BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions that are associated with long durations, slow progress, and lifetime medications. This study aimed to assess the household out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures on NCDs in a 4th class municipality.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the characteristics of the households and household heads, healthcare needs, expenditures on medicines, health, and household, and alternative coping strategies to avail healthcare needs.

This study surveyed 200 households from all ten barangays of Ternate, Cavite. Top NCDs recorded include hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, and asthma, while top NCDs medicines recorded were Losartan, Amlodipine, Metformin, and Glimepiride. Blood tests were the most needed medical laboratory service, while X-ray was the most needed diagnostic imaging service. Although more than half of the households have a member with only one NCD— the most prevalent being hypertensive disease, diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases—it is also common to have household members taking medicines for two to three NCDs.

This study highlights the need to address issues with lack of access and availability of essential medicines for NCDs especially in the primary health care setting. This study provides evidence on the minimal financial risk protection provided for medicines with data suggesting that it is the primary cause of CHEs for NCDs. Households covered by the Primary Care Benefit Packages were excluded from the study, thus, the estimates derived from the sample may be an overestimate of the true prevalence of CHE in the municipality. Therefore, there is a need to have mechanisms in place to expand insurance coverage and increase government programs catering to certain population groups to reduce the financial burden of medicines for NCDs.

Human ; Observation ; Widowhood

BACKGROUND

Growing old is a remarkable journey filled with diverse experiences and wisdom. It’s a time when individuals often reflect on their lives, cherish memories, and share invaluable lessons with younger generations. Understanding aging is crucial as it encompasses more than just physiological and psychological processes, to comprehend the subjective sensations of the phenomenon of “being an elderly person”.

The purpose of this study was to describe the daily lives of frail older adults living alone in Quezon City.

The study utilized a qualitative research design. The approach employed was a descriptive phenomenological study describing the fundamental nature of being an elderly. The population consisted of frail older adult people (>60 years old) assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale and living alone in Quezon city using a purposive sampling of those who were present in their homes during the designated interview period. The study was conducted in a private, safe and secured place both agreed by the participants and the researcher through face to face interview.

Being an frail older adult in this study essentially involves balancing one’s life in a flow of motion. The older adult is balancing a number of life-altering events and a shift in their circumstances influenced by recollections from various stages of life. In the life of an older adult, all ages are harmonious and wisely expressed and developed from pleasant and lovely or less pleasant and beautiful or more stressful early life experiences that went throughout adolescence and young adulthood, middle age, and later years. Their family, children and grandchildren were their source of strength and inspiration.

This study gave light on the realities faced daily by a frail older adult. Insights gained from this study serve as an opportunity to develop or innovate appropriate support. This information is crucial for clinicians, community-based aged care providers, legislators, elderly associations, and other concerned citizens. On a local level, the government unit’s key officials or proponents for the welfare of older adults are encouraged to delve deeper and focus on the unique needs and life experiences of the elderly population.

There have been multiple reports already regarding acute carbon monoxide/CO poisoning in the Philippines secondary to misuse of portable generators, especially during the times of typhoon. We present a case of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in a Filipino household wherein three of its members were found dead and leaving other five unconscious before they were rushed to the hospital. The index patient had increased serum fraction percentage of carboxyhemoglobin level and presented with rhabdomyolysis during admission. Neuroimaging confirmed a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to carbon monoxide intoxication. Even without hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patient improved with adequate hydration, early rehabilitation and trauma-focused psychotherapy.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; Carbon Monoxide ; Family Characteristics

Objective: To evaluate the household secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant and the associated factors. Methods: A COVID-19 outbreak caused by the Delta variant occurred in Nanjing in July 2021. A total of 235 cases with current addresses in Nanjing were reported from 171 households. The subjects in this study were selected from household close contact(s) of infected cases. The information on household index cases and their contacts were collected, and the household secondary attack rate (HSAR) and the risk factors were analyzed by the multi-factor logistic regression model. Results: A total of 234 cases of household close contacts and 64 household secondary cases were reported from 103 households, and the HSAR was 27.4% (64/234, 95%CI:22.0% to 33.4%). The proportions of household size for 2 to 3, 4 to 5, and 6 to 9 were 64.1% (66), 26.2% (27) and 9.7% (10), respectively. A total of 35 cases of household cluster outbreaks were reported (35/103, 34.0%). The number of the first case in the household (FCH) was 103 and males accounted for 27.2% (28 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 49 (9, 56). The number of household close contacts was 234 and males accounted for 59.0% (138 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 42 (20, 55) and the median exposure period (Q₁, Q₃) of 3 (1, 3) days. The multi-factor logistic regression model showed that the higher HSAR was observed in the FCH with the features of airport staff (OR=2.913, 95%CI:1.469-5.774), detection from home quarantine screening (OR=6.795, 95%CI:1.761-26.219) and detection from mass screening (OR=4.239, 95%CI:1.098-16.368). Meanwhile, higher HSAR was observed in cases with longer household exposure (OR=1.221, 95%CI:1.040-1.432), non-vaccination (OR=2.963, 95%CI:1.288-6.813) and incomplete vaccinations (OR=2.842, 95%CI:0.925-8.731). Conclusion: The generation interval of the Delta variant is shortened, and the ability of transmission within the household is enhanced. In the outbreak in Nanjing, the associated factors of HSAR are occupation, detection route, vaccination and exposure period.
Male ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Family Characteristics

Objective: To analyze the migration of the HIV/AIDS cases and related factors in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture (Liangshan). Methods: According to HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 28 772 HIV/AIDS cases who had follow-up records in Liangshan in 2020 were included in the survey. The migration of the HIV/AIDS cases was described and the related factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models, and the migration destinations of the HIV/AIDS cases were mapped. Results: Among the 28 772 HIV/AIDS cases, 20.89% (6 010/28 772) had migration in 2020. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that among the HIV/AIDS cases, the migration related factors included being aged 15-24 years (compared with being aged 0-14 years, OR=2.74, 95%CI:2.04-3.69) and ethnic group (compared with Han ethnic group, OR=2.44, 95%CI:2.19-2.72), having education level of junior high school (compared with having education level of primary school or below, OR=1.25, 95%CI:1.14-1.38), being unmarried (compared with being married, OR=1.29, 95%CI:1.20-1.39), being engaged in business services (compared with being engaged in farming, OR=1.96, 95%CI:1.31-2.92), receiving antiviral treatment <1 year (compared with receiving antiviral treatment >3 years, OR=1.42, 95%CI:1.26-1.61), having recent CD4⁺T lymphocytes (CD4) counts >500 cells/μl (compared with having recent CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, OR=1.15, 95%CI:1.03-1.29). The geographical distribution maps showed that among all cities in Sichuan, Xichang (13.26%, 797/6 010) and Chengdu (10.12%,608/6 010) were the main migration destinations of the HIV/AIDS cases, and the provinces outside Sichuan where the HIV/AIDS cases would like to migrate to were mainly Guangdong (18.19%, 1 093/6 010) and Zhejiang provinces (7.67%, 461/6 010) in 2020. The HIV/AIDS cases who migrated where Liangshan, within Sichuan province, and to other provinces accounted for 27.67% (1 663/6 010), 15.34% (922/6 010) and 56.99% (3 425/6 010), respectively. Conclusions: More attention should be paid to the mobility characteristics and the classification management of HIV/AIDS cases according to their characteristics in Liangshan. Timely access to information on changes in the place of work and residence of HIV/AIDS cases should be warranted when they have migration. Good referrals and management for mobility of HIV/AIDS cases in different places should be made to reduce loss to follow-up and improving interventions.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology* ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Ethnicity ; HIV Infections/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Logistic Models ; Marriage ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Since the outbreak of the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis, Filipino nurses are one of the vital health workers in fighting its devastation in the Philippines. The study aimed to describe the lived-experiences of Filipino next generation nurses as frontliners in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: The paper espoused the qualitative research design of inquiry exclusively Husserlian descriptive phenomenology. Study participants were selected using non-probability, purposive sampling design. The sample (N=19) was consisted of Filipino nurses with less than 10 years of practice experience, referred to as next-generation nurses, who function as frontline healthcare workers in healthcare settings, both male and female. The study was conducted in the national capital region (NCR), which has the most COVID-19 cases in the country. Due to the community quarantine imposed by the national government, the corpus of data was collected through virtual semi-structured interviews and from the participants' testimonies posted in social-media. METHOD: An adaptation of Colaizzi's empirical phenomenological research approach was utilized to obtain an in-depth understanding and analysis of study participants' experiences. FINDINGS: The profound, life-changing experiences of a select group of Filipino next- generation nurses were unified in three interesting themes, namely,: acclimatization to the challenges of the novel clinical situation, affirmation of the spirit of resiliency, and actualization of the valued calling. CONCLUSION: The contagion has demanded a new way of working, and these nurses have risen to the challenge, and demonstrated how capable they are at responding to new situations and uncertainty. Despite facing dire challenges, they demonstrate the spirit of resiliency. This health crisis enables them to impart the value of the nursing vocation. As they navigate this unprecedented contagion, their experiences and status could likely alter at different phases of the pandemic. Hence, the provision of long-term and holistic support for them is necessary to preserve their welfare.
COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; Family Characteristics

This descriptive cross-sectional study presents the health-seeking behaviors among older adults in Central Aurora, Philippines. Using a survey questionnaire, 179 older adults from 4 municipalities were interviewed. Participants were mostly 60-64-year-old married females, living with spouse, children, and grandchildren, with an average monthly income of 1001-5000 pesos, working as farmers, were self-employed, were Roman Catholics, and with an elementary level of education. The health-seeking behaviors were described in terms of physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions, with the spiritual dimension garnering the highest average mean of 4.01 (scale of 1 or never to 5 or always), and physical and mental dimensions the lowest average means of 3.58 and 3.31, respectively. These results attest to the Filipino value for the spiritual realm as an important dimension of health seeking behaviors and the physical and the mental dimensions of lesser concern. Recommendations include creating a wellness program to enhance health-seeking behaviors in all dimensions.
Humans ; Female ; Child ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Spouses ; Catholicism ; Farmers ; Cities ; Philippines ; Marriage ; Health Behavior ; Family ; Health Promotion ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Educational Status

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6). RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).
Acupuncture Therapy ; Female ; Glucose ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipid Metabolism ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/therapy* ; Single Person

BACKGROUND: Many studies have already reported on the relationship between exercise habits and health among schoolchildren. However, few have examined social and/or family factors as determinants of exercise habits. METHODS: This study's participants included 1721 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 13 who were involved in the Super Shokuiku School Project in January 2016. A survey was conducted to assess gender, grade level, physical activity, lifestyle, overall health, enrichment of school life, social background, and parental lifestyles. Both dislike and lack of physical activity were used to measure poor exercise habits; correlates were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: "Lack of close friends" had the strongest links with both dislike (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78-10.1) and lack of (adjusted OR 5.40; 95% CI, 2.81-10.4) physical activity. Further, children who engaged in long periods of screen time and lacked parental communication also tended to dislike and lack physical activity. Children with mothers who were unemployed (housewives) and had unhealthy lifestyles, as well as those with poor health, were also more likely to lack physical activity. CONCLUSION Social and family factors (e.g., having close friends) may be determinants of exercise habits among schoolchildren, independent of their own lifestyle factors. Although a longitudinal study is needed to determine causality, substantial attention may thus be required to these factors when promoting physical activity in children.
Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Exercise ; psychology ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Habits ; Humans ; Japan ; Life Style ; Male ; Sex Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors