Acta Medica Philippina最新文献

{"title":"A Review of Workplace Tuberculosis Policies in Selected Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Asia-Pacific.","authors":"Evalyn A Roxas, Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho, Paul Michael R Hernandez, Maria Margarita M Lota, Loisse Mikaela M Loterio, Adrian Paul M Agravante, Daniella Kate B Corpuz, Carlo R Lumangaya, Richelle Liza F Maglalang, Micaela J Arevalo, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that most of the tuberculosis (TB) cases are aged between 15 to 54 years old, the working population. This study described workplace policies on TB in selected low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia-Pacific.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Among the LMICs, countries wherein TB is a public health concern were included. Six policies written in English were included in this study and were reviewed based on the components of the TB workplace programs that were extracted from the WHO Guidelines for Workplace TB Control Activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Philippine policy had the most number of components while those of Cambodia and Papua New Guinea had the least. Only the component on implementing environmental controls was common among the policies. Components on respecting patient rights and confidentiality, tailoring of workload to TB patient's state of health, registration of all patients with TB diagnosis, reporting of cases to central NTP office, recording of standard treatment outcome, and inclusion of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) provisions were missing for the majority of the policy documents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The workplace TB program policies included in this study can be reviewed and updated accordingly, with the coverage expanding to all workplaces. The policies can also integrate measures on COVID-19 as the pandemic has slowed the progress in TB control. With the similarities in the preventive measures against TB and COVID-19, this can be an avenue to develop integrated policies especially for workplaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"65-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing the Role of Higher Education Institutions in Attaining the Health-related Sustainable Development Goals: Proceedings of the 53^rd Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health, 21-23 September 2022, Philippines.","authors":"Maria Margarita M Lota, Paul Michael R Hernandez, Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho, Fresthel Monica M Climacosa, Francis Andrew B Cube, Kim Leonard G Dela Luna, Crystal Amiel M Estrada, Emerito Jose A Faraon, Fernando B Garcia, Myra S Mistica, Frederick S Nieto, Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9667","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are acknowledged as key drivers in realizing health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of the Philippines Manila, College of Public Health (UP CPH) together with the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), hosted the 53^rd APACPH International Conference last 21-23 September 2022. The conference discussed current issues relating to the attainment of SDGs and promoted collaboration of leading academic institutions and other stakeholders in addressing various public health challenges. The conference revolved around the challenges and opportunities in attaining health-related SDGs, and the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities. The lack of certification framework of public health tertiary programs, pedagogy and infrastructure, and ambiguous roles and network of public health professionals were discussed. The conference served as a platform for discussing potential resolutions and ways forward in addressing these challenges. Opportunities for improvement such as updating of policies and curricula, strengthening of internship and community engagement programs, establishment of capacity-building partnerships and programs, and developing multidisciplinary-competent faculty and students were identified. This paper provides the highlights of the conference focusing on the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and other issues and challenges in attaining SDGs.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"10-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Anthropometric Parameters with Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar among Filipino Adults Aged 18-65 years in Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines.","authors":"Raycha Lei Concess M Rama-Sabandal, Kim Leonard G Dela Luna, Alvin Duke R Sy, Anna Paulina S Rodriguez, Rowel C Malimban, Carl Mark Vincent B Babasoro, Eldridge B Ferrer, Darwin E Dormis","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.11290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.11290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Type II Diabetes Mellitus remains a pressing public health concern among Filipino adults, particularly prevalent in urban households belonging to the middle to richest wealth population. As body composition influences glucose metabolism, understanding the potential of anthropometric parameters is vital in predicting fasting blood sugar. This study aims to generate and find the most appropriate model that can detect likelihood of elevated FBS using different anthropometric parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The data set from 2018-2019, 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute, consisting of 14,655 adults aged 18-65 years from 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs) was used in this study. While controlling for study variables, multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors affecting the fasting blood sugar (FBS) status of these adults.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The above normal status of each anthropometric parameter, in the models for BMI (aOR=2.33; p<0.01), waist circumference (aOR=2.25; p<0.01), waist-hip ratio (aOR=3.11; p<0.01), waist-to-height ratio (aOR=2.58; p<0.01), was associated with increased likelihood for elevated FBS. Age, sex, blood pressure status, and being a 4Ps recipient were all significantly associated with elevated FBS across the four adjusted final models. While the waist circumference model had the highest and an acceptable correct classification rate of detecting elevated FBS (78.57%), the waist-hip ratio model had the best goodness of fit (F: 29.56; p<0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is no single anthropometric parameter that can truly discern the status of elevated FBS. However, it appears the use of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio have the potential to be an indicator especially in settings where the evaluation of the actual FBS of the individuals is not feasible. Future research suggests exploring possible interaction of BP, and FBS, diet quality and adequacy, and the effectiveness of having multiple anthropometric parameters in one model.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"125-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lived Experiences of Health Workers in the Implementation of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis Deworming Program in South Cotabato: A Phenomenological Inquiry.","authors":"Efren Ii C Deocades, Queen Jane M Bacon","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9004","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;The deworming program, also known as preventive chemotherapy, is one of the most important strategies in combatting Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis. With more than two decades of implementation, only a few countries have reached the target deworming coverage of 75% by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, the national deworming coverage from 2018 to 2022 is still below both the WHO and the Department of Health's target deworming coverage. As a result, there is an increasing prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among populations in endemic areas in the country including South Cotabato.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences of health workers in the implementation of the STH deworming program in South Cotabato, specifically their lived experiences in implementing the deworming program, the challenges and issues they encountered during the implementation, coping strategies, and their insights about the status of the deworming program in the province and how to improve it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Seventeen health workers implementing the deworming program in the province of South Cotabato were interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews were conducted online due to mobility restrictions during the pandemic. The transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method and essential themes were formulated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Our analysis revealed that health workers' lived experiences revolve around ensuring the quality implementation of the program such as combatting misconceptions about deworming through house-to-house visitation and education campaigns, reaching far-flung areas, and ensuring children are in good health condition before taking a deworming medicine. Common challenges experienced by the participants were the misconceptions and disinformation regarding deworming, the limited and difficult access to some areas, problems in logistics, and the limited support of some stakeholders. Moreover, participants cited the importance of good community engagement, active involvement and commitment of stakeholders, providing support to health workers, and robust monitoring and evaluation of the program in improving the implementation of deworming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;In the context of this study, there is still a need to intensify the training for implementers to cater more effectively to the concerns of the people and debunk misconceptions about the program. Utilization of various media for information dissemination, enhancing access to hard-to-reach areas, and strengthening community engagements, particularly with barangay and local government officials are essential to address the gaps in the implementation. There must also be improvements in monitoring and evaluation of the program, and additional support and incentives to healthcare ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143951905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients with Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Quezon City, Philippines, Using Multiplex PCR.","authors":"Michelle M Cabanatan, Alice Alma C Bungay, Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva, Marohren C Tobias-Altura, Dario D Defensor, Maria Margarita M Lota","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease appears like tuberculosis infection but is resistant to primary anti-tuberculosis drugs. Hence, patients whose sputum sample tests positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and bacterial culture for several times should be assessed for colonization or infection with NTM in a damaged lung secondary to TB. In such cases, though drug-resistant TB may be adequately treated, treatment may need to be directed towards the NTM as well. In NTM therapy, the duration and choice of treatment agent is based upon the specific organism and disease extent. This study used one-step multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for rapid differentiation of solid cultures in Ogawa medium as <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (MTB) and/or NTM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 80 stocked isolates obtained from the Lung Center of the Philippines from January to December 2018 were screened for NTM in terms of growth in Ogawa medium, acid fastness, and MPT64 TB antigen test result. These were from sputum specimens of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. DNA was extracted from cultures (n=55) grown in Ogawa medium and one-step mPCR was performed to identify NTM to the species level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 80 samples screened, a total of 55 isolates were identified as NTM. One-step mPCR identified 12.73% (7/55) as <i>M. abscessus</i>, 34.55% (19/55) as <i>M. massiliense</i>, 1.82% (1/55) as <i>M. kansasii</i>, and 50.91% (28/55) were identified only up to genus <i>Mycobacteria</i> spp. Neither <i>M. avium</i> complex nor <i>M. intracellulare</i> was identified among the samples tested.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One-step mPCR was able to identify isolates as MTB or NTM coinciding with the initial screening using MPT64 TB antigen test. Multiplex PCR has given a more specific identification to the species level. The use of mPCR in identifying MTB and clinically significant NTM's is suitable for the adequate treatment of mycobacterial infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"103-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal Control Theory Applied to Rabies Epidemiological Model with Time-dependent Vaccination in Davao City, Mindanao Island, Philippines.","authors":"Dejell Anne M Satur, Zython Paul T Lachica, Pamela Grace J Roxas, Eliezer O Diamante, El Veena Grace A Rosero, John Raven C Macanan, Arlene P Lagare, Noreen J Eng, Maria Corazon B Sepulveda, Giovanna Fae R Oguis, May Anne E Mata","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8875","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8875","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Rabies continues to be a challenge in Davao City despite the efforts of the city's local government to vaccinate primarily the non-stray dog population. Meanwhile, studies have shown that time-dependent vaccination strategy is considered a prime factor for a cost-effective rabies control strategy. Hence, this study aims to provide information that will determine the optimal vaccination strategy targeted to the stray dog population that minimizes the rabies-infected dog population and vaccination costs using optimal control theory (OCT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>OCT is used to identify the optimal level of key rabies control, i.e., vaccination. Here, OCT was applied to a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Vaccinated (SEIV) compartmental model. The study's key parameters were derived from published articles on rabies in Davao City and similar regions, along with the city's rabies reports.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that while rabies remains endemic in the city, it is possible to reduce the number of cases through consistent implementation of vaccination programs to the exposed and susceptible dog populations. Nevertheless, the feasibility of these findings relies to the effective targeting of vaccine coverage for the dog population. From the simulations performed, the exposed dog population (i.e., pre-rabid dogs) was able to reach zero observation when the transmission rate (β) is 0.001 for all values of anti-rabies vaccine coverages for exposed (α) and susceptible (<i>b</i>) dog populations and β = 0.01 only when α = 0.7 and <i>b</i> = 0.7, α = 0.7 and <i>b</i> = 0.5, and α = 0.5 and <i>b</i> = 0.7. Consequently, the number of infectious dogs will thereby decrease. Moreover, a nonlinear correspondence was also observed in all scenarios between the vaccination rate and the number of rabies-exposed dogs such that the reduction in the incidence of rabies cases becomes apparent only when the vaccination rate is at least 0.9995.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In high rabies transmissibility scenarios, a time-dependent vaccination strategy demonstrated a reduction in the number of rabies-infected dogs. However, this approach involves a trade-off, limiting the period during which monthly vaccinations can be relaxed. Consequently, a robust and timely vaccination program for dogs is crucial to manage high rabies transmission rates. Lastly, the model simulation underscores the importance of initiating monthly vaccinations.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"90-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037334/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of COVID-19, Vaccination Ratio, and Human Population on the Reported Canine Rabies Cases in Davao City, Philippines: A Panel Regression Analysis.","authors":"Feby Kirstine A Evangelio, Sherelyn A Evangelio, John Raven C Macanan, Zython Paul T Lachica, Arlene P Lagare, Noreen J Eng, Maria Corazon B Sepulveda, Emmanuel S Baja, May Anne E Mata","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8698","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Given that rabies remains endemic in the Philippines despite government interventions and the pandemic-related restrictions have hampered its surveillance, this study aimed to estimate the effect of human population, anti-rabies vaccination efforts, and COVID-19 situation on the spread of rabies cases in the districts of Davao City, Philippines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study of the canine records at Davao City Veterinarians' Office was done from January 2018 to June 2021. Monthly rabies cases were ascertained, and the effect of the human population, COVID-19 season, and vaccination ratio on rabies cases was estimated using panel regression models adjusting for confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The reporting of rabies cases was lower during COVID-19 than during the non-COVID-19 season, with an IRR of 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.82]. Furthermore, rabies cases increased by 2.23% (95% CI: 0.60-3.89) per 1% increase in vaccination ratio. Additionally, high-population districts recorded more rabies cases than low-population districts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Consistency in monitoring rabies cases during the pandemic is suggested as a roadmap for future program initiatives. Vaccination efforts should be reinforced to increase rabies awareness and ensure early response to emerging diseases. Moreover, high-populated districts should be prioritized in implementing rabies control interventions to gain optimal development.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"56-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143952520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Global Health Through Higher Education: Insights from the 53^rd APACPH Conference.","authors":"Vicente Y Belizario, Jonathan P Guevarra","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.13279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.13279","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Narrative Review of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Choices for Greater Access and Protection against Pneumococcal Diseases in the Philippines.","authors":"Maria Margarita M Lota, Rosario Z Capeding, Fernando B Garcia, John Robert C Medina, Jeremiah A Serrano, Carlo R Lumangaya, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.10372","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.10372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pneumococcal vaccination has been widely used for the prevention of pneumococcal disease, with two types of vaccines available since 2009. With the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of incorporating pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in National Immunization Programs (NIPs) worldwide, a ten-valent PCV (PHiD-CV) was initially introduced in the Philippines in 2012. This, however, transitioned to the use of the 13-valent PCV (Prevnar) subsequent to the recommendation of the Formulary Executive Council in 2014.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review aimed to present evidence on pneumococcal disease and vaccine inclusion in the Philippine NIP from 2005 - 2021.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review compiled articles on Pneumococcus from January 2005 to October 2021, sourcing literature from databases such as BIOSIS Preview, CAB Direct, Embase, Google Scholar, and others.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the Philippines, there was a shift in prevalent serotypes of <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> among children under five following the introduction of PCV13 in the National Immunization Program in 2014, with serotype 14 becoming the most common by 2018, and a significant reduction in isolates reported in 2020, where only serotypes 5, 19A, and 23F were identified among invasive strains. The immunogenicity results of a potential vaccine candidate should be factored into the overall evidence when conducting a reassessment of PCV.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As part of the decision making about the inclusion of the PCVs in the NIP of the Philippines, various factors such as local epidemiology, vaccine supply, cost, and programmatic characteristics must be careful weighed. Enhancing laboratory and surveillance capacity are essential to provide evidence-based decision-making in terms of existing serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile in the country. With the introduction of a new affordable formulation of a 10-valent PCV offering a comparable serotype coverage, the reassessment of choice of PCV with the consideration of all three formulations, namely PCV13, PHiD-CV, and SIIPL-PCV, may be warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"151-158"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037331/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and Opportunities in the Implementation of Health and Safety Policies and Programs in a State University in the Philippines.","authors":"Paul Michael R Hernandez, Nina F Yanilla, Fevito A Obidos, Carlos Primero D Gundran, Jo Leah A Flores, Homer U Co, Lara Fatima L Lintao, Arlene A Samaniego, Dexter C Tiro, Gabriel Jay B Caoeng, Isabela Louise B Navoa","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8866","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>State universities in the Philippines should comply with the 2020 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards for government workers and must be guided by the 2017 ASEAN University Network's Healthy University Framework (HUF) for them to become healthy universities. Both policy documents identify OSH policy and programs as key components.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of health and safety policies and programs in a state university in the Philippines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case study design was used with a state university as its study site. Investigators conducted 14 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions which were participated by system officials, campus officials, academic teaching staff, academic non-teaching Staff, support staff, and students. Thematic analysis was used to identify and understand emerging patterns and themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results generated seven themes consisting of Policy and Committee, Dedicated Personnel and Unit, Budget and Technology, Collaboration, Programs and Services, Working and Learning Environment, and Role Models. The identified challenges in the implementation of health and safety programs in the university were: (1) limited budget to implement initiatives, (2) lack of collaboration among its offices, and (3) absence of a dedicated unit and staff. There were also opportunities to improve implementation: (1) strong implementation of certain policies and programs, (2) presence of a good working and learning environment, and (3) existence of role models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The identified challenges and opportunities correspond to the elements of the system and infrastructure considered as principal determinants of a healthy university. There is a need to recognize the interrelatedness of such elements to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs in the university. It also underscores the relevance of the HUF in promoting OSH within a university context.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"14-25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037418/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}