1.Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis in a 65-year-old Filipino woman secondary to enoxaparin: A case report.
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(1):92-95
Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation characterized by tense hemorrhagic bullae that appear at sites distant from low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections, typically within seven days of exposure. As of March 2022, only 94 cases have been reported. It most commonly affects elderly males with predisposing factors for thromboembolism, such as carcinoma, and usually involves the extremities.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) in patients receiving low molecular weight heparin, even beyond the typical 7-day window and in demographics not commonly affected. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending agent, as demonstrated in this atypical presentation involving a Filipino elderly woman with multiple comorbidities and no malignancy, can lead to favorable outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but reversible complication to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.
Human ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Affect ; Aged ; Blister ; Carcinoma ; Causality ; Demography ; Diagnostic Errors ; Enoxaparin ; Extremities ; Heparin ; Heparin, Low-molecular-weight ; Index ; Injections ; Lead ; Male ; Molecular Weight ; Neoplasms ; Patients ; Research Report ; Skin Diseases ; Thromboembolism ; Women
2.Causal relationship between Parkinson disease and the risk of mental illness: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):145-149
Objective Observational studies have shown an association between Parkinson disease (PD) and mental illness, but further studies are needed to explore the causal relationship between them. This study aims to investigate such causal relationship using the method of two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods Related data were extracted from GWAS, and summary statistics associated with PD, depression, sleep disorders, and anxiety phenotype-variants were obtained. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for PD were selected as instrumental variables, and MR-PRESSO was used to exclude outliers. Inverse variance weighting was used as the main method to assess causal effect estimates, and MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were used to verify the robustness of the findings. A sensitivity analysis was used to validate the reliability of the results, including the Cochran Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, funnel plots, and the leave-one-out method. Results A total of 21 SNPs associated with PD were identified. The MR analysis showed that PD had a causal relationship with depression (OR=0.974,95%CI 0.934‒1.015, P=0.210), sleep disorders (OR=1.056, 95%CI 0.970-1.149, P=0.211), and anxiety (OR=0.998, 95%CI 0.996‒1.001, P=0.118), with no statistical significance. Different MR analyses and sensitivity analyses showed that PD did not directly contribute to the development of mental illness. Conclusion There is no direct causal relationship between PD and depression/sleep disorders/anxiety. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals should pay attention to the mental health of patients with PD. Randomized controlled studies should be conducted in the future to further validate the results of this study.
Depression
;
Anxiety
3.Differences in sleep behaviors between exam and non-exam periods among college students and their association with academic performance
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(4):313-319
Objective To investigate the association between sleep behaviors (including bedtime, sleep quality, and nap duration) and academic performance among college students, as well as the regulatory effect of test anxiety and exercise habit on the association between sleep and academic performance. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data. The grade of compulsory courses (with higher grades indicating better academic performance) was used as an ordinal dependent variable. All independent variables were coded by levels: for bedtime during exam and non-exam periods, higher levels indicated later bedtimes; for anxiety during the exam period, higher levels indicated more severe anxiety; for sleep quality during both exam and non-exam periods, higher levels indicated better sleep quality; for nap duration, higher levels indicated longer naps. Exercise habit was treated as a binary variable (yes/no). Ordinal logistic regression (proportional odds model) was used for multivariable analysis, and OR and 95%CIwere calculated. In addition, sex-stratified models were established to investigate sex differences in the associations between these factors and academic performance. Results A total of 1 221 college students were included, among whom male students accounted for 33.7%. After controlling for confounding factors, bedtime during the exam period was significantly positively associated with the grade of compulsory courses, indicating that later bedtime was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving a higher grade (OR=1.32,95%CI 1.08‒1.62, P=0.007). Sex was also an independent predictive factor, and the OR of achieving a higher grade in female students was 2.4 times that in male students (OR=2.41, 95%CI 1.90‒3.06, P<0.001). Sleep quality during the exam period (OR=1.18,95%CI 0.99‒1.42, P=0.070) and exercise habit (OR=1.24, 95%CI 0.99‒1.55, P=0.064) showed marginally significant associations with grade. In contrast, bedtime during the non-exam period, nap duration, anxiety during the exam period, and self-rated sleep quality during the non-exam period showed no statistical significance (all P>0.05). Sex-stratified analysis showed that among the male students, later bedtime during the exam period was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving a higher grade (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.05‒2.09, P=0.025), whereas higher anxiety during the exam period was associated with a lower likelihood (OR=0.79,95%CI 0.63‒0.98, P=0.032); among the female students, better sleep quality during the exam period was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving a higher grade (OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.02‒1.57, P=0.033), and bedtime during the exam period showed a positive association with academic performance, but without statistical significance (OR=1.25,95%CI 0.96‒1.62,P=0.091). Conclusion The association between sleep behaviors and academic performance among college students varies with academic period and sex. Later bedtime during the exam period is associated with better academic performance, but this effect is observed only among male students. In addition, the academic performance of male students is negatively affected by test anxiety, whereas the academic performance of female students is positively associated with subjective sleep quality. Future interventions aimed at improving academic health should consider sex-specific strategies.
Anxiety
;
Exercise
4.Factors associated with preference for online learning modality among medical students of a private medical school in Quezon City, Philippines: An analytical cross-sectional study.
Christopher Angelo D. Domingo ; Malory Nicole R. Aluad ; Ymarleigh P. Andal, RMT ; Joshua Caesar M. Añ ; es ; Michelle Marie G. Angara ; Nicole D. Del Rosario ; Karen Hannah C. Deriquito ; Franzes Angienette S. Dizon, OTRP ; Rhinalyne Jashtine B. Dy Yaco, RPh ; Clarissa Angela A. Layusa, MD ; Maria Peñ ; afrancia L. Adversario, MD, MSPH
Health Sciences Journal 2026;15(1):16-22
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of alternative instructional approaches, including distance and online learning. This study aimed to determine factors associated with preference for online learning modality among medical students at a private medical school in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Methods:
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 medical students using convenience sampling. Participants completed an online survey assessing preferred learning modality, general anxiety, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with online learning. Factors associated with preference for online learning were identified using logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Most respondents (79.3%) preferred traditional face-to-face learning, whereas 20.7% preferred online learning. Male students were more likely to prefer online learning than female students (OR = 2.19, p = 0.003). Married students were more likely to prefer online learning than unmarried students (OR = 9.71, p = 0.021). Students who reported greater satisfaction with their online learning experience were more likely to prefer online learning (OR = 2.28, p = 0.024). Self-efficacy demonstrated a borderline association with preference for online learning (OR = 0.42, p = 0.053).
Conclusion
Sex, civil status, and satisfaction with online learning were significantly associated with preference for online learning modality. Self-efficacy demonstrated a borderline association. Despite the increased use of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, most respondents continued to prefer traditional face-to-face instruction.
Education
;
Anxiety
;
Self-efficacy
5.Factors associated with anxiety symptoms among Filipino farmers in Central Luzon: An analytical cross-sectional study
Har-li T. Young ; Dina Marie Yalong ; Vinace S. Guinguing ; Van Irish S. Ventilacion ; Merimae S. Villamayor ; Peter Verona G. Villangca ; William M. Manengyao jr. ; Ma. Beatrice M. Vega ; Alina Marea C. Zañ ; o ; Maria Teresa Sanchez-tolosa
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-11
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Filipino farmers face unique occupational challenges that increase the risk of mental health issues, particularly anxiety. This study aims to determine the different personal, environmental, socioeconomic, occupational, and psychosocial factors associated with anxiety symptoms among Filipino farmers in Central Luzon.
METHODSChain referral sampling method was used to recruit participants for the study, who underwent screening based on the eligibility criteria. Eligible participants were then asked about anxiety symptoms using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), while the validated, researcher-constructed Data Collection Tool for Factors Associated with Anxiety Symptoms (DCFAAS) was used to determine the farmers’ exposure to a variety of factors. Microsoft Excel was utilized in computing for frequency and percent distribution of participants, in each factor. Binary logistic regression was used to compute crude and adjusted odds ratio of each factor thru IBM SPSS Statistics®.
RESULTSAmong the 113 eligible farmers enrolled in the study, only 19 (16.8%) experienced anxiety symptoms, with excessive worrying, which was seen among 45 participants (39.8%). The mental health of Filipino farmers was significantly affected by the presence of physical illness (OR = 10.70 [95% CI 1.367, 83.773]) and having relatives affecting work completion (OR = 6.45 [95% CI 1.346, 30.896]).
CONCLUSIONDespite the low prevalence of anxiety symptoms in this study, the findings suggest government policies to improve mental health service access to farmers, to integrate psychosocial support into agricultural programs, and to address family-related work pressures. By addressing these factors, it can improve farmer productivity and promote overall well-being, putting emphasis on the mental health of the Filipino farmers.
Human ; Farmers ; Agriculture ; Generalized Anxiety Disorder ; Gad-7 ; Patient Health Questionnaire
6.Climate anxiety and depressive symptoms among undergraduate students of a college in a higher education institution in Manila, Philippines
Kent Tristan L. Esteban ; Paolo Miguel L. Chaves ; Venus Maria B. Milan ; Erylla Beatrish M. Oamil ; Patricia B. Ocampo ; Crystal Amiel M. Estrada ; Ernesto R. Gregorio
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-8
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Climate anxiety is an emerging concept defined as increased anxiety about climate change and has been linked to negative mental health outcomes. As a relatively new concept, only a few have characterized it and its relationship with mental health, especially in the Global South populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between climate anxiety and depressive symptoms among undergraduate students from a college in a higher education institution in Manila, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to (1) determine the proportion of undergraduate students who reported high levels of climate anxiety and depressive symptoms; and (2) determine the association between climate anxiety and depressive symptoms.
METHODSUsing a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method, the investigators collected data through an online survey to assess levels of climate anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.
RESULTSAmong the 148 respondents (N=325), 14.86% had high climate anxiety (i.e., CCAS score >= 3) and 62.84% had high depressive symptoms (i.e., PHQ-9 score >= 10). Regression analysis showed that the odds of those having high climate anxiety reporting high depressive symptoms are higher than those with low climate anxiety, though this is not significant (OR = 2.53, p=0.144).
CONCLUSIONThe study verifies the existence of climate anxiety among undergraduate students and reflects an alarming mental health situation in the selected college. It is recommended that wide-scope investigations on the current state of climate anxiety and mental health among the youth be done to verify their impacts, along with inter-sectoral efforts such as increasing awareness through health education interventions to improve the youths’ mental health literacy and resilience to the effects of climate change, and promoting climate change-responsive mental health services to address these as pressing threats to youth health.
Human ; Climate Anxiety ; Depressive Symptoms ; Depression ; Mental Health
7.Job-related factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers in a tertiary government hospital in Metro Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ana Melissa Hilvano-cabungcal ; Sheila R. Bonito
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(1):57-65
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Ensuring the total well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs), including their mental health and psychological well-being, is an essential aspect in the delivery of patient care and the preservation of the health workforce. This study aimed to determine the level of mental well-being and emotional state of HCWs in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress using the DASS-21 scale in a tertiary government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and to identify the job-related factors that may be associated with these outcomes.
METHODSThis is an analytical, cross-sectional study among HCWs involved in direct patient care in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted from February to March 2022 through an online self-administered questionnaire, which included the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire (DCSQ), and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). This was sent to doctors, nurses, and allied medical workers actively working in the clinical areas. All responses were collected and analyzed.
RESULTSThree hundred sixty-four healthcare workers were included in the study. Majority were single (62.62%), living with immediate family (50.82%), and working in a COVID-designated area (62.09%). High prevalence of depression (49.18%), anxiety (61.54%), and stress (30.22%) was found among the HCWs. Work in high infection/COVID-designated areas was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, and high-job demand was significantly associated with all three mental health states compared to low job-demand.
CONCLUSIONFocus should be placed on modifying the condition of high job demand among healthcare workers working in hospitals. This includes ensuring optimum staffing levels and patient to HCW ratio which avoids HCWs from being subjected to high workloads and time pressures that subsequently increase risk for stress, anxiety, and depression.
Mental Health ; Depression ; Anxiety ; Health Personnel ; Covid-19
8.The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy on social anxiety of adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Valentin C. Dones III ; Kristel S. Yamat ; Krystin Elda P. Santos ; Abby Victoria M. Concepcion ; Margarita Anne R. Lacson
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(2):15-24
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), a novel treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the standard treatment, are both effective in treating anxiety in adolescents. This study determined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among adolescents experiencing social anxiety through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODSA systematic approach was used to identify eligible studies. Electronic databases, reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and subgroups. Heterogeneity was measured using visual assessment, the I2 statistic, and chi-square test.
RESULTSRandomized controlled trials comparing MBI to CBT for adolescents diagnosed with social anxiety or social phobia disorder were analyzed, with non-randomized studies being excluded. Structured searches in electronic databases, reference lists, and gray literature were conducted by four independent reviewers who initially identified potential articles through title and abstract screening. After a comprehensive review of full-text articles and a consensus-building process, the selection of included articles was finalized. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and to examine subgroups, with heterogeneity being assessed through visual evaluation, the I² statistic, and chi-square tests. Total number of participants was 255; 101 were male and 158 were women. Mean age was 27.5 years old, and diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or DSM-IV-Defined-Anxiety-Disorder. They were divided into two groups: 125 participated in 8- to 12-week MBI sessions lasting 2 hours each, while 130 underwent 2-hour CBT sessions spanning 8, 12, or 14 weeks. There is moderate quality of evidence reporting non-significant difference on MBI vs CBT's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of social anxiety [mean (95% CI) = -0.04 (-0.58, 0.51)].
CONCLUSIONStudy found that there were no significant differences between Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing social anxiety in adolescents. Mindfulness interventions have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness for reducing symptoms of anxiety. Future research should include larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to further assess long-term effects of these interventions.
Human ; Adolescent ; Mindfulness ; Anxiety ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; Occupational Therapy
9.Chain mediating role of family care and emotional management between social support and anxiety in primary school students.
Zhan-Wen LI ; Jian-Hui WEI ; Ke-Bin CHEN ; Xiao-Rui RUAN ; Yu-Ting WEN ; Cheng-Lu ZHOU ; Jia-Peng TANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Ya-Qing TAN ; Jia-Bi QIN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1176-1184
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the chain mediating role of family care and emotional management in the relationship between social support and anxiety among rural primary school students.
METHODS:
A questionnaire survey was conducted among students in grades 4 to 6 from four counties in Hunan Province. Data were collected using the Social Support Rating Scale, Family Care Index Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of anxiety symptoms. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management between social support and anxiety.
RESULTS:
A total of 4 141 questionnaires were distributed, with 3 874 valid responses (effective response rate: 93.55%). The prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms among these students was 9.32% (95%CI: 8.40%-10.23%). Significant differences were observed in the prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms among groups with different levels of social support, family functioning, and emotional management ability (P<0.05). The total indirect effect of social support on anxiety symptoms via family care and emotional management was significant (β=-0.137, 95%CI: -0.167 to -0.109), and the direct effect of social support on anxiety symptoms remained significant (P<0.05). Family care and emotional management served as significant chain mediators in the relationship between social support and anxiety symptoms (β=-0.025,95%CI:-0.032 to -0.018), accounting for 14.5% of the total effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Social support can directly affect anxiety symptoms among rural primary school students and can also indirectly influence anxiety symptoms through the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management. These findings provide scientific evidence for the prevention of anxiety in primary school students from multiple perspectives.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Social Support
;
Anxiety/etiology*
;
Child
;
Students/psychology*
;
Emotions
;
Logistic Models
10.Impact of fear of coronavirus disease 2019 on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder traits associated with depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and low self-esteem in university students: a cross-sectional study with mediation analysis.
Tomoko SUZUKI ; Toshiyuki OHTANI ; Michiko NAKAZATO ; Ariuntuul GARIDKHUU ; Basilua Andre MUZEMBO ; Shunya IKEDA
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():2-2
BACKGROUND:
High levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits are associated with various outcomes, including depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and low self-esteem. Additionally, individuals with high levels of ADHD traits are reported to be more adversely affected by fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current study aimed to examine whether the association between ADHD traits and outcomes was partially mediated by fear of COVID-19 using mediation analysis.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of university students in medical-related faculties (n = 1,166). ADHD traits, fear of COVID-19, depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and self-esteem were assessed using the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, K6 Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, respectively. We used linear regression analysis and the Paramed command in Stata to analyze whether fear of COVID-19 mediated the association between ADHD traits and outcomes.
RESULTS:
ADHD traits were significantly associated with outcomes. Regarding the impact of fear of COVID-19, the results revealed a significant association between ADHD traits and fear of COVID-19, and between fear of COVID-19 and outcomes. The results of the mediation analyses showed that the association between ADHD traits and outcomes was partially mediated by the fear of COVID-19 (depressive symptoms: direct effect B = 1.029, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.878, 1.181, indirect effect B = 0.021, 95% CI 0.002, 0.040; functional impairment: direct effect B = 0.786, 95% CI 0.593, 0.979, indirect effect B = 0.033, 95% CI 0.005, 0.060; self-esteem: direct effect B = -1.052, 95% CI -1.226, -0.878, indirect effect B = -0.024, 95% CI -0.046, -0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
Developing preventive measures against the adverse impacts of pandemics like COVID-19 will be particularly important for individuals with high levels of ADHD traits in future.
Humans
;
COVID-19/psychology*
;
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Self Concept
;
Male
;
Female
;
Depression/epidemiology*
;
Fear/psychology*
;
Young Adult
;
Universities
;
Students/psychology*
;
Adult
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Mediation Analysis
;
Adolescent


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