INTRODUCTION

The social determinants of health refer to an individual's social, political, and economic situation and environment, which can have an impact on their health. On the other hand, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) reflect the mortalities and morbidities incurred due to disease and injury.

This study aims to analyze the social determinants of health indicators and their association with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.

Data from World Health Organization, World Bank, and International Labor Organization were used and considered for the 17 Social Determinants of Health categories. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship of social determinants of health indicators with communicable, non-communicable, and injury-related DALYs and deaths.

Results show that an increase in the population, monetary poverty, adult illiteracy, and fine particulate matter increase IPNN DALYs. This study also found correlations of socioeconomic factors to NCD deaths and DALYs attributable to the environment. NCD DALYs and deaths are found to increase with the number of poor living with 3.10 dollars a day, while median daily per capita income, and increase in persons above retiring age receiving pension decrease NCD DALYs attributable to the environment. Focusing on injury DALYs and deaths, an increase in the number of poor living at 3.10 dollars a day, non-agricultural informal employment, and total average concentration of f ine particulate matter increases injury DALYs while the latter is observed to decrease when there is an increase in the medial daily per capita income, agricultural employment outside the formal sector, and vulnerable persons covered by social assistance.

Socio-economic factors such as income, employment, education, and social welfare program affect morbidity, disability, and mortality.

BACKGROUND

In the Philippines, the prevalence of food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the nutritional status of communities nationwide. Urban areas in particular are vulnerable to the harmful effects of food insecurity, and the effects are extended and magnified when it comes to children.

This study aims to evaluate the coping strategies of households with children aged 0-10 years old in an urban poor community in Quezon City. In particular, the study will determine Coping Strategies Index (CSI) scores and the frequency of specific coping strategies used.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the coping strategies of 405 households with children in the community during the pandemic. Mothers or caregivers were given a survey inquiring about the sociodemographic data and CSI.

Sociodemographic profiling showed that the households generally belonged to class D and E (PhP 15,000 and below) income households (73.8%). The majority of the household heads (52.6%) have their highest educational attainment at the high school level. The majority (77.5%) of the households were categorized as having low CSI classification (90%CI: 73.9, 80.8). This could indicate that relief operations conducted in the community may have helped ease their food insecurity. Coping strategies that were most frequently employed by the households were depending on less preferred or more affordable food (74.8%), rationing money for prepared food (69.1%), and purchasing food on credit (58.5%).

Low CSI classification was noted, which may be due to increased adaptation to persistent food insecurity and the utilization of coping strategies not indicated in the questionnaire. Common coping strategies used by households include reliance on less favored or less costly food items, rationing resources for prepared food, and food on credit. It is recommended that the results collected be used to target food availability and accessibility interventions in the community.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary evaluation and management process to identify and address the needs of an older person (OP). However, there are several challenges faced in its implementation which limit its full potential and utility to promote healthy aging. This paper aimed to describe the issues and challenges of those involved in the conduct of the traditional paper-based CGA, specifically older persons and the research and health facility-based assessors.

This is a descriptive convergent parallel mixed-methods study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data from the UP Manila Wellness Initiative for Seniors and Elders research program. Mixed methods of data collection were conducted online, namely survey and focus group discussions (FGD). Purposively recruited OPs aged 60 years and above who previously underwent CGA served as online survey respondents. Similarly, purposively recruited healthcare professionals (HCP) who conduct research-based and facility-based CGA participated in the FGDs. STATA and NVivo PRO Plus were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used namely frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and median. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, thematic analysis was conducted. Triangulation of results was done by the multidisciplinary team.

A total of 30 OPs with mean age of 67.1 years (SD±5.7) responded to the online survey. A total of 10 healthcare professionals, mostly geriatricians, participated in two separate FGDs.

Most (83%) liked the comprehesiveness of the CGA. However, OPs had difficulties with the following: follow-ups (43%), sensitive questions (40%), and recall (23%). Thirty percent (30%) rated the CGA as long to too long. HCP assessors’ challenges were related to the participants/patients, assessors, and operational factors. Participant/ patient-related factors include health conditions, follow-up issues, language, sensory impairment, and familiarity with the tools. Assessors-related factors include competency, missing information, illegible handwriting, and asking sensitive questions. Operations-related factors include the length of the questionnaire and process, physical set up, fragmented system, data storage and protection, and inadequate human resource.

The common issues and challenges identified by the older persons and healthcare professional assessors in the conduct of paper-based CGA include the length of the CGA, sensitive questions, and follow-up issues. Addressing these issues and challenges is necessary to maximize the utility of the comprehensive geriatric assessment in promoting healthy aging. With the advent of technology, digitizing the paper-based CGA is a promising approach to address these challenges.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the determinants linked to stunting among infants and young children aged 0-23 months in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 primary caregivers with infants and young children aged 0-23 months in four municipalities of the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a two stage stratified random sampling design. Data on sociodemographic and economic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were assessed using a list-based approach, while weight and length were evaluated using the World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were done using R statistical software version 4.3.1.

The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting was of significant public health concern, reaching 42.8%. Holding other variables constant, age of the child (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.94), having college undergraduate mothers (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-1.28), and belonging to a poor income household (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) were associated with stunting among infants aged 0.01-6.00 months. Moreover, after controlling for the confounding effects of other variables, age (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14) and sex of the child (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.05-2.28) were associated with stunting among older children aged 6.00-23.99 months.

This study emphasizes the challenge of stunting in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. None of the IYCF indicators were associated with stunting; however, maternal education, the child’s age, sex, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant factors influencing stunting. Addressing these determinants through targeted interventions focusing on improving maternal education and enhancing socio-economic conditions were crucial to reducing stunting in the study areas.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the micronutrient intake and diet quality of overweight and obese Filipino adults in the National Capital Region (NCR). Specifically, it seeks to assess micronutrient inadequacy among these individuals and analyze differences in food intake based on their sociodemographic profiles and lifestyle habits.

This analytical cross-sectional study utilized data from the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) conducted in 2018, 2019, and 2021 by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). A total of 3,154 overweight and obese subjects were included. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to analyze the food groups consumed by these adults.

Majority of overweight and obese adults were found to be inadequate in vitamin A (81.7%), vitamin C (88.4%), thiamin (62.5%), riboflavin (70.7%), iron (69.8%), and calcium (88.7%). Significant differences were observed in the mean intake of various food groups across different age groups, sexes, civil statuses, wealth quintiles, educational attainments, employment statuses, and smoking and drinking statuses.

Filipino adults who are overweight and obese, and residing in urban settings face significant challenges related to micronutrient inadequacy. When their food intake was assessed based on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, it was found that their diets were more calorie-dense than nutrient-dense. To address this issue, it is recommended to encourage a wider variety of nutrient-dense foods among overweight and obese adults.

This essay laid out the development of a nurse's identity from clinical practitioner to developing researcher, with a focus on the importance of patient-centered and nurse-centered care as the cornerstone pillars of nursing research. Through narrative and application of qualitative and participatory research approaches, the author showed the intersection of everyday experience, philosophical inquiry, and scholarly pursuit along the path toward becoming a nurse researcher. The article examined how emotional experiences within the perioperative environment have instigated research questions aimed at improving patient and nurse well-being. Through the incorporation of academic models and theoretical perspectives, the author presented an emerging investment in health equity, social determinants of health, and collective inquiry, framing this individual path within the greater nursing science mission.

Background and Objectives: The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary evaluation and management process to identify and address the needs of an older person (OP). However, there are several challenges faced in its implementation which limit its full potential and utility to promote healthy aging. This paper aimed to describe the issues and challenges of those involved in the conduct of the traditional paper-based CGA, specifically older persons and the research and health facility-based assessors. Methods: This is a descriptive convergent parallel mixed-methods study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data from the UP Manila Wellness Initiative for Seniors and Elders research program. Mixed methods of data collection were conducted online, namely survey and focus group discussions (FGD). Purposively recruited OPs aged 60 years and above who previously underwent CGA served as online survey respondents. Similarly, purposively recruited healthcare professionals (HCP) who conduct research-based and facility-based CGA participated in the FGDs. STATA and NVivo PRO Plus were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used namely frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and median. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, thematic analysis was conducted. Triangulation of results was done by the multidisciplinary team. Results: A total of 30 OPs with mean age of 67.1 years (SD±5.7) responded to the online survey. A total of 10 healthcare professionals, mostly geriatricians, participated in two separate FGDs. : Most (83%) liked the comprehesiveness of the CGA. However, OPs had difficulties with the following: follow-ups (43%), sensitive questions (40%), and recall (23%). Thirty percent (30%) rated the CGA as long to too long. HCP assessors’ challenges were related to the participants/patients, assessors, and operational factors. Participant/ patient-related factors include health conditions, follow-up issues, language, sensory impairment, and familiarity with the tools. Assessors-related factors include competency, missing information, illegible handwriting, and asking sensitive questions. Operations-related factors include the length of the questionnaire and process, physical set up, fragmented system, data storage and protection, and inadequate human resource. Conclusion The common issues and challenges identified by the older persons and healthcare professional assessors in the conduct of paper-based CGA include the length of the CGA, sensitive questions, and follow-up issues. Addressing these issues and challenges is necessary to maximize the utility of the comprehensive geriatric assessment in promoting healthy aging. With the advent of technology, digitizing the paper-based CGA is a promising approach to address these challenges.
geriatric assessment ; Philippines

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the determinants linked to stunting among infants and young children aged 0-23 months in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 primary caregivers with infants and young children aged 0-23 months in four municipalities of the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a twostage stratified random sampling design. Data on sociodemographic and economic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were assessed using a list-based approach, while weight and length were evaluated using the World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were done using R statistical software version 4.3.1. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting was of significant public health concern, reaching 42.8%. Holding other variables constant, age of the child (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.94), having college undergraduate mothers (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-1.28), and belonging to a poor income household (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) were associated with stunting among infants aged 0.01-6.00 months. Moreover, after controlling for the confounding effects of other variables, age (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14) and sex of the child (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.05-2.28) were associated with stunting among older children aged 6.00-23.99 months. Conclusion This study emphasizes the challenge of stunting in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. None of the IYCF indicators were associated with stunting; however, maternal education, the child’s age, sex, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant factors influencing stunting. Addressing these determinants through targeted interventions focusing on improving maternal education and enhancing socio-economic conditions were crucial to reducing stunting in the study areas.
Human ; growth disorders ; risk factors ; nutritional status ; infant nutrition disorders

Objectives: This study aims to describe the micronutrient intake and diet quality of overweight and obese Filipino adults in the National Capital Region (NCR). Specifically, it seeks to assess micronutrient inadequacy among these individuals and analyze differences in food intake based on their sociodemographic profiles and lifestyle habits. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study utilized data from the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) conducted in 2018, 2019, and 2021 by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). A total of 3,154 overweight and obese subjects were included. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to analyze the food groups consumed by these adults. Results: Majority of overweight and obese adults were found to be inadequate in vitamin A (81.7%), vitamin C (88.4%), thiamin (62.5%), riboflavin (70.7%), iron (69.8%), and calcium (88.7%). Significant differences were observed in the mean intake of various food groups across different age groups, sexes, civil statuses, wealth quintiles, educational attainments, employment statuses, and smoking and drinking statuses. Conclusion Filipino adults who are overweight and obese, and residing in urban settings face significant challenges related to micronutrient inadequacy. When their food intake was assessed based on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, it was found that their diets were more calorie-dense than nutrient-dense. To address this issue, it is recommended to encourage a wider variety of nutrient-dense foods among overweight and obese adults.
food intake ; eating ; micronutrients ; overweight ; obesity ; nutritional status

Several studies have shown the serious implications of malnutrition, yet it is still underestimated, understudied and an undertreated problem in hospitalized patients. It remains a challenge for hospitals in the Philippines. Pre-operative malnutrition is a risk factor of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Malnourished patients have longer hospital stay and have higher risk of complications. Thus assessing the pre-operative nutritional status is necessary in planning early nutritional interventions and may predict risk of developing postoperative complications.

A prospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients ages 18 to 70 years old admitted for abdominopelvic surgery at St. Paul's Hospital lloilo from January 2021 to January 2022. Within 24-48 hours of admission, patient demographic and clinical profiles were identified and the presence of nutritional risk was evaluated using the Malnutrition Universal Screening tool (MUST). SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Further statistical analysis was done using Cross Tabulation, Pearson Chi-Square and Logistic Regression.

The study demonstrates that nutritional risk, age, presence of malignancy, smoking and alcoholic beverage drinking are significantly correlated with post-operative complications.

Thus, nutritional risk screening using MUST pre-operatively can predict the outcomes of postoperative patients undergoing abdominopelvic operation.