University of the Philippines Manila

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a leading cause of visual impairment globally. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine clinical care, including regular intravitreal therapy (IVT) for DMO. This study analysed real-world data from patients whose treatments were deferred due to the pandemic 18 months post-disruption. Patients scheduled for initiation or continuation of aflibercept IVT for DMO at a single centre during the March 2020 lockdown were identified and recruited. Clinical data were collected from January 2019 until September 2021. The primary outcome was best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final visit and its predictive factors. A total of 416 eyes from 416 patients were included (random eye/patient). The mean interval between injections increased significantly during the pandemic, with worsening of mean logMAR BCVA [55 days in 2019 (range 25-302), BCVA 0.36; 86 days in 2020 (range 21-681), BCVA 0.41; and 84 days in 2021 (range 24-885), BCVA 0.45]. However, there was no significant difference when comparing mean BCVA at baseline (0.42 ± 0.3) and final visit (0.41 ± 0.3). Significant predictors of final BCVA included baseline BCVA (0.059 logMAR increase per 0.1 logMAR baseline increase, p < 0.001), follow-up duration (0.038 logMAR increase per additional 6 months, p < 0.001), age at baseline (0.037 logMAR increase per decade, p = 0.001), and ethnicity (White ethnicity had 0.061 logMAR better BCVA compared to non-White groups, p = 0.04). Extended intervals between aflibercept injections during COVID-19 did not independently predict worse visual outcomes. Baseline BCVA, age, and ethnicity were significant predictive factors.

Abstract Background: Schistosomiasis has long been endemic in South Cotabato. Fourteen barangays in Koronadal City and Tantangan, covering over 82,000 people at risk, had received more than a decade of mass drug administration with praziquantel when a focal prevalence survey was conducted in 2016. The survey aimed to update local prevalence estimates, document other helminth infections, and assess the Kato–Katz technique. National data since then have shown declining prevalence in many endemic areas, although persistent animal reservoirs continue to be reported. As the Department of Health pursues transmission interruption by 2025, reporting the 2016 findings remains important for assessing progress and guiding elimination strategies. Methods: Individuals aged 5-65 years from households selected through stratified cluster sampling were invited to submit stool specimens. Local medical technologists were recruited and trained to conduct parasitologic assessment using Kato-katz technique. Each specimen from the 4,387 samples (2,344 from Koronadal and 2,043 from Tantangan) was tested for the presence of Schistosoma japonicum , soil-transmitted helminths, and other intestinal parasite ova. The sensitivity of the field testing was determined through validation of the slides by reference microscopists of the College of Public Health/National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila. Results: No schistosomiasis cases were detected in Koronadal City. In Tantangan, nine cases were identified in four barangays, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.6 per 1,000 population (95% CI: 1.7–7.8 per 1,000). After adjustment for sampling weights and non-response, the combined prevalence for both municipalities was 0.098%. One barangay, New Lambunao (1.87%), exceeded the &lt;1% near-elimination threshold. Eight infections were of light intensity and one was moderate; no heavy-intensity infections were detected. Soil-transmitted helminths were also identified, with Ascaris lumbricoides (7.29%) being most prevalent. Validation showed high specificity (&gt;98%) and sensitivity of 88.9% for schistosomiasis. Conclusion: The 2016 focal survey demonstrated very low schistosomiasis prevalence in South Cotabato following long-term MDT, with most endemic barangays meeting the &lt;1% near-elimination threshold. However, given the limitations of Kato–Katz in low-intensity settings and the potential influence of post-treatment timing on egg detection, updated focal surveys incorporating more sensitive diagnostic tools are recommended. Strengthened surveillance, integrated helminth control, and a One Health approach will be essential to verify transmission status and guide decisions on sustaining or modifying MDA as the country works toward its 2025 elimination goal.

Abstract Introduction: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for colorectal cancer, but it often leads to adverse effects, including chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID), which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life and treatment adherence. Probiotics have emerged as a potential intervention to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects during chemotherapy. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of the prevention of chemotherapy induced diarrhea by giving supplemental probiotics in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials was conducted with colorectal cancer patients receiving any form of systemic chemotherapy and are taking supplemental probiotics. The effect of probiotics on the severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea was determined. Results: The study overall showed a significant difference in those who are undergoing probiotic supplementation as compared to a placebo group in terms of manifestation of diarrhea, which is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. However, in terms of clinically severe diarrhea (grade 3-4 based on CTCAE), there was no significant difference in the placebo and experimental group. Discussion: The use of probiotics shows promise as a preventive strategy for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal cancer. These findings support the incorporation of probiotics into the supportive care regimen for these patients, potentially enhancing treatment tolerance and quality of life. Further research is warranted to explore the specific strains and dosing regimens that may offer the most benefit.

This qualitative study examined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other minoritized sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA+) primary care in Manila using a lens of minority stress theory within a social-ecological model. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and policy document analysis identified needs, barriers, and policy/institutional determinants. Unmet needs in mental health, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/sexual transmitted infections (STI) care, and gender-affirming care were analyzed. Individually, internalized stigma, anticipated discrimination, misinformation, and financial constraints discouraged disclosure and timely care. Interpersonally, family acceptance facilitated use, whereas rejection and peer-circulated misinformation impeded it. Institutionally, provider bias, limited LGBTQIA+ competency, confidentiality breaches, and recurring stock-outs constrained equitable access. Community organizations and informal networks bridged gaps but faced unstable funding and oversight. At the policy level, weak legal protections, decentralized governance, and financing gaps produced variable access and limited coverage for LGBTQIA+-relevant services. The analysis clarifies cross-level pathways by which policy ambiguity and institutional deficits amplify interpersonal and individual stressors. It specifies practical components of gender-affirming care in primary care-respectful identity practices, privacy-preserving records, and structured counseling/referral for gender-affirming hormone therapy. Recommended actions include mandatory provider training, stronger privacy safeguards, routine sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC)-disaggregated data, sustainable contracting with community groups, integrated mental health/HIV/sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) pathways, and financing reforms. Limitations include single-city scope, recruitment through service-linked channels, and a qualitative, cross-sectional design.

Background. Continuing Medical Education (CME) serves as a cornerstone for maintaining clinical competence and improving patient care. In the Philippines, CME has become increasingly digital, with the UP Med Webinars emerging as a leading platform for physician education over the past decade. Despite this growth, there has been limited evaluation of how well these webinars align with national health priorities, particularly those reflected in PhilHealth hospital admissions and claims data, which provide insights into the country's disease burden and healthcare utilization patterns. Objectives. This study aimed to determine the extent to which the topics and reach of UP Med Webinars correspond with the Philippine health system’s most pressing clinical demands. Specifically, it aimed to analyze the trend in number of webinars by year; analyze the distribution of webinar topics by medical field; assess physician attendance as a proxy for clinical interest and engagement; evaluate the alignment between UP Med Webinar content and national health priorities based on PhilHealth’s top conditions, procedures, and reimbursed claims. Methods. The study used a qualitative content analysis of all Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited UP Med Webinars from 2015 to 2024, supported by descriptive statistics. Webinar titles were coded thematically and categorized by topic and medical field. Attendance figures were analyzed to identify high-demand topics. These results were compared with PhilHealth Claims Reports (2020–2024), focusing on the top reimbursed medical diagnoses and procedures, to assess alignment with disease burden and health service delivery trends. These findings can help inform strategic planning for CME programs to ensure they remain responsive to the country's evolving public health needs. Results. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 686 CPDaccredited UP Med Webinars were conducted, attended by 685,994 participants. The annual number of webinars and attendees steadily increased, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) with heightened demand for virtual CME and pandemic-related topics. Internal Medicine consistently emerged as the most frequently covered field, accounting for 54.1% of webinars and 48.8% of total attendance, followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology (14.4% of webinars; 19.6% of attendance) and Pharmacotherapeutics (6.0% of webinars; 6.9% of attendance). Certain fields, including COVID-19 and Psychiatry, attracted disproportionately high attendance despite fewer sessions, indicating strong interest during periods of public health urgency. The top 10 webinar topics included Diabetes, Pregnancy, Cancer, Hypertension, Reproductive Health, COVID-19, Heart Disease, Antimicrobial Treatment, Vertigo, and Vaccination, reflecting a mix of chronic disease management, maternal health, infectious diseases, and emergent health concerns. Comparison with PhilHealth claims data (2020– 2024) revealed a high disease burden in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics, with top medical conditions including Pneumonia, Dengue, Hypertensive emergencies, and Stroke. These findings indicate a strong alignment between the most covered webinar topics and national healthcare utilization trends, particularly in high-burden clinical areas. Conclusion. Findings suggest that the UP Med Webinars have generally aligned with national health priorities, as indicated by PhilHealth claims data, particularly in highburden fields such as Internal Medicine and Obstetrics. However, gaps in coverage for certain high-priority conditions and procedures point to opportunities for more inclusive and data-driven CME planning. Aligning CME content with evolving health system needs can enhance its relevance, support clinical practice improvements, and ultimately contribute to better population health outcomes in the Philippines.

ABSTRACT Background: The infodemic is characterized by an influx of misinformation and disinformation regarding COVID-19, which is primarily spread in social media platforms such as Facebook. In order to combat the effects of the infodemic, eHealth literacy of users enables them to properly access, understand, and utilize online health information. Objective: This study aims to determine the level of eHealth literacy among Filipino Facebook users aged 18-24, and understand how they use Facebook to get health information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study utilized a concurrent mixed methods approach through online surveys, KIIs, and FGDs. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed that Filipino Facebook users aged 18-24 have high eHealth literacy scores. Moreover, monthly household income and educational attainment were significantly related to eHealth literacy. For qualitative results, despite being aware of rampant health misinformation and disinformation, respondents believe that Facebook is an important tool to get health information primarily because it is free and accessible, and a lot of government agencies also disseminate information on Facebook. Conclusion: Social media platforms, such as Facebook, remain an important source of open-access health information for Filipinos especially when alternative sources are limited. However, it is important to increase eHealth literacy to avoid spread of health misinformation and disinformation spreading in these platforms.

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis remains one of the most distressing complications in pediatric oncology, causing severe pain, malnutrition, and interruptions in treatment. Nurses play a pivotal role not only in clinical management but also in supporting and empowering parents, particularly mothers, as primary caregivers. However, little is known about nurses' lived experiences and their perceived needs in empowering parents to manage mucositis effectively. This study aimed to explore pediatric oncology nurses' experiences and perceived needs in managing mucositis and engaging mothers in the care process. The findings were used to develop a Mother Empowerment Model for mucositis management, grounded in the principles of family-centered and empowerment-oriented nursing care. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with 21 pediatric oncology nurses from two tertiary hospitals in West Java, Indonesia, for pediatric cancer care. Data were collected through four focus group discussions (FGDs) and were analyzed by content analysis. Trustworthiness was established through member checking, peer debriefing, and data triangulation. Four main themes emerged: (1) increased caregiving burden when caring for children with mucositis, (2) the need for comprehensive mucositis management, (3) strengthening maternal empowerment in mucositis management, and (4) the need for enhanced educational strategies for mothers. The findings revealed that nurses often face emotional and physical burden in caring for children with mucositis, while recognizing mothers as key partners in care. The study developed a Mother Empowerment Model comprising four interrelated domains: knowledge, skills, motivation, and collaboration, implemented through a cyclical process of assessment, education, reinforcement, and evaluation. These findings contribute to the theoretical basis for developing an empowerment-based nursing model in pediatric oncology. The empowerment-based model highlights the nurse's central role in guiding, training, and motivating parents to become confident caregivers. Integrating culturally sensitive education, emotional support, and digital follow-up strengthens nurse-parent partnerships and enhances family competence in mucositis management. Applying this model may improve adherence, reduce mucositis severity, and promote a better quality of life for both children and families.

Hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although effective antihypertensive therapies are available, sustained blood pressure control remains suboptimal due to inconsistent medication use. Most adherence research is quantitative and offers limited understanding of how individuals interpret lifelong treatment within daily life, particularly in culturally grounded contexts. To explore the lived experiences of Filipino adults taking antihypertensive medication. A qualitative study grounded in Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology was conducted. Ten Filipino adults diagnosed with hypertension were purposively recruited from outpatient clinics in Manila, Philippines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the six-step IPA framework. Analysis revealed six interconnected themes describing how participants interpreted and sustained medication use: (1) Diagnosis as Disruption; (2) Medication as Protection and Responsibility; (3) The Paradox of the Silent Illness; (4) Everyday Barriers to Sustained Treatment; (5) Constructing Routine and Adaptive Self-Management; and (6) Family as Anchor within Cultural Contexts. These themes reflected emotional adjustment, symptom-driven adherence, financial and work-related barriers, adaptive coping strategies, and strong family-centered motivation. Medication-taking was experienced as an ongoing negotiation shaped by bodily cues, daily demands, and relational obligations. Conclusion: Antihypertensive medication use is shaped by relational, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts, underscoring the need for family-inclusive and culturally responsive hypertension care.