1.Risk-based screening programmes for cancer diagnosis: A systematic review with narrative synthesis.
Yong Yi TAN ; Sara TASNIM ; Mohammad Fahmy Bin FADZIL ; Xin Rong NG ; Sabrina Kw WONG ; Jo-Anne Elizabeth MANSKI-NANKERVIS ; Joseph Jao-Yiu SUNG ; Joanne NGEOW
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(10):644-663
INTRODUCTION:
Risk-based screening (RBS) has emerged as a promising alternative to age-based cancer screening. However, evidence regarding real-world implementation outcomes remains fragmented. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the implementation metho-dologies and outcomes of RBS programmes across different cancer types.
METHODS:
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus were systematically searched from their respective dates of inception up to 8 July 2024. Prospective and rando-mised controlled trials (RCTs), which implement the RBS of cancer in an asymptomatic population, or studies retrospectively evaluating the outcomes of the same were included. Geographic distribution, population characteristics, RBS methodology, diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes were narratively synthesised.
RESULTS:
Among the 33 included studies (i.e. 21 prospective cohort, 8 RCTs, 3 retrospective and 1 non-RCT), sample sizes ranged from 102 to 1,429,890 participants. Most RBS trials were conducted in China (n=7, 21.2%), followed by the Netherlands (n=4, 12.1%) then the US, Australia and Sweden (n=3, 9.8%). Studies predominantly examined colorectal (27.3%), breast (21.2%) and prostate cancer (18.2%). Three main stratification approaches emerged: algorithmic (48.5%), validated risk models (39.4%) and physician assessment (9.1%). Implementation outcomes showed higher uptake in moderate-risk (75.4%) compared to high-risk (71.3%) and low-risk groups (67.9%). Five studies demonstrated cost-effectiveness with increased quality-adjusted life years, while 12 studies showed superior or non-inferior cancer detection rates compared to traditional screening.
CONCLUSION
The RBS of cancer has the potential to optimise healthcare resource allocation while minimising harm and increasing receptiveness for patients. More work is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes prior to the scaling of RBS programmes.
Humans
;
Early Detection of Cancer/methods*
;
Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Risk Assessment
;
Mass Screening/methods*
2.Weight control practices of Philippine National Wushu Sanda Athletes: A study protocol
Karen Leslie Lee-pineda ; Karen Anne Alejo ; Paolo Rafael Santamaria Abela ; Matthew Aguado ; Ana Katrina Ambal ; Marco Sebastian Atos ; Miguel Angelo Castillo Balankig ; Sean Brix Cuison ; Ethaniel Tichangco Encarnasion
Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2025;9(1):68-74
BACKGROUND
Combat sports are intense and physically demanding, and healthy weight control practices are necessary to ensure a safe and fair competition for all athletes involved.
OBJECTIVEThe study will determine the dietary and non-dietary weight control practices of Philippine National Wushu Sanda athletes. It will also aim to explore the perceived effects of these practices on performance and well-being.
METHODOLOGYA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews will be used to gain insights into the athletes' experiences, habits, and practices regarding their weight control practices. The semi-structured questionnaire will focus on daily food intake, weight control practices, and their effects on performance and well-being. Thematic data analysis will be used to analyze the data.
EXPECTED RESULTSWeight control practices of Wushu Sanda Athletes vary depending on the training phase. Both dietary practices, such as water intake, skipping meals, and food choices, and non-dietary practices, such as intense training and sweat suits, are expected to be observed to achieve their desired weight. These practices are anticipated to have been influenced by their coaches and senior athletes, having both positive and negative effects on the athlete’s physical, mental, and psychological well-being.
Human ; Martial Arts ; Sports ; Athletes
3.Resilience and burnout among medical students in blended learning: a correlational study.
Nicole Anne O. ABONAL ; Lee Carron S. AGANDA ; Isaac Philip R. AGUILAR ; Hannah E. CALINISAN ; Catherine Fatima L. CANCILLER ; Wynona Angela O. CAÑA ; Martina Micah R. CAPARROS ; Ina Francesca C. CARAMOAN ; Maria Alyssa A. CASTILLO ; Amanda M. PALILEO ; Jose Ronilo G. JUANGCO
Health Sciences Journal 2025;14(2):80-86
OBJECTIVES
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated burnout among medical students, impacting their academic performance and well-being. Resilience, a protective factor against burnout, remains understudied in the context of blended learning for medical students. This study aimed to examine the correlation between resilience and burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and academic efficacy) among first- to third-year medical students at a private medical institution during the 20222023 academic year.
METHODSA correlational design was employed, utilizing the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CDRISC-10) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey for Students (MBI-GS (S)). Sixty participants were randomly selected from the first-year to third year medical students .
RESULTSHigh levels of emotional exhaustion (63.33%) and cynicism (56.67%) were observed, while 55% of students exhibited low resilience. Significant correlations included a negative low correlation between cynicism and resilience in first-year students (r = -0.480; p = 0.018), a negative moderate correlation between emotional exhaustion and resilience in second-year students (r = -0.571; p = 0.026), and a positive moderate correlation between academic efficacy and resilience in second-year students (r = 0.566; p = 0.028). Overall, a positive low correlation was found between academic efficacy and resilience (r = 0.375; p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONResilience mitigates burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Targeted interventions to enhance resilience may improve academic efficacy and well-being in medical students under blended learning.
4.Socioeconomic disparities in hypertension medication adherence in Quezon City: A cross-sectional study
Jamee G. Lanag ; Carolyn A. Lavadia ; Daniel Royce Lee ; Richelle Anne L. Matias ; Johanna Arndriella M. Mendoza ; Marianne Claire M. Morales ; Ina Mulingbayan ; Jose Ronilo Juangco ; Norbert Lingling D. Uy
Health Sciences Journal 2024;13(2):63-68
INTRODUCTION:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with adherence to treatment often influenced by socioeconomic status. This study assessed adherence to hypertension medication among patients in Quezon City across economic classes from August to October 2023.
METHODS:
An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, surveying 116 hypertensive Filipinos aged 18-64 years using the Brief Medication Questionnaire-1 (BMQ-1) and socioeconomic classifications based on multiples of the poverty line.
RESULTS:
Findings revealed that 50.9% of respondents were adherent or probably adherent to treatment, while 49.1% exhibited low or probable low adherence. Those who are low adherent and probable low adherent are 1.399 times more likely to belong to the “Low Income and Below.”, though this association was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Adherence to hypertension treatment among the respondents was suboptimal, particularly among the lower-income groups. While the association between socioeconomic status and adherence was not statistically significant, the findings underscore the need for interventions targeting financial barriers and improving healthcare accessibility. Addressing these challenges can enhance adherence levels and reduce the burden of hypertension and cardiovascular risks across socioeconomic strata.
Cardiovascular diseases
;
hypertension
;
prescription drugs
;
medication adherence
;
developing countries
5.Three-station OSCE skill assessment for standardized training of radiation oncology residents
Jishi LI ; Lingyu MA ; Qiongya LAN ; Tingyue LUO ; Ying HAN ; Zhiyuan XU ; Lee Wing Mui Anne
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(11):1064-1069
Objective:To conduct simulated graduation skill assessment and annual skill assessment by self-designed objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for standardized training of radiation oncology residents.Methods:The structured examination, standardized questions and standardized tasks of each disease were designed by teaching team of radiation oncology in the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. The implementation effect of the annual assessment and simulated completion assessment of standardized training for residents in radiation oncology from Class 2019 to 2021 was prospectively observed. The difference between scores by two independent examiners was analyzed by the paired t-test. The overall feedback of residents and examiners for the implementation were collected after the completion of OSCE. Results:A total of 18 residents participated in 67 sessions of 3-station skill assessments of different diseases, including 2 make-up tests. There was no difference in the score pairing and grade pairing tests between two examiners at 3 stations ( t=0.85, -0.68, -1.16; P=0.401, 0.499, 0.255). A total of 91.3% of the residents reported that the assessment well reflected their actual clinical competency. Conclusions:The current program of OSCE assessment for radiation oncology meets objectification, standardization and high efficiency, and achieves the goal of making trainers familiar with the graduation skill assessment and assessing comprehensive clinical competence. It is a reproducible and flexible structured assessment model.
6.Effect of Terpenes on the enhancement of skin permeation of lipophilic drugs: A systematic review
Llani D. Longgos ; Erikka B. Pequiro ; Lord Sam B. Liston ; Kathrine Anne M. Flores ; Gea Abigail U. Ecoy ; Pajaree Sakdiset ; Gerard Lee L. See ; Florencio V. Arce, Jr.
Acta Medica Philippina 2024;58(4):59-71
Objectives:
The stratum corneum (SC) remains an obstacle to the passage of drugs applied topically. Several
investigations have focused on enhancing the penetration of drugs through the SC by integrating permeation
enhancers (PE) into the drug formulation. Terpenes are among the PE utilized in formulations and are categorized by the regulatory bodies as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). This study aimed to comparatively analyze the skin permeation enhancing effect of terpenes on lipophilic drugs.
Methods:
The present study reviewed the effects of terpenes on the permeation of lipophilic small-molecule drugs through the skin using original research published between 2000 - 2022 retrieved from PubMed®. The search phrase used was (lipophilic drug) AND (terpene) AND (permeation enhancer).
Results:
Terpenes increase the percutaneous permeation of lipophilic small molecule drugs by 1.06 – 256.80-fold. Linear correlation analysis of terpenes’ cLog P with enhancement ratio (ER) revealed moderate and strong positive correlations in pig skin (r = 0.21) and mouse skin (r = 0.27), and rat skin (r = 0.41) and human skin (r = 0.67), respectively. Drug cLog P is a poor (r = -0.06) predictor of permeation enhancement. Terpenes with cLog P higher than 2.40 had ER greater than 10. Higher ERs (>30) were recorded for nerolidol, carvacrol, borneol, terpineol, limonene, menthone, pulegone, and menthol among the terpene-chemical penetration enhancers.
Conclusion
cLog P of terpene-based chemical permeation enhancers (CPE) is strongly correlated with ER of lipophilic drugs across human skin. Non-polar groups in terpenes and hydrogen bond interactions by terpenes with SC lipid enhance cutaneous drug penetration of lipophilic drugs.
Terpenes
;
Skin
7.Antimicrobial activity of Ardisia serrata (Cavs.) Pers. ethanolic and aqueous leaf extract on the growth and biofilm formation of selected bacterial isolates
Patrick Josemaria DR. Altavas ; Alfonso Rafael G. Abaya ; Remo Vittorio Thaddeus D. Abella ; Danna Lee A. Acosta ; Angelica C. Aguilar ; Camille Anne V. Aguinaldo ; Katrina Loise L. Aguirre ; Catherine Therese C. Amante ; Karen B. Amora ; Glen Aldrix R. Anarna ; Rafael T. Andrada ; Gere Ganixon T. Ang ; Jeram Caezar R. Angobung ; Angelo V. Aquino II ; Dennielle Ann P. Arabis ; Hannah Luisa G. Awitan ; Mary Faith D. Baccay ; Chryz Angelo Jonathan B. Bagsic ; Tomas V. Baldosano Jr. ; Cecilia C. Maramba-Lazarte
Acta Medica Philippina 2024;58(18):91-97
Background:
Ardisia serrata (Aunasin) is an endemic Philippine plant of the family Primulaceae, with several studiesshowing the genus Ardisia as having potential antibacterial, antiangiogenic, cytotoxic, and antipyretic properties.
Objective:
This study aims to determine the antibacterial and antibiofilm-forming activity of Ardisia serrata ethanolic and aqueous extracts on Escherichia coli, Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods:
This is an experimental study testing the activity against bacterial strains of E. coli, MSSA, and MRSA using ethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. serrata leaves. Microtiter susceptibility and biofilm inhibition assays were done with two-fold dilutions of the extract against the selected strains using spectrophotometry with optical density (OD) at 600 nm and 595 nm, respectively, to quantify bacterial growth and biofilm inhibition. The bacterial susceptibility and biofilm inhibition activity was reported as percent inhibition (PI). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) values were obtained using logarithmic regression of the PI values.
Results:
A. serrata ethanolic extracts showed weak growth inhibitory activity against MSSA and MRSA with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2.6192 and 3.2988 mg/mL, respectively, but no biofilm inhibition activity was noted, while the aqueous extracts exhibited negligible biofilm inhibition activity against MSSA and MRSA with minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) values of 13.5972 and 8964.82 mg/mL, respectively, and with no growth inhibition activity. Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed no growth inhibition and biofilm inhibition activities against E. coli.
Conclusion
Staphylococcus aureus is susceptible to the bioactivity of the leaf extracts of A. serrata and has potential to be used as an antibacterial in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
;
Escherichia coli
;
natural product
;
biological products
8.Discovering social learning ecosystems during clinical clerkship from United States medical students’ feedback encounters: a content analysis
Anna Therese CIANCIOLO ; Heeyoung HAN ; Lydia Anne HOWES ; Debra Lee KLAMEN ; Sophia MATOS
Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions 2024;21(1):5-
Purpose:
We examined United States medical students’ self-reported feedback encounters during clerkship training to better understand in situ feedback practices. Specifically, we asked: Who do students receive feedback from, about what, when, where, and how do they use it? We explored whether curricular expectations for preceptors’ written commentary aligned with feedback as it occurs naturalistically in the workplace.
Methods:
This study occurred from July 2021 to February 2022 at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. We used qualitative survey-based experience sampling to gather students’ accounts of their feedback encounters in 8 core specialties. We analyzed the who, what, when, where, and why of 267 feedback encounters reported by 11 clerkship students over 30 weeks. Code frequencies were mapped qualitatively to explore patterns in feedback encounters.
Results:
Clerkship feedback occurs in patterns apparently related to the nature of clinical work in each specialty. These patterns may be attributable to each specialty’s “social learning ecosystem”—the distinctive learning environment shaped by the social and material aspects of a given specialty’s work, which determine who preceptors are, what students do with preceptors, and what skills or attributes matter enough to preceptors to comment on.
Conclusion
Comprehensive, standardized expectations for written feedback across specialties conflict with the reality of workplace-based learning. Preceptors may be better able—and more motivated—to document student performance that occurs as a natural part of everyday work. Nurturing social learning ecosystems could facilitate workplace-based learning such that, across specialties, students acquire a comprehensive clinical skillset appropriate for graduation.
9.Fear of Covid-19 and Burnout Among Healthcare Providers in Malaysia: Is Resilience a Missing Link?
Siew-Mooi Ching ; Ramayah Thurasamy ; Ai Theng Cheong ; Anne Yee ; Poh Ying Ling ; Irmi Ismail Zarina ; Kai Wei Lee ; Jun Ying Ng ; Rofina Abdul Rahim ; Mohd Khairi Mohd Noor ; Chang Li Cheng ; Ahmad Iqmer Nashriq Mohd Nazan ; Hafizah Md Salleh ; Noor Hasliza Hassan
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.4):265-272
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers have been in great fear due to the high risk of
contracting COVID-19 infection at any time. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of resilience on the
relationship between fear of COVID-19 and burnout in primary care healthcare providers in Malaysia. Methods: This
was an online cross-sectional study involving 1280 healthcare providers aged 18 years and older from 30 government primary care clinics in Malaysia. We used the COVID-19 Fear Scale, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory Scale,
and the Short Brief Resilience Scale to collect data from the respondents. Smart-PLS was used to perform mediation
analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36 years old and mean duration of working experience was
11 years. The majority of the respondents were female (82.4%) and Malays (82.3%). The study population consisted of nurses (47.4%), doctors (26%), medical assistants (11.9), healthcare assistant (7.1%), medical laboratory
technicians (6.4%) and drivers(1.3).The results show that fear of COVID-19 positively predicts burnout. According
to the results, resilience mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and all the three burnout domains,
namely personal burnout (β=0.175,p<0.001), work-related burnout (β=0.175,p<0.001) and client-related burnout
(β=0.172,p<0.001). Additionally, resilience reduces the impact of COVID-19 fear on the three domains of burnout.
Conclusion: Our study has reported a mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between fear of COVID-19
and burnout.
10.Life satisfaction and self-efficacy of undergraduate occupational therapy students in a university in Metro Manila: A cross-sectional study
Kim Gerald Medallon ; Charles Bermejo ; Cesar Joseph Lim ; Miria Olivia Isabel Alvior ; Daniel Miguel Batain ; Chasid Bautista ; Karissa Anne Lee ; Maria Louise Abigail Morales ; Quincy Aaliyah Torre
Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2023;7(1):29-42
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted students' lives and daily routines, resulting in increased stress and mental health
issues that impact their perceived life satisfaction and self-efficacy. While life satisfaction and self-efficacy may influence student academic
performance and success, current data on life satisfaction and self-efficacy in Filipino occupational therapy students is limited. Objectives: This
study aims to describe the life satisfaction and self-efficacy level of occupational therapy students at a university in Metro Manila, Philippines, during
the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationship between these two variables.
Methods:
The study adopted an analytic cross-sectional study
design and records review methodology utilizing the Student Life Survey 2021 database. Data from the survey participants who fit the study's
inclusion criteria were extracted to determine their life satisfaction and self-efficacy based on their responses on the Satisfaction with Life Scale and
Self-Efficacy Formative Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using measures of central tendency and dispersion were used to analyze data.
Spearman-Rho correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy.
Results:
A total of 205 occupational therapy students completed the survey. Results reveal that the participants were slightly dissatisfied with their lives
(M=18.45; SD=1.52) and that they had satisfactory or adequate self-efficacy (M=64.66; SD=1.37). An analysis of their self-efficacy scores reveals that
participants had a poor belief in their personal ability (M=37.71; SD=1.33) and a satisfactory or adequate belief that their ability can grow with
effort (M=26.92; SD=1.32). Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to decrease as the participants’ year level increased. Furthermore,
correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate correlation between participants’ life satisfaction and self-efficacy (⍴=0.40, p<0.05).
Conclusion
The participants have a slightly dissatisfied level of life satisfaction and a satisfactory or adequate level of self-efficacy during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Life satisfaction and self-efficacy were found to have moderate correlation. Online learning adjustments, pandemic
restrictions, and societal expectations are factors that may have influenced these findings, as emphasized in existing studies. This study may inform
the academe in modifying existing learning environments and providing enhancement programs to deliberately target these constructs influencing
overall academic performance.
Self Efficacy


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