BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diet compliance is critical in managing Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) to prevent physiological and neurological damage. However, there is a lack of studies looking at factors critical to diet compliance. This study determined the caregivers’ nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and feeding practices (KAP); and its relationship to Filipino MSUD children’s leucine level, nutritional status, and nutrient intake.

A cross-sectional, sequential explanatory research approach using survey was utilized. Data tools were questionnaires and food records.

The participants were 20 caregivers and 21 MSUD children (aged 6 to 83 months). Caregivers had moderately high feeding practices and knowledge scores and had positive attitudes towards providing adequate nutritional care; still, they were struggling with diet compliance.

Their nutrition knowledge was related to their attitude (p-value: 0.021), feeding practices (p-value: 0.037), and their children’s weight-for-age (p-value: 0.036). Furthermore, knowledge and feeding practices were related to the children’s natural-protein status (p-value: 0.043 and 0.006, respectively). The caregivers’ sex was related to the children’s leucine (p-value=0.010), those with female caregivers had lower leucine by 470 μmol/L on average. Moreover, children with good leucine control belonged to higher-income households (p-value=0.049).

With caregiver's nutrition knowledge having been possibly associated with the children’s weight-forage, and their knowledge and feeding practices with the children's natural protein status, as well as knowledge positively affecting both attitude and feeding practice, interventions for improving all caregivers’ nutrition knowledge and feeding practices are recommended. Additionally, with caregivers’ sex and income having been found to be related to metabolic control, it is suggested that strategies to better manage these barriers be carried out. These may include improving support for male caregivers, with children under their care having higher leucine than those cared for by their female counterparts. Added provisions may likewise be planned for further reducing the impact of income-related barriers.

A singular medical incident can alert health officials to an emerging, if not widespread, but possibly undetected publichealth concern.

Our issue contains a remarkable case of a ruptured hepatic abscess in a 3-year-old, which turned out to be MethicillinresistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by authors Torrico and Tarnate.The concern is that the infection is communityacquired,and the patient was immunocompetent. This sounds the alarm for the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)in the communities and calls for a response from health authorities to investigate, analyze, and propose solutions for sucha sentinel event.

We need to support these efforts and, in this issue, we publish such work from our investigators. Antimicrobial resistanceis an urgent global health concern.The impact is magnified in low to middle-income countries where health risks are high,and health infrastructure is weak. Thus, it is imperative that determinants of AMR are scrutinized to allow crafting offocused strategies to combat the problem.

The article by Dela Cruz and Hernandez on the prevalence and practices of antibiotic misuse among adult residents ofRodriguez, Rizal, contributes to this analysis.The paper reveals a disturbing prevalence of self-medication and identifiesbarriers to accessing proper health education and care. This is a global problem, and the paper from Brazil relates the observationof community pharmacists of antibiotic misuse to the rise of antimicrobial resistance.

Dela Cruz and Hernandez recommend stricter antibiotic regulation, and this falls squarely into the scope of concernof another article in this issue, the “Research Needs in Philippine Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Qualitative Perspective fromRegulatory and Clinical Research Sectors of the Pharmaceutical Industry” by Pena and co-authors.Interestingly, whiledrug registration and clinical trials were the focus of the paper, it may be a desired expansion of the regulatory reach of theindustry to temper the use of antibiotics as it is being dispensed to end users.Antimicrobial stewardship involves ethicalpromotion of use and equitable access to appropriate treatment, and these concerns require the responsible participation of thepharmaceutical industry.

Health challenges are complex. The analysis of these challenges requires surveillance of literature for sentinel events, useof community-based research to investigate phenomena, and system mapping to identify relevant sectors to improve strategyand to involve relevant stakeholders.

We support this type of scholarship, which seeks to expand the focus from isolated clinical interventions towards placinga spotlight on relevant work that will lead to impactful reform of broad health ecosystems.

Effective communication between parents and occupational therapists (OTs) is central to family-centered care in Filipino pediatric practice; unclear expectations, power differentials, and unaddressed cultural dynamics often hinder collaboration. This paper aims to develop a culturally grounded conceptual framework that identifies and illustrates the dynamics of parent–OT communication supporting reflective, strengths-based, and context-sensitive collaboration in Filipino pediatric OT. It was developed through an iterative process that included clinical reflection, extensive literature review, and iterative consultation with mentors and reviewers. The framework integrates the ideas of the Kawa model, Two-Way Communication model, Sikolohiyang Filipino concepts of loob–labas–kapwa, the Double Empathy Problem, and the Strengths-Based approach. Communication elements (sender–receiver roles, message, feedback, medium, and noise) are situated within three cultural–relational spheres (inner self, shared understanding, and sociocultural context) to explain how messages are produced, interpreted, and sustained over time. The framework offers a culturally grounded lens and reflective tool for OTs seeking to strengthen therapeutic partnerships with Filipino families, while highlighting the need for empirical validation, multi-caregiver applications, and co-designed refinements with parents and neurodivergent adults.

INTRODUCTION

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between work stress and dysglycemia among healthcare workers engaged in shift work at a level 1 government hospital in Antipolo City, Philippines.

Work stress was assessed using the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Questionnaire, and dysglycemia was measured through a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

A total of 126 healthcare workers aged 20–55 years participated Results showed that 65.1% of participants experienced work stress, with nurses reporting the highest prevalence (43.9%). Dysglycemia was present in 33.3% of participants, predominantly in the form of impaired glucose tolerance. Despite the high prevalence of both work stress and obesity (61.9%), no statistically significant associations were found between work stress and dysglycemia (p = .51), gender and work stress (p = .59), occupation and work stress (p = .059), or obesity and dysglycemia (p = .70).

The findings suggest that while work stress is common among healthcare workers, especially nurses, it may not directly predict dysglycemia in relatively young and active populations. However, the long-term metabolic risks associated with chronic occupational stress should not be overlooked. Future longitudinal studies with larger samples are recommended to better assess causality and guide workplace wellness programs.

BACKGROUND

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in addressing community healthcare needs, yet little is known about their psychosocial status and job satisfaction. This study aimed to describe the psychosocial status and job satisfaction of CHWs, and examine the factors associated with their job satisfaction.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 CHWs aged 25-60 years working in urban and rural areas of Batangas, Philippines. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between psychosocial factors and job satisfaction. Other factors associated with job satisfaction were also examined.

Despite 90.0% of CHWs reporting high perceived stress and 52.1% experiencing high depressive symptoms, they demonstrated relatively high job satisfaction (mean [standard deviation]= 80.05 [17.56]; range= 0-100) and high perceived social support (mean [standard deviation]= 25.09 [2.93]; range= 10-30). Among psychosocial factors, only perceived social support was associated with job satisfaction (unstandardized beta [B] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44, 1.41). Other factors associated with job satisfaction include fixed working hours (B 4.71; 95% CI 0.49, 8.94), work amenities (B 7.37; 95% Cl 0.03, 14.72), ≥21 years of work experience (B 5.64; 95% CI 0.35, 10.93), and working in rural areas (B 5.88; 95% CI 2.77, 8.99).

Psychological factors such as perceived stress and depressive symptoms were not found to be associated with job satisfaction among CHWs. However, factors such as greater perceived social support, fixed working hours, work amenities, longer work experience, and working in rural areas were identified as contributors to higher levels of job satisfaction among CHWs.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors influencing adherence of caregivers to prescribed out-patient management of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

This prospective cohort study enrolled 106 children with CP and their caregivers seen at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from July 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019 to investigate the association of patient profile, caregiver profile, accessibility of treatment center, and type of therapy, to adherence to out-patient management.

A total of 106 pediatric patients with CP and their caregivers participated in the study with no dropouts observed. Adherence to therapy was defined as completion of patient of at least 50% of the prescribed therapy sessions or completion of at least one set of therapy. Adherence was significantly increased when patients were referred to: (1) physical therapy (OR=34.5, CI 7.21 to 167, p < 0.01); (2) occupational therapy (OR=31.67, CI 3.84, p=0.01); and (3) speech and language therapy (OR=28.12, CI 5.33 to 148, p < 0.01). Adherence decreased as the number of types of therapies prescribed increased [(OR=0.83, CI 0.24 to 2.79, p=0.76 for those with 2 therapies); (OR=0.45, CI 0.09 to 2.14, p=0.32 for those with 4 therapies)].

Caregiver's adherence to out-patient rehabilitation program was seen to be significantly influenced by the type of therapy the patient with CPwas referred to undergo (i.e., PT, OT, SLT).

BACKGROUND

This study explored the indigenous knowledge practiced by the traditional Panday in the care of pregnant Meranaw mothers during intrapartum care and how it is perceived by the midwives and the mothers. In analyzing their perspectives, qualitative method of research known as descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. The study gathered insights from 51 individuals.

Data collection methods included interview and observations through thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged: traditional Panday, practices in intrapartum care, midwives' perceptions of traditional Panday, reasons for home births among mothers, and suggested policies and programs for traditional Panday, and mothers.

Data revealed that most traditional Panday, exhibit satisfactory intrapartum care practices, which closely resemble those used in hospitals, indicating their capability to conduct safe home births. Some traditional Panday, demonstrate remarkable skills, such as identifying fetal position and even turning breech babies into the cephalic position during critical labor stages. The integration of herbal methods and Islamic practices, such as the recitation of Azan to the baby's ear, further distinguishes their approach. Regarding midwives' perspectives, opinions varied, with some viewing traditional Panday, as dependable partners, while others perceive them as threats to maternal safety. However, most midwives advocate for finding solutions and improving access to care rather than viewing traditional Panday, as obstacles.

Mothers' preference for home births is attributed to factors such as comfort, privacy, and financial considerations. Traditional Panday, are valued for their modest fees and cultural sensitivity, as they prioritize the well-being and modesty of women in their care.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the relationship between self-assessed environmental factors, organizational commitment, and turnover intention among frontline nurse managers of internationally accredited private hospitals in Metro Manila from February to March 2024.

A descriptive correlational study among frontline nurse managers of internationally accredited private hospitals in Metro Manila utilizing total enumeration sampling was employed. Data were obtained using three adopted instruments namely: Nurse Leader Environmental Support Survey (NLESS), Three-Component Model (TCM) Employee Commitment Survey, and the Expanded Multidimensional Turnover Intention Scale (EMTIS). Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential methods.

A total of 195 frontline nurse manager respondents participated in this study with a response rate of 97%. The study reported environmental factors overall mean score of 7.41 generally interpreted as “Always Supportive” and organizational commitment mean score of 3.45 inferred that frontline nurse managers have “Strong Commitment” to their organization. On the other hand, frontline nurse managers reported “Low Turnover Intention” to their organization, with an overall mean score of 2.52. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that environmental factors and organizational commitment collectively predicted 34.2% of the variance in turnover intention (R²=0.342, F=50.0, p=CONCLUSION

The results of the study found a strong positive correlation between environmental factors, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. Higher levels of both environmental factors and organizational commitment were linked to reduced turnover intention. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that both environmental factors and organizational commitment were significant predictors of turnover intention.

Contraceptive Agents ; Health Personnel ; Primary Health Care ; Philippines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The primary determinant for patient referral by general dental practitioners (GDPs) to periodontists differs based on the country of practice. Moreover, previous research has revealed that GDP preferences for managing periodontal patients, actual number of referrals, and the overall decision-making process have evolved over time. Understanding the periodontal referral pattern of Filipino GDPs could help identify factors that promote or inhibit referral to periodontists. These factors may in turn be used as basis for the formulation of periodontal referral guidelines for use by GDPs in the Philippines. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors that affect the referral patterns of Filipino GDPs to periodontists, with GDPs practicing in the City of Manila as the representative population.

A descriptive cross-sectional study design with the use of a self-administered survey was utilized for this study. Participants were 75 licensed dentists practicing in the City of Manila who were members of the Philippine Dental Association-Manila Dental Chapter. The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, periodontal referral pattern, and the factors considered by the participants when referring patients to a periodontist. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used to report the study’s findings.

Majority (92%) indicated that they regularly referred patients with periodontal disease to periodontists, with a personal estimate of up to 20 periodontal case referrals monthly by 81.3% of the participants and >20 referrals for 10.7%. The clinical factors considered as most important when referring to a periodontist were the type of periodontal disease (81.3% of the participants), periodontitis severity (74.7%), and the presence of a complex medical history 61.3%). Among the nonclinical factors, the most influential were the following: uncooperative patient (32% of the participants), perceived personal skill (24%), postgraduate training of the periodontist (21.3%), and the patient’s financial capacity (13.3%).

Multiple factors affect the decision of general dental practitioners in the City of Manila when referring patients to a periodontist. Majority are influenced by clinical factors such as the type and severity of periodontal disease and the systemic condition of the patient. Although considered to a much lesser degree compared to clinical factors, the top nonclinical factors that Manila GDPs base their referral decisions include the assessment that a patient is uncooperative and the perceived adequacy of personal skills in managing periodontal patients.