Acta Medica Philippina最新文献

{"title":"<i>In-Vitro</i> Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Contact Time of Povidone-Iodine against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Klebsiella aerogenes</i> Using Micro Suspension Test, Colorimetric Resazurin Microplate Assay, and Dey Engley Neutralizer Assay.","authors":"Azita Racquel G Lacuna, Micaella C Dato, Loisse Mikaela M Loterio, Geraldine B Dayrit, Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva, Maria Margarita M Lota","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.10222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.10222","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The human nasal passages host major human pathogens. Recent research suggests that the microbial communities inhabiting the epithelial surfaces of the nasal passages play a key factor in maintaining a healthy microenvironment by affecting both resistance to pathogens and immunological responses. Colonization of the nasal cavity by different pathogens such as &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Klebsiella aerogenes&lt;/i&gt;, is associated with a higher postoperative infection morbidity. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) as an antiseptic has been proven to display high antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties even at low concentrations, and was shown to be effective in the control of infections to limit their impact and spread. It can be used as a topical antiseptic for skin decontamination and wound management, as a nasal spray, or as a gargle. There are different methods in testing the efficacy of potential antimicrobial suspensions. This study aimed to determine the concentration of PVP-I that is most effective in nasal decolonization using microsuspension test and colorimetric minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination assays, resazurin microtiter assay (REMA), and Dey-Engley (D/E) neutralizer assay. The findings of this study will contribute to knowledge regarding the intended use of PVP-I in microbial control, particularly in bacterial infections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Several dilutions (2.0%, 1.0%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.1% and 0.09%) of commercially bought 10% (10 mg per 100 ml) povidone-iodine were prepared and tested against a standardized inoculum (1x10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt;) of &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella aerogenes&lt;/i&gt; at different contact times (5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 5 minutes). Microdilution suspension test was performed to determine the log reduction per variable, while REMA and D/E neutralizer assay were used to determine the MIC. A value of greater than or equal to 5 log reduction was considered effective for microdilution suspension test. Estimates of agreement statistics were used to interpret the results of the assay in which the overall percent agreement (OPA), positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percent agreement (NPA), and Cohen's kappa statistics were calculated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Povidone-iodine concentration of 0.25% exhibited ≥5 log reduction against &lt;i&gt;K. aerogenes&lt;/i&gt; at the minimum contact time of 5 seconds. On the other hand, a slightly higher PVP-I concentration was required to achieve ≥5 log reduction for &lt;i&gt;S. aureus&lt;/i&gt; at 0.5% concentration and a minimum contact time of 1 minute. There was an observed concordance of the results of REMA and D/E neutralizer as MIC colorimetric indicators, which yielded an overall test percent agreement of 90.30% (95% CI: 84.73-94.36), and a strong level of agreement (Κ = 0.8, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.0001). A lower overall percent agreement for both REMA and D/E neutralizer versus the microsus","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"113-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959640","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":"Professional Quality of Life and Workplace Psychosocial Support Interventions among Nurses in the Philippines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Johan Y Castillejos, Danica May O Cañon, Rupert I Estor, Marian Danille C Santillan, John Vian C Villaluz, Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho, Paul Michael R Hernandez","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8704","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Nurses comprise the majority of the health workforce in the Philippines. Previous studies revealed that nurses manifest negative mental health outcomes exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) of nurses in the Philippines and their workplace psychosocial support interventions during the pandemic. The ProQOL measures compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated by the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. to affiliated nurses via email and Facebook posts. Out of 713 responses, 239 were eligible with their data analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc pairwise multiple comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents were found to have high CS (41.95 [SD 5.97]), moderate BO (23.56 [SD 6.07]), and moderate STS (26.62 [SD 8.18]). The most reported intervention was policies on confidentiality of workers' mental health (84.94%) while the least reported was community engagements under the hospital's mental health program (61.51%). ProQOL scores significantly differed in CS by age (p=0.011), position (p=0.044) and monthly income (p=0.016), BO by age (p=0.001) and years with current employer (p=0.009), and STS by region (p=0.017) and area of assignment (p=0.015). The existence of interventions yielded significant increase in CS and decrease in BO scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurses in the Philippines exhibit high and favorable ProQOL during the pandemic. The majority of respondents reported the presence of workplace interventions which yield significant differences in CS and BO. The findings highlight the importance of workplace psychosocial support interventions and the need to strengthen implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"42-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054094","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":"Health Protocol Practices and Personal Preventive Measures among Fully Vaccinated Individuals with Comorbidities in the National Capital Region, Philippines during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study.","authors":"Maria Luisa Olano, Matthew Spencer T Ho, Mareeya P Yumena, Diana Leah Mendoza, Patricia Anne C Ty, Erin Grace B Villanueva, Christine Rozien M Palayad, Jaye Kirsten U Melchor, Chrissea B Custodio","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8755","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8755","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>The Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases implemented health protocol guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Individuals with comorbidities were advised to take precautionary measures due to their increased vulnerability. This study aimed to assess the relationship between knowledge, acceptance, and adherence to health protocols among fully vaccinated individuals with comorbidities in the National Capital Region, Philippines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study employed an explanatory-sequential mixed-method design. The quantitative phase involved an online survey with 384 respondents. The survey included questions on socio-demographic profile, COVID-19 knowledge, acceptability of health protocols, and adherence to preventive practices. Chi-square Test of Independence and Pearson's Correlation Test were used to analyze the data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants, providing rich insights into their personal experiences. The interview transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive method with the aid of qualitative analysis software (MAXQDA), ensuring a rigorous approach to thematic analysis. The integration of the two phases was achieved by connecting quantitative results with qualitative insights, creating a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings showed that the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics and level of knowledge (Gender p<0.05; Employment status p<0.05), and level of acceptability to minimum health protocols and personal preventive practices varies depending on the respective health protocol practice. The level of knowledge about COVID-19 was positively correlated with knowledge of minimum health protocols (p<0.01). Similarly, knowledge and acceptability were dependent on adherence to most health protocols. The qualitative analysis identified seven themes: Unmasking a collective mystery, Knowledge is part of weaponry, Safeguards for security, Tethered by a boundary, Individual cloaks of safety, The thread in the tapestry, and Towards the end of one story that described the participants' experiences, leading to the formulation of a Swiss Cheese Model of Health Protocol Practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study suggests that multiple factors contribute to non-adherence to health protocols. Recognizing these holes and weaknesses in the COVID-19 pandemic response stresses the need for national leaders to place urgency on properly implementing preventive measures and providing health education to the masses during public health situations. Collaboration from all sectors is crucial in addressing public health crises. This study can be a valuable resource for future researchers, local government units, and policymakers in prioritizing public health care and pandemic preparedness.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"26-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955578","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":"Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Potential of Semi-purified Extract of Snake Plant (<i>Dracaena trifasciata</i>) Using HCT116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Line.","authors":"Micko D De Guzman","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.8785","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.8785","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Espada plant, local name for the snake plant (<i>Dracaena trifasciata</i>) in the Philippines, is characterized by its upright sword-like leaves with vibrant yellow edges under the variety of Laurentii in the Asparagaceae family. This plant has been identified as a viable candidate for cancer research.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the antiproliferative and cytotoxic capabilities of a semi-purified methanolic extract of <i>D. trifasciata</i> extracted as a basis for cancer research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The plant extracts were subjected to (1) qualitative phytochemical analysis, (2) instrumentation analysis which includes Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), to quantify bioactive ingredients, analyze structures, and evaluate biological chemicals, respectively, and tested to (3) biological assay on the HCT 116 human colorectal cancer cell line using the MTT Cytotoxic Assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>D. trifasciata</i> extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, sterols, triterpenes, alkaloids, and glycosides, all of which contain an OH group and have a high solubility in polar solvents. It correlates to the results of TFC, found to be within 266.8333 mg - 622.6801 mg presented as μg Quercetin per mL with a linear line of y=0.0005x + 0.023 with a coefficient R² value of 0.9933. This finding corresponds to FTIR-ATR data, which shows a prominent broad appearance of -OH (primary and secondary alcohol) at peak 3327.21. In MTT Cytotoxic Assay, it has a minimal IC50 than Doxorubicin, as seen in Trial 2 with IC50 = 0.8012 μg/mL, while antiproliferative activity revealed that <i>D. trifasciata</i> has minimal inhibitory activity in Trials 1 and 3 at the same concentration of 3.125 μg/mL as compared to the high antiproliferative property of positive control, as seen in Trial 2. Data showed that the <i>D. trifasciata</i> extract has minimal effectiveness even at 1.56 μg/mL concentration, implying that other extraction techniques such as fractionation and purification may be used to satisfy its antiproliferative property.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The <i>D. trifasciata</i> extract contains polyalcohol, phenol, polyphenol, and polyhydroxylated metabolites, which are structures that correspond to the major groups of flavonoids (structures that have antioxidant properties), contributing to the high TFC values.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"139-150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037325/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143962271","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":"UPLC-QTOF Mass Spectrometry Detection of Four Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (Methyl Paraben, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Monobutyl Phthalate, and Bisphenol A) in Urine of Filipino Women.","authors":"Francisco M Heralde, Zaidy T Martin, Maria Stephanie Fay S Cagayan, Esterlita V Uy, Paulyn Jean R Ubial, Michael C Velarde, Erlidia F Llamas-Clark","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9007","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitously found as low-level contaminants and pose serious threat to women's health. EDCs may result in various reproductive disorders, fetal birth and developmental abnormalities, and endocrine and metabolic disorders. EDCs can be detected in body fluids of exposed individuals including blood and urine. This study aimed to detect four EDCs - Methyl Paraben (MP), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Monobutyl Phthalate (MBP), and Bisphenol A (BPA) in urine samples of women using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (UPLC-QTOF) mass spectrometry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sequential steps of enzymatic deconjugation, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and liquid chromatography separation and mass spectrometry detection were optimized in urine samples. The method was used to analyze 70 urine samples from women of reproductive age.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample preparation method showed a recovery ranging from 86.6% (MBP) to 100 % (2,4-D). The method demonstrated limits of quantitation ranging from 1.52 ng/m(MP) to 6.46 ng/mL(2,4D). Intra-day precisions expressed as relative standard deviation were all below 15% while accuracy was shown to range from 67.10% (2,4-D) to 102.39% (MBP). MP was detected in nine samples (12.86%) with a geometric mean value of 10.15 ng/ml (range: 3.62-52.39 ng/ml). MBP was detected in 68 samples (97.14%) with a geometric mean value of 97.62 ng/ml (range: 15.32-698.18 ng/ml). BPA was detected only once (9.58 ng/ml) while 2, 4-D was not detected in all samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A UPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry method to detect four EDCs at parts per billion level (ng/ml) was adapted and applied for analysis of urine samples. This method can find applicability in routine testing of clinical specimens as well as surveillance and other epidemiological studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"70-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727374","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":"The Development of an Order Set for Adults Admitted for Acute Heart Failure at a National University Hospital in the Philippines.","authors":"John Vincent U Magalong, Felix Eduardo R Punzalan, Marie Kirk Patrich A Maramara, Frederick Berro B Rivera, Zane Oliver O Nelson, Bai Sitti Ameerah B Tago, Cecileen Anne M Tuazon, Ruth Divine D Agustin, Lauren Kay M Evangelista, Michelle Marie Q Pipo, Eugenio B Reyes, John C Añonuevo, Diana R Tamondong-Lachica","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.8404","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.8404","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Heart Failure (HF) remains a major health concern worldwide. In the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), HF is consistently a top cause of mortality and readmissions among adults. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published guidelines for interventions that improve quality of life and survival, but they are underused and untested for local acceptability. Hospitals overseas used order sets created from these guidelines, which resulted in a considerable decrease in in-hospital mortality and healthcare costs. We aimed to develop an order set for adult patients with acute heart failure (AHF) admitted to the PGH Emergency Department (ED) to improve care outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study utilized a mixed methods approach to create the AHF order set. ESC and ACC HF guidelines were appraised using the AGREE II tool. Class I interventions for AHF were included in the initial order set. Through focused group discussions (FGD), clinicians and other care team members involved in the management of AHF patients at PGH ED modified and validated the order set. Stakeholders were asked to use online Delphi and FGD to get a consensus on how to amend, approve, and carry out the order given.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Upon review of HF guidelines, 29 recommendations on patient monitoring, initial diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions were adopted in the order set. Orders on subspecialty referrals and ED disposition were introduced. The AHF patient was operationally defined in the setting of PGH ED. The clinical orders fit the PGH context, ensuring evidence-based, cost-effective, and accessible care responsiveness to patients' needs and suitable for local practice. Workflow changes due to COVID-19 were considered. Potential barriers to implementation were identified and addressed. The final order set was adopted for implementation through stakeholder consensus.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PGH developed and adopted its own AHF order set that is locally applicable and can potentially optimize outcomes of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"45-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727371","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":"Mechanical Ventilator Acquisition Strategy in a Large Private Tertiary Medical Center Using Monte Carlo Simulation.","authors":"Joven Jeremius Q Tanchuco, Fernando B Garcia","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.3892","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.3892","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and objective: &lt;/strong&gt;Mechanical ventilators are essential albeit expensive equipment to support critically ill patients who have gone into respiratory failure. Adequate numbers should always be available to ensure that a hospital provides the optimal care to patients but the number of patients requiring them at any one time is unpredictable. Finding therefore the best balance in providing adequate ventilator numbers while ensuring the financial sustainability of a hospital is important.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A quantitative method using Monte Carlo Simulation was used to identify the optimal strategy for acquiring ventilators in a large private tertiary medical center in Metro Manila. The number of ventilators needed to provide ventilator needs 90% of the days per month (27/30) was determined using historical data on ventilator use over a period of four years. Four acquisition strategies were investigated: three ownership strategies (outright purchase, installment, and staggered purchase) and a rental strategy. Return on Investment (ROI), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Payback period (or Breakeven Point) for each strategy were determined to help recommend the best strategy.A qualitative survey was also conducted among doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who were taking care of patients hooked to ventilators to find out their experiences comparing hospital-owned and rental ventilators.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;It was found that a total of 11 respirators were needed by the hospital to ensure that enough respirators were available for its patients at least 90% of the days in any month based on the previous four-year period. This meant acquiring three more ventilators as the hospital already owned eight. Among the strategies studied, projected over a 10-year period, the installment strategy (50% down payment with 0% interest over a 5-year period) proved to be the most financially advantageous with ROI = 9.36 times, IRR = 97% per year, MIRR = 26% per year, NPV = ₱39,324,297.60 and Payback period = 1.03 years). A more realistic installment strategy with 15% (paid quarterly or annually) and 25% annual interest rates were also explored with their financial parameters quite like but not as good as the 0% interest. The outright purchase of three ventilators came in lower (ROI = 4.53 times, IRR = 55% per year, MIRR = 19% per year, NPV = ₱38,064,297.60 and Payback period = 1.81 years) followed last by staggered purchase with ROI = 3.56 times, IRR = 64% per year, MIRR = 28% per year, NPV = ₱29,905,438.08, and payback period of 2.06 years. As there was no investment needed for the rental strategy, the only financial parameter available for it is the NPV which came out as ₱21,234,057.60.The qualitative part of the study showed that most of the healthcare workers involved in the care of patients attached to the ventilator were aware of the renta","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"57-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936771/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727387","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":"Identifying COVID-19 Confirmed Patients at Elevated Risk for Mortality and Need of Mechanical Ventilation Using a Novel Criteria for Hyperinflammatory Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort, Single-center, Validation Study.","authors":"Jayvee Rho-An D Descalsota, Abdul Walli R Cana, Inofel I Chin, Jessie F Orcasitas","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9370","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9370","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>A mounting evidence links dysregulated immune response to cases of fatal pneumonia seen in COVID-19 infection. We aimed to validate the COVID-19-associated Hyperinflammatory Syndrome (cHIS) score, a novel clinical tool devised to identify those at risk for adverse outcomes, in a local population and investigate the relationship of cHIS score taken at admission and the risk of mortality and the need of mechanical ventilation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study analyzed the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 1,881 COVID-19 patients admitted at a tertiary hospital in Davao City, Philippines from January to December 2021. We calculated the cHIS score, composed of six clinical and laboratory criteria from admission, and used multivariate logistic regression to determine the risk of mortality and need of mechanical ventilation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cHIS score taken at admission, regardless of cut-off value, was a significant predictor of mortality (OR 0.979 [99% CI 0.894-1.064]) and need of mechanical ventilation (OR 0.586 [99% CI 0.4975-0.6745]). Using the Youden Index, a cut-off cHIS score of 3 or more was a better predictor of mortality (sensitivity, 88.59%; specificity, 71.72%), and a cut-off score of 2 or more was a better predictor of need of mechanical ventilation (sensitivity, 84.02%; specificity, 70.82%) than other cut-off cHIS scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among COVID-19 patients, the cHIS score at admission correlated with the risk of mortality and the need of mechanical ventilation. Cutoff scores of 3 and 2 had the optimal sensitivities and specificities to predict the risk of mortality and the need of mechanical ventilation, respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"104-115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727356","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":"Are Filipinos Ready for Long-term Care? A Qualitative Study on Awareness, Perspectives, and Challenges of Relevant Organizations, Community Leaders, Carers, and Older Persons in Select Sites in the Philippines.","authors":"Angely P Garcia, Shelley Ann F de la Vega, Ayra Mae S Balingbing, Ma Anna Carmina D Orlino, Jan Michael M Herber, Angelita L Viloria-Larin","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9778","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9778","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;With the global population aging, there is an emerging need for access to quality long-term care (LTC) services. Many countries have developed LTC systems while others are at the infancy stage. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the country's readiness for LTC based on the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Specifically, it described the roles, initiatives, and challenges of relevant organizations and community leaders for LTC provision. It also described the older persons (OPs) and carers' perspectives towards LTC including their awareness, capacity, and preferences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The study utilized a descriptive design using qualitative methods of data collection namely key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participating institutions and their designated representatives were purposively sampled as key informants. OPs and carers from select barangays in NCR and Region IVA participated in the FGDs. Guided by the interpretivism approach, thematic analysis was performed. A trained research assistant coded the FGD and KII transcripts through the Nvivo PRO plus software and verified by the first author. Themes were reviewed and validated by the multidisciplinary team.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 15 KIIs and two FGDs were conducted. The participating institutions and organizations were found to have varied roles and initiatives relevant to LTC; from strategic planning, development of policies and standards of care, training and capacity-building, and up to the actual implementation of LTC services. Identified challenges include implementation issues, financial issues, lack of political and stakeholder support, OPs and familial issues, and lack of knowledge on LTC.Participants shared their description on what LTC is, an LTC facility, and the conditions of those in LTC facility. OPs expressed their willingness to utilize LTC services and identified several factors related to their preferred LTC arrangements. Carers identified various topics related to taking care of OPs that they would like to learn.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The roles, initiatives, and awareness of relevant stakeholders, older persons, and carers towards LTC were found to greatly vary. Policy makers, health workforce, families, communities, and the older persons themselves should have a better understanding of long-term care before they can provide or utilize the system. With the current landscape of LTC provision, the country still has a long way to go in achieving the integrated continuum of LTC appropriate to promote healthy aging. Promoting awareness, integrating LTC in the current programs and services for older persons in the country, capacitating the formal and non-formal caregivers, and strengthening collaborations are recommended.Further research on quantitative measures of readiness for long-term care with focus on the health system and in-depth s","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"21-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727359","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":"Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Community Pharmacists in Eastern Visayas towards Readiness to Provide Information Service on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Products.","authors":"Archie M Cabachete, Judah Israel O Lescano, Lorraine V Tagle, Micah M Areja, Elizabeth Y Tan, Gea Abigail U Ecoy, Florencio V Arce, Gerard Lee L See","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9085","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Community pharmacists are strategically positioned to dispense Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) products as part of their innate roles in the provision of accurate drug information to patients. This unique position of the pharmacist could be best realized if equipped with good knowledge and skills in regard to CAM products.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess the readiness of community pharmacists in the provision of CAM product-related information to patients by assessing the knowledge and determined the attitudes and practices of community pharmacists regarding CAM products in Eastern Visayas, Philippines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) survey design was utilized in this study. Community pharmacists (n=58) in Eastern Visayas, Philippines were the research participants in the study. The survey questionnaire constituted four sections: socio-demographic profile, attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists on CAM products. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results revealed that the majority of respondents are female (87.93%), age range in between 21-30 (62.07%), working full-time (79.31%), and bachelor's degree holder (98.28%). More than half of the participants (53.45%) did not receive any education or training on CAM products during undergraduate studies. Community pharmacists displayed strong positive attitudes (mean=3.74) and had a moderate frequency of practice on CAM products (mean=3.20). The knowledge test revealed that only a few of the community pharmacists (31.03%) were considered knowledgeable. A significant relationship between years of work experience in community pharmacy and knowledge was found in this study.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite having strong attitude and moderate level of practice, community pharmacists in Eastern Visayas showed a low level of knowledge on CAM products. Demand for CAM products by patients encouraged community pharmacists to dispense and provide information. Readiness of community pharmacists in terms of knowledge provision of CAM product-related information to patients were found to be insufficient while a moderate level of practice towards CAM products was reported. Community pharmacists displayed a strong positive attitude towards CAM products. Overall, the community pharmacists are not ready to provide CAM information service in the context of the knowledge, attitude, and practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 3","pages":"80-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727367","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}