Objective: This study aimed to: 1) describe the current state of research activity/involvement and capacity among selected tertiary level government and private hospital dietitians; 2) identify factors associated with research capacity and involvement; and 3) develop policy recommendations to improve the current research activity/involvement towards evidence-based practice among hospital dietitians.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of randomly selected 181 hospital dietitians from selected hospitals in Metro Manila completed a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire, which elicited the socio-demographic characteristics, research activity/involvement, research capacity, perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of the respondents.

Descriptive statistics were generated. Pearson Correlation was determined between socio-demographic characteristics and research activity/involvement score and research capacity score. Linear multiple regression analysis was conducted to test whether perceptions, attitudes and knowledge score are factors that predicted research activity/involvement and research capacity.

Results: No significant difference was observed in hospital dietitians' research capacity scores based on gender, age, educational attainment, hospital affiliation, and job description. Majority (97%) of the hospital dietitians had very little participation (10%) or involvement in any type of research activity/involvement. The significant factors that were predictive of research activity/involvement scores and research capacity scores were percent of time for research and hours per week devoted to research, respectively. Percent of time for research was significantly predictive of research knowledge of respondents.

Conclusion: The findings in this present study showed the research activity/involvement and capacity of hospital dietitians in Metro Manila were dismally low. The significant factors that were predictive of research activity/involvement scores and research capacity scores were percent of time for research and hours per week devoted to research, respectively. To support the development of research capacity and involvement of hospital dietitians, policy-makers and healthcare organizations can optimize capability-building strategies at the academic level, hospital dietitian level, and institutional level.

Objectives: The study aimed to validate a high resolution melting (HRM) – polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method for analysis of ATP2B1 rs2681472, a candidate genetic marker for hypertension. Specifically, the study aimed to establish method accuracy, inter- and intra-day precision, instrument detection limits (IDL) and linearity. Methodology: DNA samples from whole blood of selected respondents of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) were analyzed for ATP2B1 rs2681472, following the HRM-PCR method. Analytical validation parameters such as method accuracy, inter- and intra-day precision, IDL and assay linearity were evaluated. Results: The data obtained using HRM conformed to data obtained from the current gold standard, which is direct DNA sequence analysis. Precision of the method is shown in the low intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation of 0.11% and 0.14% respectively. The IDL was found at 1x10-2 ng DNA. Correlation coefficient using the method has met the acceptance criteria for linearity that is equal to 0.98. Conclusion HRM-PCR was successfully applied for analysis of ATP2B1 rs2681472. HRM is a highly commendable tool that can identify existence of polymorphisms in a genome which may be related to or which may cause hypertension. The method was found to be accurate and precise.
Hypertension

Background. The school is an ideal venue for preventive control and can be utilized for obesity-risk reduction since children spend significant amount of time in this place of learning. Indicators for healthy weight promoting schools (HwPS) were formulated for Kineti-kids Program to complement nutrition and physical education and behavior. The indicators for HWPS were used as basis to draft an action plan for the implement and monitoring and evaluation of a school's plan to become an HWPS. Objective. This paper aimed to present the result of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school among selected schools in Metro Manila. Methods. The following basic protocols were undertaken: implementation of final indicators (year 1), first year evaluation, implementation of indicators (year 2), and second year evaluation. Results. The program was implemented in selected schools in Metro Manila after which, an evaluation followed after a year implementation. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) staff conducted the evaluation of school based on the list of indicators. The evaluation was based on five components of a healthy weight promoting school and rated using the following criteria: fully implemented, partially implemented, intend to implement fully, intend to implement partially, and will not implement/not applicable. The same set of criteria was used when the schools were reevaluated after the second year of implementation. It was found that the schools were able to implement fully and partially all indicators in the component of a healthy weight promoting school. Conclusion and recommendations. Teachers played an important role in the successful implementation of the program. It is hoped that this project will cater to more schools not only in Metro Manila but also in the regions. Following in the indicators as basis for evaluation, the following points were noted: a) to include in the creation of plantilla position the hiring of licensed nutritionist-dietitian who will plan, supervise and monitor the canteen; b) offer more value meals (vegetable, meat, rice); c) improve health and nutrition corner; d) ensure before the start of the class (not done due to lack of time); f) provision of a complete food laboratory; g) adequate equipment and safe space for play and sports; h) provision of a life-size mirror in the clinic and TV set in the waiting area of the clinic; i) allocation of sufficient budget for school and physical activity; j) allocation of funds for continuing education of teachers; k) installation of drinking fountains/areas with portable water; l) installation of wash facilities with soap and water; and m) provision of space for gardens.

Background. The kineti-kids program is an innovative, holistic approach which focuses on nutrition education, physical activity and formulation of indicators for healthy weight promoting school. Objective. This paper aimed to present the formulation of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school. Methods. The following basic protocols were undertaken: creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG), formulation of draft indicators, Nominal Group Technique (NGT) workshop, finalization of indicators and lastly, presentation of indicators. Results. The stakeholders formed the TWG to initiate the development of indicators for a healthy weight promoting school. The TWG formulated the draft indicators which were discussed in a nominal group technique session to determine their relevance and appropriateness. The group consensus on indicators toward establishing responsibilities, one working as a facilitator and others as a recorder. The first NGT workshop was participated in by representatives from different agencies like: the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Department of Education (DepEd), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Health (DOH), University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, St. Scholastica's College, and Mc Donalds. The workshop identified indicators for school policy on nutrition and health, physical activity, nutrition and health curriculum, physical education curriculum and health / nutrition services and family / community involvement. For the finalization of indicators, the same set of participants rated each indicator as to top priority. The indicators were revised according to rank. The final indicator was presented in a seminar workshop. Conclusion and recommendation. Major stakeholders collaborated their effort in the development of indicators which can be used as basis for evaluating a healthy weight promoting school. Action taken by schools, families, and communities to promote healthy weight will contribute to children feeling better and improving their academic access. It is recommended that the school, family and community partner together, combine resources and provide an integrated and systematic approach to promoting good nutrition and physical activity, creating environment for successful learning in the schools and healthy living in the community.

Borg's scale is an accepted tool in both assessment and prescription of exercise. Presently, no Philippine study reported its use as proxy indicator of heart rate. Secondary data were utilized from a study that used perceived exertion and heart rate as variables. Eight trained, apparently healthy, male cyclists were asked to perform a braked cycle ergometer test. A five-minute warm-up with an exercise intensity of 75-100 watts maintaining 90-100 revolutions per minute was employed increasing it by 50 watts after every five minutes until termination getting the heart rate and perceived exertion for each stage. Heart rate increased as the rate of perceived exertion went up. A positive significant correlation between the two variables using the Pearson's analysis was observed. The predicted formula for heart rate using the fitted line plot is hr = 116.3 + 7.5 (rpe). Scale set >/ 5 for positive exertion and < 5 for negative exertion showed a sensitivity of 0.83 and a specified of 0.91 with a positive predictive value of 0.90. Borg's scale can approximate the heart rate to a certain extent during exercise. More participants of different physical activities should be included to improve the predictive ability of the derived formula.