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

Introduction: Effective vaccination campaigns have been instrumental in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severe disease outcomes. Despite efforts to improve vaccine accessibility, vaccine literacy and confidence remain important determinants of vaccine uptake. Rural and geographically isolated communities often experience barriers to healthcare access that may affect vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage, vaccine literacy, and vaccine confidence among residents of selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Floridablanca, Pampanga. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 residents of Barangays San Ramon and Nabuclod. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a translated and pretested questionnaire on vaccine literacy and vaccine confidence. Vaccination records obtained from the Rural Health Unit were reviewed to determine COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated an average level of vaccine literacy (75.8%), while 17.5% exhibited high vaccine literacy. Most respondents also demonstrated positive to very positive vaccine confidence (71.6%). Among the eligible population, 80.5% had completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series, whereas 19.5% remained unvaccinated. Among those who completed the primary series, only 24.2% had received at least one booster dose. Conclusion Residents of the selected GIDAs generally demonstrated average vaccine literacy, positive vaccine confidence, and relatively high primary COVID-19 vaccination coverage. However, low booster uptake and the persistence of unvaccinated individuals highlight the need for sustained health education, improved healthcare accessibility, and targeted community-based interventions. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening vaccine literacy and confidence to support future immunization programs in geographically isolated communities.
COVID-19 ; Rural Health ; Vaccination coverage

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift to delivering health services through telemedicine. This study recognized the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of physicians who practice synchronous teleconsultation in the Philippines. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling, eight physicians from NCR were interviewed. Data collected were subjected to thematic analysis for common themes and integrated into an analytic narrative. Results: Eight physicians were included as participants. Different measures taken to remedy the gap included upskilling of physicians, adjustment of clerical work, ensuring data privacy, and creating a conducive workplace. Remote consultations posed limitations on physical examination and emphasized the reliance on diagnostics. Digital platforms used depended on the physician’s preference, type of practice, and patient’s accessibility. This led to an increased dependency on good internet and network service connections to ensure smooth teleconsultations. A lack of respect for the physician’s personal boundaries and work-life balance was cited as a major challenge. Conclusion Telemedicine proved to be an option to provide healthcare despite its limitations, but the shift to its practice exposed many challenges as it is not a replacement for physical consultations.
COVID-19 ; Telemedicine

INTRODUCTION: Okra is reported to have anti-diabetic effects, but the literature shows conflicting results. The experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of three doses of okra seed powder suspension as a glucose lowering agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its cellular effects on the liver and pancreas. METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats that were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally were randomly allocated to one of five treatment groups: okra seed powder at 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, acarbose (positive control) and vehicle only (negative control). The treatments were given as a 1.5 mL oral gavage daily for 21 days. Significant differences in blood glucose were determined between treatment groups in terms of relative change from baseline, using One-Way ANOVA with Dunnett’s method with acarbose as the referent group. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the blood glucose levels across the time point collections (baseline, T1 and T2). Histopathologic changes on the liver and pancreas were described using counts and proportions. RESULTS: Mean blood glucose values increased from baseline to T2 in all treatment groups. Increasing trend was observed only up to T1 in the 150 mg/kg and the 200 mg/kg okra seed treatment groups. Comparing okra treatment groups to acarbose, the percentage increase of mean blood glucose from baseline to T2 was lowest in the 200 mg/kg okra group (p = 0.040). The okra-treated rats had no fatty change and a dose-dependent decrease in cellular degeneration in the liver and none for the 200 mg/ kg treatment group. CONCLUSION The 200 mg/kg okra suspension has a potential lowering effect on blood glucose and a hepatoprotective effect. A longer period of observation with higher doses of okra suspension is recommended to study these effects further.

Introduction: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake arising from the West Valley Fault will result in thousands of lives lost and severe damage to property and infrastructure. This study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness of barangays in Metro Manila along the West Valley Fault. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of high risk barangays in six cities along the West Valley Fault using the Disaster Preparedness Audit. A total of 40 barangays were assessed on their levels of disaster preparedness in terms of percentage fulfilment of different criteria in the four thematic areas: 1) prevention and mitigation 2) preparedness 3) response and rehabilitation, and; 4) recovery. Results: None of the surveyed barangays could fulfil all the 27 criteria for disaster preparedness. Most were only able to satisfy 50-74% of the criteria. As per thematic area, no barangay met ≥75% of the criteria for prevention and mitigation whereas 87.5%, 67.5% and 80% satisfied ≥75% of the criteria for preparedness, response and recovery, respectively. In terms of overall disaster preparedness, less than half of the surveyed barangays satisfied ≥75% of the total criteria. Conclusion Most of the barangays surveyed are inadequately prepared to cope with disaster arising from a major earthquake generated by the West Valley Fault.