1.Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Assessment of Unvaccinated Adult In-patients Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination in a Tertiary Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines: A Cross-sectional Study.
Charity May B. Pazziwagan ; Emmeline B. Borillo
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):78-87
OBJECTIVES
his quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices
regarding COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated adult patients admitted at Region II Trauma and Medical Center
(R2TMC). This may help determine the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 vaccination, address it, and to achieve
the goal to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos. Furthermore, this may also be a springboard for future researches and
management regarding novel infections needing new vaccinations.
Collected data from the sample size of 197 using the formula for finite population with 95% confidence
level, population proportion of 50%, population size of 400, allowing 5% margin of error were summarized in a
Microsoft excel database and tables, then were analyzed using Jamovi version 2.6.22 software. Frequency, mean,
and standard deviation were calculated to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices; Pearson correlation and
Kendall’s Tau b correlation for its relationship.
There is moderate level of knowledge (MS: 9.80-11.8), a positive attitude (MR: 2.35-2.60), and good preventive
practices (MS: 12.00-13.00) regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among the unvaccinated adult in-patients
of R2TMC post-pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices statistically differed (pCONCLUSION
There is a significant correlation among the knowledge of the respondents about COVID-19 vaccination,
their attitude towards it, and their practices, implying that promoting preventive behaviors toward COVID-19 would
require promoting both knowledge and efficacy beliefs among the public.
Human ; Bacteria ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Population Density ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Forecasting ; Sars-cov-2 ; Sars Virus ; Covid-19
2.Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma in a Posttraumatic Contusion Eyeball in a 7-year-old Filipino Male: A Case Report.
Aramis B. Torrefranca ; Angel Antonette L. Devocio ; Mary Caroline E. Magboo ; Allan Joseph D. Limbago ; Mariel B. Abaquita
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(3):99-103
Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma is an extremely rare form of retinoblastoma which is characterized by its atypical growth pattern. This unusual presentation adds complexity to the diagnostic process. The purpose of this paper is to report a rare presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma presenting after an ocular trauma. We described a 7-year-old Filipino boy presenting with total hyphema following an ocular trauma. Comprehensive ophthalmologic clinical and diagnostic evaluations were performed including visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, ocular ultrasound, neuroimaging, and histopathology post enucleation to determine diagnosis. The misleading, atypical presentation of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma may delay diagnosis. While this dilemma is expected in these scenarios, it should be remembered that timing of diagnosis in retinoblastoma is crucial, as this also equates to optimal management. One should remain vigilant for these uncommon presentations especially in the setting of any intraocular inflammation in children.
Human ; Male ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Visual Acuity ; Retinoblastoma ; Research Report ; Neuroimaging ; Inflammation ; Hyphema ; Contusions
3.Local understandings and first aid responses to burn injuries: A phenomenological study in an urban Indonesian community.
Hardin LA RAMBA ; Yarwin YARI ; Ulfa Nur ROHMAH ; Fitri Diana ASTUTI ; Fransiska Anita Ekawati Rahayu SA’PANG ; Indra Gilang PAMUNGKAS ; Kristoforus MARSELINUS
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):107-114
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.
OBJECTIVESThis qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.
METHODSThe study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTSThree (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.
CONCLUSIONCommunity knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.
Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population
4.Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis and vaccination reactions in a Filipino child: A case report.
Anne Camilley T. CUMAGUN-YAPTINCHA ; Maria Lourdes H. PALMERO
Journal of Medicine University of Santo Tomas 2026;10(1):1928-1933
INTRODUCTION
Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare and severe form of cutaneous mastocytosis which may present in the neonatal period; thus early recognition is essential. Symptoms of mastocytosis are exacerbated by mast cell degranulating agents more commonly from heat, friction, local trauma, drugs and food. This is a case of DCM presenting with bullous eruptions after immunization.
CASE REPORTAn 11-month-old boy presented with generalized erythematous to hyperpigmented macules and patches initially at birth, with progression to bullous eruptions immediately after immunization without any systemic symptoms. Biopsy revealed superficial and deep mixed cell infiltrates consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes and numerous mast cells. Giemsa stain highlighted the metachromatic mast cell granules. Serum tryptase was elevated by 13 times (130 ug/L). The patient was prescribed oral antihistamines and topical steroids that offered good response. Avoidance of all potential triggers was instructed.
DISCUSSIONThe extensive cutaneous involvement in DCM (generalized erythema, diffuse papules that develop pachyderma, darker skin, peau d’orange) are due to the diffuse infiltration of the dermis with mast cells, accompanied with an elevated serum tryptase.
Unique to this local case are exacerbations triggered by vaccination. There is literature to support evidence of vaccination reactions to pentavalent vaccine in children with DCM though the pathway associated with mast cell degranulation after immunization has not yet been specified.
It is advised that patients with DCM follow scheduled immunization guidelines with precautionary measures.
Human ; Male ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Wounds And Injuries ; Research Report ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; Mastocytosis, Cutaneous ; Hot Temperature
5.Local understandings and first aid responses to burn injuries: A phenomenological study in an urban Indonesian community.
Hardin LA RAMBA ; Yarwin YARI ; Ulfa Nur ROHMAH ; Fitri Diana ASTUTI ; Fransiska Anita Ekawati Rahayu SA’PANG ; Indra Gilang PAMUNGKAS ; Kristoforus MARSELINUS
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(8):107-114
BACKGROUND
Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.
OBJECTIVESThis qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.
METHODSThe study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTSThree (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.
CONCLUSIONCommunity knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.
Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population
6.Trauma prevention care in natural disaster-prone areas: Concept analysis.
Eriyono Budi Wijoyo ; Mustikasari
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(2):73-83
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Natural disasters occur frequently in Indonesia, so the community must understand the impact of these disasters. Nurses, on the other hand, can perform trauma prevention care and carry out interventions in areas prone to natural disasters. The concept of trauma prevention care is not new in nursing. However, it needs to be analyzed further because there are still unclear definitions and inconsistencies in its implementation.
This study aims to describe the concept of trauma prevention care using the Walker & Avant analysis method.
METHODSThe Walker and Avant concept analysis method was used which consists of eight systematic steps. Information sources include electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, EBSCO, and SAGE, for articles published from January 2006 to June 2024. Embase was searched for the terms "trauma prevention," AND "trauma prevention care," AND "trauma prevention natural disasters."
RESULTSThe literature search identified 80 articles in the fields of medicine, nursing, sociology, and psychology. After analysis, 13 articles were selected for this study. Data extraction and analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Trauma prevention care is defined as 1) knowledge, 2) recognition, 3) caring, 4) respect, and 5) communication. The idea of antecedents includes trauma, education, and skills, while consequences comprise assessment, safety, resources, psychological stress, unidentified trauma, and limitations of nurses.
CONCLUSIONUnderstanding the attributes of trauma prevention care, along with its antecedents and consequences, can facilitate development in nursing practice. This concept of trauma prevention care can be used to conduct trauma assessment and prevention in natural disaster-prone areas to minimize the impact that will occur.
Natural Disasters ; Wounds And Injuries
7.Needlestick injuries among obstetrician-gynecologist trainees: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;49(2):98-105
INTRODUCTION
Needlestick injury is a major healthcare hazard. The burden of the problem is difficult to estimate due to underreporting by healthcare workers.
OBJECTIVESTo gain insight into the level of knowledge and perception, attitude and practices of obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) residents and subspecialty fellows-in-training in a tertiary hospital on blood-borne diseases from needle stick injuries and postexposure prophylaxis.
MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study among all residents and fellows in training of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary hospital was conducted in December 2017. The explanatory sequential mixed method approach of data collection was utilized using a self-administered original pilot-tested questionnaire and focused group discussion.
RESULTSEighty-four OB-GYN s in training took part in the study. The prevalence of needle stick injury was 80.95%, but only about half of the incidents were reported. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge and attitudes toward management and policies on needlestick injuries between fellows and residents. The fellows appeared to be more frequently compliant with practices to prevent and manage needle stick injuries compared to the residents. There is weak but statistically significant positive relationship between the respondents’ knowledge and practice scores.
CONCLUSIONSAlthough the respondents have very good knowledge, adherence to the practices to prevent and manage needlestick injuries is low.
Human ; Female ; Attitude ; Blood-borne Pathogens ; Knowledge ; Needlestick Injuries ; Sharps Injuries
8.Traumatic peripheral nerve injury in the Philippines: A retrospective study
Kathleen Joy O. Khu ; Abdelsimar T. Oma II ; Karlo M. Pedro
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(13):16-21
BACKGROUND
Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) is a debilitating condition that may result in significant disability. There is variability in the epidemiology, clinical profile, and mechanism of injury worldwide, but data for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as the Philippines are sparse.
OBJECTIVEWe aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients who sustained TPNI in our center.
METHODSWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients referred for TPNI at our institution from 2013 to 2019. Data on demographics, clinical features, etiology, surgical management, and status on last follow-up were collected.
RESULTSForty-four patients with injuries to 62 peripheral nerves were included in the cohort, which had a strong male predilection (98%). The mean age at diagnosis was 35.5 years, with 78% of patients aged between 16-45 years. The most common etiologies were laceration due to sharp objects (39%), stab wound (23%), hacking injury (14%), and vehicular crash (14%). In terms of mechanism of nerve injury, the most common was sharp laceration (80%), followed by stretch injury/nerve injury in continuity (14%). The most commonly injured nerves were the ulnar (36%) and median nerves (32%), more often on the right side (66%). Nerve repair surgery was performed in 80% of cases.
CONCLUSIONTPNIs in a tertiary center in the Philippines most commonly involved young males in the working age group and were caused by occupational and domestic accidents. Appropriate surgical management of TPNI is feasible in low resource settings.
Human ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries ; Trauma ; Wounds And Injuries ; Philippines
9.The epidemiology and distribution of hand fractures in Singapore.
Jin Xi LIM ; Lan Anh Thi LE ; Jared Ze Yang YEH ; Jia Jun Justin BOEY ; Vaikunthan RAJARATNAM
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(9):476-480
INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology and distribution of hand fractures in Singapore.
METHODS:
A total of 701 hand fractures in 596 patients aged 21 years and above from a single centre were reviewed from 2010 to 2011. Details regarding the patient demographics, occupation, mechanism of injury, associated injuries and treatment were obtained.
RESULTS:
Hand fractures were particularly significant in patients between the ages of 21 and 40 years 58.9% of the total cases. The relative risk of hand fractures in males was 5.5 times greater than that in females. The majority of hand fractures occurred at the workplace (47.7%), with crush injury being the main mechanism of injury (33.6%). The most common locations of hand fracture were the little finger ray (31.2%) and distal phalanges (37.7%). There were 170 cases that underwent surgical fixation, which accounted for 24.3% of all fractures. Fixation rate was similar for both closed and open fractures but was significantly higher in the proximal and middle phalanges compared to the distal phalanx and metacarpal ( P < 0.001). With regards to surgical fixation methods, wires were commonly used in either tuft fractures (100.0%) or intra-articular fractures (69.9%), whereas plates and screws were commonly used in shaft fractures (65.5%).
CONCLUSION
The most significant population that sustained hand fractures in Singapore are young to middle-aged males who are skilled manual workers. The most commonly involved ray and location of hand fractures are the little finger ray and the distal phalanges, respectively, as they are in a relatively more exposed location.
Humans
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Fractures, Bone/surgery*
;
Hand Injuries/surgery*
;
Young Adult
;
Aged
;
Hand Bones/injuries*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal
10.Association of COVID-19 'circuit breaker' with higher rates of elderly trauma admissions.
Yee Har LIEW ; Zhenghong LIU ; Mian Jie LIM ; Pei Leng CHONG ; Norhayati Bte Mohamed JAINODIN ; Teng Teng PEH ; Jing Jing CHAN ; Sachin MATHUR ; Jeremy Choon Peng WEE
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(2):91-96
INTRODUCTION:
In December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus emerged and caused a worldwide pandemic, leading to measures being imposed by many countries to reduce its transmission. Singapore implemented the 'circuit breaker', which restricted all movements except for access to necessities and healthcare services. We aimed to investigate the impact of lockdown measures on the pattern of trauma and its effects.
METHODS:
An observational, retrospective, single-centre descriptive study was conducted using the trauma registry in Singapore General Hospital. It included patients above 18 years old who presented to the emergency department with trauma and were subsequently admitted. Patients admitted from 1 February 2020 to 31 July 2020 and those admitted during the same timeframe in 2019 were studied. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients aged ≥65 years and those <65 years.
RESULTS:
A total of 1,037 patients were included for analysis. A 17.6% increase in trauma presentations was seen from 2019 to 2020. Patients aged ≥65 years accounted for the rise in admissions. The predominant mechanism of injury was falls at home for older patients and vehicular accidents in patients <65 years. There were no significant differences in injury severity score, intensive care/high-dependency unit admission rates, length of stay, mortality rate, and subsequent need for inpatient rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION
Our study provided information on differences in trauma presentations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are required to better inform on additional precautionary measures needed to reduce trauma and improve safety during future lockdowns and pandemics.
Humans
;
COVID-19/prevention & control*
;
Aged
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Middle Aged
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*
;
Adult
;
Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data*
;
Registries
;
Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data*
;
Pandemics
;
Patient Admission/statistics & numerical data*
;
Length of Stay
;
Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data*


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