terms of mechanism of nerve injury, the most common was sharp laceration (80%), followed by stretch injury/nerve injury in continuity (14%). The most commonly injured nerves were the ulnar (36%) and median nerves (32%), more often on the right side (66%). Nerve repair surgery was performed in 80% of cases.
CONCLUSIONTPNIs in a tertiary center in the Philippines most commonly involved young males in the working age group and were caused by occupational and domestic accidents. Appropriate surgical management of TPNI is feasible in low resource settings.
Human ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries ; Trauma ; Wounds And Injuries ; Philippines
8.Social determinants of health: Analysis of the effect of socio-environmental factors to diseases, injury-related DALYs, and deaths based on WHO, ILO, and WB data
Jinky Leilanie Lu ; Paolo L. Conception
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-13
INTRODUCTION
The social determinants of health refer to an individual's social, political, and economic situation and environment, which can have an impact on their health. On the other hand, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) reflect the mortalities and morbidities incurred due to disease and injury.
OBJECTIVESThis study aims to analyze the social determinants of health indicators and their association with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.
METHODSData from World Health Organization, World Bank, and International Labor Organization were used and considered for the 17 Social Determinants of Health categories. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship of social determinants of health indicators with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.
RESULTSResults show that an increase in the population, monetary poverty, adult illiteracy, and fine particulate matter increase IPNN DALYs. This study also found correlations of socioeconomic factors to NCD deaths and DALYs attributable to the environment. NCD DALYs and deaths are found to increase with the number of poor living with 3.10 dollars a day, while median daily per capita income, and increase in persons above retiring age receiving pension decrease NCD DALYs attributable to the environment. Focusing on injury DALYs and deaths, an increase in the number of poor living at 3.10 dollars a day, non-agricultural informal employment, and total average concentration of f ine particulate matter increases injury DALYs while the latter is observed to decrease when there is an increase in the medial daily per capita income, agricultural employment outside the formal sector, and vulnerable persons covered by social assistance.
CONCLUSIONSocio-economic factors such as income, employment, education, and social welfare program affect morbidity, disability, and mortality.
Human ; Social Determinants Of Health ; Disability-adjusted Life Years ; Injury ; Wounds And Injuries ; Morbidity ; Mortality
9.Early liver injury risk assessment in critically injured trauma patients using intelligent calculation method: a retrospective study.
Xiaoming HOU ; Wenjun ZHAO ; Wenhua LI ; Xiaomei WANG ; Baoqi ZENG ; Xiaozhi LIU ; Qingguo FENG ; Bo KANG ; Na XUE
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(2):165-169
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the early changes in various liver function indicators in critically injured trauma patients assessed by intelligent calculation method, aiming to develop more advantageous diagnostic and treatment strategies for traumatic liver injury.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted. Critically injured trauma patients [injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16, age > 18 years old] admitted to the Emergency Medical Center of Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital from January 1, 2022, to December 1, 2023 were enrolled. ISS score and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) assessed by intelligent calculation method were collected upon patient admission to the emergency medical center. Trends in liver function indicators in fasting venous serum were analyzed at 6, 24 and 72 hours after admission, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBil), prothrombin time (PT). Patients were grouped based on APACHE II scores into those with APACHE II < 15 and APACHE II ≤ 15, and liver function indicators within 6 hours of admission were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
A total of 112 critically injured trauma patients were included, with 83 males and 29 females, an average age of (47.78±14.84) years old. The median ISS score was 21.0 (18.0, 26.0). The most common cause of injury for critically injured trauma patients was road traffic accidents (68 cases, accounting for 60.71%), followed by falls from heights, compression injuries, heavy object injuries, knife stabs, and explosion injuries. The most common injured areas was the limbs and pelvis (97 cases, accounting for 86.61%), followed by chest injuries, surface skin and soft tissue injuries, abdominal and pelvic organ injuries, head injuries, and facial injuries. The proportion of elevated LDH, AST, and ALT within 6 hours of admission was 77.68%, 79.46%, and 52.68%, respectively, while the proportion of decreased ALB was 75.89%, the abnormal rates of ALP, GGT, TBil, and PT were all below 50%. The ALT and AST levels of patients at 24 hours and 72 hours after admission were significantly lower than those at 6 hours after admission [ALT (U/L): 37.0 (22.0, 66.0), 31.0 (21.2, 52.0) vs. 41.0 (25.0, 71.0), AST (U/L): 55.5 (30.0, 93.5), 40.0 (27.0, 63.2) vs. 69.5 (39.0, 130.8), all P < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in ISS score between APACHE II > 15 group (45 cases) and APACHE II ≤ 15 group [67 cases; 21.0 (18.5, 26.5) vs. 20.0 (17.0, 22.0), P > 0.05]. Nevertheless, compared with patients with APACHE II ≤ 15, patients with APACHE II > 15 have a higher abnormality rate of ALT and AST within 6 hours of admission [ALT abnormal rate: 66.44% (29/45) vs. 44.78% (30/67), AST abnormal rate: 93.33% (42/45) vs. 70.15% (47/67), both P < 0.05], and the levels of ALT and AST were higher [ALT (U/L): 56.0 (30.0, 121.0) vs. 35.0 (21.0, 69.0), AST (U/L): 87.0 (48.0, 233.0) vs. 52.0 (31.0, 117.0), both P < 0.05].
CONCLUSIONS
Severe trauma patients frequently exhibit a high incidence of reversible early liver function impairment. Based on intelligent calculation method, the utilization of both the ISS and APACHE II scores demonstrates a distinct advantage in the assessment of their early liver injury.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Liver/physiopathology*
;
Risk Assessment
;
APACHE
;
Wounds and Injuries
;
Adult
;
Injury Severity Score
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Liver Function Tests
;
Alanine Transaminase/blood*
;
Young Adult
;
Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood*
10.Social determinants of health: Analysis of the effect of socio-environmental factors to diseases, injury-related DALYs, and deaths based on WHO, ILO, and WB data.
Jinky Leilanie LU ; Paolo L. CONCEPCION
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(20):72-84
INTRODUCTION
The social determinants of health refer to an individual's social, political, and economic situation and environment, which can have an impact on their health. On the other hand, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) reflect the mortalities and morbidities incurred due to disease and injury.
OBJECTIVESThis study aims to analyze the social determinants of health indicators and their association with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.
METHODSData from World Health Organization, World Bank, and International Labor Organization were used and considered for the 17 Social Determinants of Health categories. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship of social determinants of health indicators with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.
RESULTSResults show that an increase in the population, monetary poverty, adult illiteracy, and fine particulate matter increase IPNN DALYs. This study also found correlations of socioeconomic factors to NCD deaths and DALYs attributable to the environment. NCD DALYs and deaths are found to increase with the number of poor living with 3.10 dollars a day, while median daily per capita income, and increase in persons above retiring age receiving pension decrease NCD DALYs attributable to the environment. Focusing on injury DALYs and deaths, an increase in the number of poor living at 3.10 dollars a day, non-agricultural informal employment, and total average concentration of f ine particulate matter increases injury DALYs while the latter is observed to decrease when there is an increase in the medial daily per capita income, agricultural employment outside the formal sector, and vulnerable persons covered by social assistance.
CONCLUSIONSocio-economic factors such as income, employment, education, and social welfare program affect morbidity, disability, and mortality.
Human ; Social Determinants Of Health ; Disability-adjusted Life Years ; Injury ; Wounds And Injuries ; Morbidity ; Mortality


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail