BACKGROUND

Cutaneous findings are the most common manifestations of abuse. Hence, a thorough dermatologic evaluation is crucial to rule out the possibility of injuries - accidental or intentional. Underreporting and incomplete documentation were also identified research gaps. The objectives of this study are to establish a baseline database, describe trends in the WCPU and ER medicolegal cases, and identify relationships among demographics, cutaneous findings, and injuries.

METHODOLOGY

This is a case-control study conducted in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines. Medico-legal records from the emergency room and WCPU during 2019-2023 were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 2,611 WCPU Cases and 9511 ER Cases. Only 2,663 ER Cases (28%) have complete findings. The majority of the physically abused patients in the ER and WCPU perpetrators were adult males. Most WCPU patients were minor females. Only 25% of the WCPU cases were reported within three days. The majority of sexual perpetrators are not strangers to their victims. A significant fraction of sexual abuse is also incestuous. Several significant cutaneous findings suggestive of physical abuse were observed in this study. Intuitively, Gunshot wounds and stab wounds were associated with intentional injuries. Contusion and hematoma were more likely seen in cases of assaults involving accessible areas during altercations – the cheek, eye, eyelid, and nose. Injuries over protected body sites such as the chest and neck also warrant suspicion of intentional injuries. The abdomen, back, and chest were sites of predilection for both GSW and stab wounds.

CONCLUSION

It should be second nature for all physicians to identify dermatologic and demographic cues to rule out possible cases of abuse.

Human ; Physical Abuse ; Rape ; Dermatology

BACKGROUND

Scabies, recognized as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by the WHO continues to persist in our locality today. Health education emerges as an indispensable tool, aimed at enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). As the primary frontliners in our community, they encounter a wide array of skin conditions, but often lack the resources to manage them effectively.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of health education on the KAP of BHWs concerning Scabies infestation.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test-post-test design assessed the effectiveness of a 30-minute face-to-face lecture on BHWs’ KAP regarding Scabies infestation in the community. The study was conducted on April 25, 2023 at the Dagupan City Health office utilizing random population sampling.

RESULTS

The study included 45 BHW participants, 71.11% of whom had prior Scabies knowledge mainly from seminars/training (42.22%). Initially, most had poor baseline knowledge. Less than half (46.67%) identified skin manifestations and treatment accurately. Most displayed positive attitudes toward environmental management (91.11%) and fomite infection control (77.78%). After the lecture, the participants' total scores increased.

CONCLUSION

BHWs bridge the gap between healthcare and underserved populations. Equipping them with knowledge of diseases such as Scabies is imperative. This underscores the effectiveness of health education in enhancing their KAP towards Scabies. By empowering them, we can reduce the impact of NTDs in vulnerable communities. These findings have potential implications for future training programs, awareness campaigns, and further studies involving healthcare workers.

Human ; Scabies ; Health Education

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased over the years. Although the incidence of CAM use among general and disease-specific groups has been researched, little is known about CAM use among Filipino dermatological patients. This study aims to determine the extent and nature of complementary medicine use among patients with dermatologic problems seen in this institution.

METHODS

This is a descriptive, prospective study that made use of a researcher-created questionnaire to determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine. Six months of research were undertaken at the Dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital. It utilized convenience sampling technique consisting of patients who visited the Dermatology clinic for an in-person consultation.

RESULTS

Sixty-five percent of the participants had attempted at least one kind of CAM to treat their dermatological condition, with the majority of participants between the ages of 18 and 25 (25.3%). The most prevalent condition treated with CAM was allergies (36.7%) of unknown etiology, followed by fungal infection (17.7%) and eczema (11.4%). Herbal medicine (65.8%) was the most popular method among respondents, followed by folk medicine, which was primarily recommended by family/relatives. The majority of CAM users were influenced by others, and several were financially challenged. Most CAM users reported no or minimal disease improvement, and the majority do not recommend CAM to others.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate the use of complementary and alternative medicine in dermatologic diseases in general in the country. Board-certified dermatologist should keep an open mind towards patients who might seek out other type of treatment, either as an adjunct or an alternative, given the high prevalence of CAM users among dermatology patients.

Human ; Complementary Medicine ; Complementary Therapies ; Dermatology