In the Philippines, the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high, and statistics show that the highest prevalence is among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. Unlike Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), other common STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and herpes are not well discussed.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the knowledge, awareness and misconceptions of STIs and their practices among men and women aged 15-24 in Sampaloc, Manila. Convenience sampling was conducted among 15- to 24-year-old residents from Barangay 466, excluding healthcare professionals. Sets of questions were adapted from other knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) research studies and underwent cross-cultural validation. Questions were also translated and validated into the Filipino language. Data gathering was conducted using self-administered surveys disseminated through online posting and in-community, as well as face-to-face recruitment.

Among the 104 respondents, HIV remained the most recognized STI (99%), while less than half were aware that chlamydia and hepatitis B are STIs. The most common misconception about STI transmission includes the sharing of food and drinks. In terms of prevention, more than half of the participants believed that oral contraceptive pills can prevent STIs. With regards to attitude, 43.3% of the participants disagreed that watching/reading pornographic materials can contribute to risky sexual practices. Among sexually active participants, 19% do not use condoms, and 65% of them do not get tested annually.

In conclusion, the findings from this study reveal a concerning gap in KAP related to STIs among participants aged 15-24 Filipinos. It is recommended that efforts should be directed towards targeted education campaigns and interventions to empower young individuals with accurate information and foster a responsible approach to sexual health.

Human ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Surveys And Questionnaires ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; Residence Characteristics ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Reproductive Health

INTRODUCTION: Resistant hypertension is blood pressure (BP) that remains above target despite treatment with maximum doses of three antihypertensive drugs, which may include a diuretic. The prevalence of resistant hypertension is unknown, and there are no local studies in the Philippines concerning this condition. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive cohort study was conducted in the Hypertension Clinic of the Section of Hypertension of the Philippine General Hospital. A total of 51 patients were diagnosed with resistant hypertension, and charts were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were female (31 [60.8%]), with a mean age of 56.3 years. All of them presented with symptoms; the most common presenting symptoms were headache, exertional dyspnea, nape pain, dizziness, and easy fatigability. Of the 51 patients, 45% also had diabetes mellitus, 11.8% had dyslipidemia, and 7.8% had a previous history of preeclampsia. Approximately 35% of these patients were smokers. The average BP before referral to the section was 167/94 mm Hg. By this time, most patients will either be on a four-drug regimen (42.1%) or a three-drug regimen (36.8%). The median number of visits in the Hypertension Clinic before control of BP was three follow-ups, with the average BP being 119/71 mm Hg. The regimens of the patients with controlled BP are three-drug combination (36.4%), four-drug combination (36.4%), and five-drug combination (27.3%). CONCLUSION Early referral to a hypertension specialist may benefit a patient with resistant hypertension, decreasing the number of follow-up visits to control a patient’s BP. Patients with resistant hypertension may require four- to five-drug regimens, which may be needed to adequately control a patient’s BP.
Drug Combinations ; Hypertension

BACKGROUND

The Influenza Pandemic has made the world health authorities vigilant for the next pandemic. The First cases of the Novel Influenza A(H1N1) in Mexico infected 5,000 people in a span of 40 days. On May 22, 2009, the first case was reported in the Philippines. The rising incidence of people affected by this disease in several regions of the world prompted the WHO to declare a “pandemic”. The mounting number of affected people in the Philippines lead the Makati Medical Center to start a surveillance program.

OBJECTIVE

To describe in an epidemiologic prespective the cases managed at the MMC.

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This is a descriptive observational study of patients with suspected or confirmed influenza A (H1N1) infection treated at the Makati Medical Center. The study period was from May 3, 2009 to July 4, 2009. Patient consults were trended and analyzed. Confirmed cases were patients with nasopharyngeal throat swab specimens that tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) by Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PT-PCR). Demographics were presented.

RESULTS

There were 548 patients seen at the MMC who were suspected of being infected with Influenza A (H1N1). Two hundered sixty (47%) were confirmed to be positive for the Influenza A(H1N1) infection. The reported cases were distributed in Cities around Makati and near by provinces. Most patients seen were aged 19 to 49 years. One hundred seventy one (66%) of cases had no travel history or exposure to patients with known cases of Influenza A (H1N1). Most common presenting symptoms are fever, couh, nasal congestion and sore throat. Most of the cases were treated as outpatient (89%) and only 16% were treated with oseltamivir. Only 1 out of the 260 confirmed cases expired.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is a heightened health-awareness among Filipino communities. The Makati Medical Center cohort shows the value and importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. The MMC data provided clinical evidence of a community level transmission. A great number of patients in the cohort was treated as out-patient without anti-viral therapy.

Pandemics ; Influenza, Human