Introduction: Effective vaccination campaigns have been instrumental in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severe disease outcomes. Despite efforts to improve vaccine accessibility, vaccine literacy and confidence remain important determinants of vaccine uptake. Rural and geographically isolated communities often experience barriers to healthcare access that may affect vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage, vaccine literacy, and vaccine confidence among residents of selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Floridablanca, Pampanga. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 residents of Barangays San Ramon and Nabuclod. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a translated and pretested questionnaire on vaccine literacy and vaccine confidence. Vaccination records obtained from the Rural Health Unit were reviewed to determine COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated an average level of vaccine literacy (75.8%), while 17.5% exhibited high vaccine literacy. Most respondents also demonstrated positive to very positive vaccine confidence (71.6%). Among the eligible population, 80.5% had completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series, whereas 19.5% remained unvaccinated. Among those who completed the primary series, only 24.2% had received at least one booster dose. Conclusion Residents of the selected GIDAs generally demonstrated average vaccine literacy, positive vaccine confidence, and relatively high primary COVID-19 vaccination coverage. However, low booster uptake and the persistence of unvaccinated individuals highlight the need for sustained health education, improved healthcare accessibility, and targeted community-based interventions. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening vaccine literacy and confidence to support future immunization programs in geographically isolated communities.
COVID-19 ; Rural Health ; Vaccination coverage

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.

OBJECTIVES

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

Human ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Hiv ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the sports industry, resulting in the postponement of events worldwide. This posed a significant burden in the mental and emotional well-being of athletes due to uncertainties and diminished training levels. As an adaptation, bubble camps emerged as a new approach to resuming training and tournaments under stringent regulations of the COVID-19 protocols. In the national context, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has adapted the bubble set-up by implementing antigen testing, RTPCR, and other health protocols as a prerequisite to bubble training. However, uncertainties in the future of sports continue to present as a psychological toll to the well-being of student-athletes despite the sense of normalcy instilled by bubble training. Existing literature on bubble training is grounded heavily on the quantitative assessments of an athlete's well-being in a bubble set-up and its effectiveness in mitigating COVID-19 transmission, thereby lacking insights that may be obtained from qualitative data. This study explored the experiences of UAAP Season 84 studentathletes in a bubble set-up by examining personal and contextual factors that impacted their well-being.

METHODS

The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach based on Seligman's WellBeing Theory. A purposeful sampling technique was used to recruit UAAP student-athletes through online dissemination of Google Forms for recruitment. Only three student-athletes from UAAP fit the eligibility criteria. Data were collected through on-site and online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. The NVivo software program was used for data analysis, utilizing a deductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

The lived experiences of three UAAP studentathletes were classified into six major themes: (1) Availability and Accessibility of Services; (2) Restrictions; (3) Mental Health; (4) Fostering Relationships; (5) Support Systems; and (6) Individual Growth. Accounts of both positive and negative training perceptions and outcomes regarding the bubble set-up were noted from all student-athletes. The set-up provided studentathletes with easy access to training facilities and services, eventual development of mental fortitude and  perseverance, improved interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for individual growth. However, the restrictions, isolation, internal and external pressures, and routinary nature of the set-up contributed to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety, eventually leading to fatigue and burnout.

CONCLUSION

The study elucidates on the multi-faceted experiences of UAAP student-athletes in bubble training, underpinning the essence of the adequacy of training services and facilities, enhanced support systems, and prompt policy development that caters to improving the holistic well-being of student-athletes amidst adverse changes in the trajectory of sports.

Human ; Qualitative Research ; Universities ; College Athletes ; Athletes

OBJECTIVES

To explore the lasting lived experiences of Filipino adults who were isolated due to COVID-19 as late adolescents and examine how these experiences shaped their health consciousness

METHODS

This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis using Colaizzi’s method. Six participants aged 18 and above, who were aged 17–19 during their COVID-19 diagnosis and isolation, were recruited. One-onone semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Four main themes emerged: (1) Sources of Stress including academic disruptions, isolation, symptoms and healthcare inefficiencies; (2) Attitudes Toward the Experience ranging from fear to calm acceptance and social responsibility; (3) Coping Strategies such as external support and personal mechanisms like spirituality and hobbies; and (4) Impact of COVID-19 which encompassed interpersonal growth, normalization of illness and varying degrees of health behavior change.

CONCLUSION

While the experience of isolation during adolescence posed significant stress, it also offered opportunities for personal and interpersonal growth. Most participants exhibited increased health consciousness, though behavior change was limited. These insights highlight the value of integrating health behavior interventions for young adults shaped by pandemic experiences.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Adolescent ; Consciousness ; Behavior ; Covid-19 ; Methods ; Social Responsibility ; World Health Organization ; Young Adult ; Health ; Diagnosis ; Health Behavior

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, and oncocytic ACC (OAC) is a rare histopathologic variant of ACC, with <70 cases documented worldwide as of 2021. This is a case of a 64-year-old female initially presenting with epigastric-to-periumbilical pain, left flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloatedness. Computed tomography (CT) urogram revealed a 12.2 x 12.7 x 15 cm left adrenal mass, with pulmonary metastases on chest CT. The patient was clinically and biochemically unremarkable based on the hormonal panel. Left thoracoabdominal adrenalectomy was done, and the left adrenal mass was identified as a high-grade non-functioning OAC on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The patient showed clinical improvement on chemotherapy with etoposide, cisplatin, doxorubicin (EDP), without mitotane, due to local unavailability. In conclusion, while EDP + mitotane is the standard therapy for metastatic cases, EDP alone showed promising outcomes in improving quality of life and resolving paraneoplastic neuropathy in the absence of mitotane. To date and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of non-functioning OAC in the Philippines. DS-related Kaposi sarcoma (KS) progresses rapidly with early mucosal and systemic involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial as they significantly impact the outcome. This is a case of disseminated cutaneous and gastrointestinal KS in a 24-year-old Filipino male living with HIV, presenting with hyperpigmented violaceous subcutaneous nodules, odynophagia, progressive dysphagia, and symptomatic anemia. Capsule endoscopy demonstrated utility in diagnosing gastrointestinal KS lesions, highlighting its crucial role when conventional upper endoscopy was challenging due to oropharyngeal involvement. Diagnostic limitations, mainly the unavailability of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) immunohistochemical stain, were addressed through high clinical suspicion. Multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin, radiotherapy, and supportive care eventually yielded good clinical response. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and long-term surveillance in achieving favorable outcomes for patients with KS despite some diagnostic limitations.
Human ; Adrenocortical Carcinoma ; Abdominal Pain

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the sports industry, postponing events worldwide. To adapt to the situation, athletes have been forced to train at home. Bubble training was introduced to provide a safe and conducive training environment while adhering to government health protocols. However, concerns have emerged regarding the set-up’s implementation. Objective: The study aims to explore the lived experiences of UAAP Season 84 and NCAA Season 97 student-athletes who underwent bubble training. Methods: The study will employ a qualitative phenomenological approach based on Seligman's Well-Being Theory. A purposive sampling technique will be used to recruit at least seven eligible student-athletes. Data will be collected through on-site or online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. Deductive thematic analysis approach will be used with the help of the NVivo software program. Expected Results This study is expected to develop themes from the daily bubble training routines, habits, coping strategies, and perceived thoughts and feelings of Filipino collegiate student-athletes, regarding their emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement in bubble training. This may provide insights to the government, educational institutions, and athletic associations on possible comprehensive guidelines if they plan to implement bubble training when the need arises.
Athletes ; Students

Lues maligna, also known as malignant syphilis, is an uncommon variant of syphilis at the secondary stage – more commonly reported in immunocompromised patients or those with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this report, we present a case of a 28‑year‑old HIV‑negative male with a 9‑month history of multiple, well‑defined, irregularly‑shaped, erythematous papules, and small plaques evolving to ulcerated plaques and nodules with crusts, associated with pain, pruritus, and episodes of fever, arthralgia, and weight loss. Positive treponemal and nontreponemal tests, aided by histopathologic findings consistent with syphilis led to the diagnosis of lues maligna. Significant improvement of lesions was noted with 3 weekly doses of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G. For patients presenting with painful and pruritic erythematous ulcerated plaques with crusts associated with systemic symptoms, and with a significant sexual history despite testing negative for HIV infection, a high index of suspicion for uncommon presentations of other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis could aid in early diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift to delivering health services through telemedicine. This study recognized the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of physicians who practice synchronous teleconsultation in the Philippines. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling, eight physicians from NCR were interviewed. Data collected were subjected to thematic analysis for common themes and integrated into an analytic narrative. Results: Eight physicians were included as participants. Different measures taken to remedy the gap included upskilling of physicians, adjustment of clerical work, ensuring data privacy, and creating a conducive workplace. Remote consultations posed limitations on physical examination and emphasized the reliance on diagnostics. Digital platforms used depended on the physician’s preference, type of practice, and patient’s accessibility. This led to an increased dependency on good internet and network service connections to ensure smooth teleconsultations. A lack of respect for the physician’s personal boundaries and work-life balance was cited as a major challenge. Conclusion Telemedicine proved to be an option to provide healthcare despite its limitations, but the shift to its practice exposed many challenges as it is not a replacement for physical consultations.
COVID-19 ; Telemedicine

Abstract Objective: There have been five documented outbreaks of Ebola Reston virus (RESTV) in animals epidemiologically linked to the Philippines. This assessment was conducted to determine the risk of RESTV occurring in humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans. Methods: The World Health Organization Rapid Risk Assessment of Acute Public Health Events Manual was used for the assessment. A literature review was done and a risk assessment matrix was used for the risk characterization of the outbreaks in the Philippines. The risk assessment was conducted by the Philippines Field Epidemiology Training Program. Results: The risk of RESTV occurring in humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans were both assessed as moderate. Animals involved in RESTV outbreaks in the Philippines were non-human primates and domestic pigs. The presence of RESTV in pigs poses a possibility of genetic evolution of the virus. Although RESTV has been identified in humans, there was no death or illness attributed to the infection. The Philippines Inter-agency Committee on Zoonoses oversees collaboration between the animal and human health sectors for the prevention and control of zoonoses. However, there is no surveillance of risk animals or previously affected farms to monitor and facilitate early identification of cases. Discussion: The moderate risk of RESTV recurring among humans in the Philippines and its potential pathogenicity in humans reinforces the need for early detection, surveillance and continued studies of RESTV pathogenesis and its health consequences. The One Health approach, with the involvement and coordination of public health, veterinary services and the community, is essential in the detection, control and management of zoonosis.

Objective: On 2 October 2015, the Event-Based Surveillance and Response Unit of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines received a report of foodborne illness cases in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. A team from DOH was sent to conduct an investigation to identify the implicated source and determine risk factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done. A suspect case was defined as a previously well individual in Compound A, Santa Cruz who developed abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea or vomiting on either 1 or 2 October 2015. A confirmed case was a suspect case positive for cyanide in urine. Family members who prepared the food were interviewed. Urine specimens were collected to test for thiocyanate, and cassava tuber and soil samples were tested for cyanide and other chemicals. Result: Fourteen cases with two deaths were identified (case fatality ratio: 14%). All cases consumed cassava on 1 October 2015 except for one child who spat it out. Urine samples were all negative (36, 100%) for thiocyanate so there were no confirmed cases. The cassava sample had a cyanide level of 68.94 ug/g and was identified as bitter cassava, also known as a potentially dangerous kind. Insufficient food preparation was noted. In the retrospective cohort study, intake of cassava (RR = 208, 95% CI: 19.94–2169.32) was associated with the illness. Discussion This study identified insufficiently processed cassava root crop as the source of the foodborne illness. The cassava consumed was the bitter variety that contains greater than 50 ug/g of hydrogen cyanide and requires thorough preparation before consumption. Community education was provided on identifying and preparing cassava appropriately.