ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major cause of health problem. The Philippines remains one of the highest TB burden countries and suffers health and socioeconomic consequences. Despite the major effort by the government, national reports have shown a decrease in notification rate and the existing gap in missing TB cases. Objective: This study was conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of tuberculosis control program and the health seeking behavior of the pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Tanauan, Leyte. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed involving 3 key leaders, and 7 health care providers. Through key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to purposively selected key leaders and healthcare providers. Thematic analysis was performed to interview data. Results: Qualitative findings relevant to strategies implemented to promote the implementation of NTP were presented according to service delivery, and access to medicine and technology. Six (6) themes were drawn from responses of the three key leaders while fifteen (15) themes were drawn from the healthcare workers emerging facilitators and barriers in the implementation of the national tuberculosis program. Conclusions: The study identified the importance of robust service delivery and accessible healthcare facilities on TB program. However, significant barriers exist that hinder effective TB control. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on improving medication supply, reducing stigma, and ensuring that all patients have the resources needed to complete their treatment successfully.

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 <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 (>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 <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.

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.

BACKGROUND: Public health nurses (PHNs) are a significant cadre of the primary healthcare workforce working toward achieving universal health care (UHC). Exploring their work activities is integral to understanding how UHC is implemented better. OBJECTIVES: To describe and explore the work activities, roles, and functions of the PHNs in rendering primary care services in the context of UHC. METHODS: Key informant interviews were conducted with 12 PHNs in Tarlac Province who were working with permanent status in their respective rural health units (RHUs) for at least 1 year. They were selected through selection criteria. Data were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis led to the emergence of 4 themes and 11 subthemes. The four themes were: (a) evolving scope and nature of work, (b) work challenges and barriers toward UHC implementation, (c) UHC outcomes, impact, and insights, and (d) communication and health promotion. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the importance of exploring the PHNs’ roles and functions, as it offers a window on how they fulfill their duties toward achieving the goals of UHC. From the viewpoint of the interviewed PHNs, several elements and issues need to be addressed. Consequently, some positive impact on their work activities and functions emerged. Their nature of work brought them professional development and fulfillment as they render primary care and value-driven services despite the challenges and struggles they encountered in public health.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent suicide is a serious public health challenge in the Philippines, with rates among 15–19 year olds increasing by 57% from 2019 to 2021. Although the Mental Health Act (RA 11036) and Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) require suicide prevention as the part of national health priorities, evidence-based interventions are still underused, especially in geographically isolated and underserved areas (GIDA). OBJECTIVE: This study systematically reviewed psychosocial suicide prevention interventions for adolescents aged 10–18 years and identified strategies for integrating them into the Philippine health system. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2015 and 2020 were conducted, including 20 randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. Interventions evaluated included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Motivational Interviewing, family therapy, and psychoeducation. Subgroup analyses examined intervention type, mode of delivery, and setting. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. RESULTS: Psychosocial interventions significantly decreased suicidal ideation, attempts, and deliberate self-harm (DSH). Moderate short to medium-term effects (Cohen’s d = 0.26–0.30) were observed, although benefits lessened over the longer follow-up periods. School-based programs and family-focused approaches yielded the strongest immediate results, while telehealth interventions showed potential for scalability in the resource limited and GIDA settings. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports integrating psychosocial interventions into Department of Education mental health initiatives, Department of Health adolescent services, and local government programs. To speed up RA 11036 and RA 11223 implementation, development managers should focus on scalable, culturally tailored methods, including digital platforms, to increase access and enhance the nation’s response to adolescent suicide.

Background: In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that about 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental health (MH) or substance use (SU) conditions [1]. However, there is a dearth of literature on the delivery of MH and SU services in Philippine schools and workplaces. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of MH and SU services in Philippine schools and workplaces. It also examined the level of institutional support, barriers, and stigma and discrimination for MH and SU. Methodology: Data was gathered in October 2022 using an online survey. The survey generated 262 respondents from all regions of the country. Schools represented 55% of respondents whereas 45% were from government and private workplaces. Results: Schools and workplaces report providing more services for MH compared to SU. They also have more budget for mental health compared to substance use. The most commonly provided services are prevention programs on stress with a greater percentage of schools providing this compared to workplaces. Majority of schools and workplaces do not have any screening or treatment programs for MH and SU. Barriers to service delivery include the lack of budget, personnel, and knowledge of what services to provide. Results showed moderate levels of stigma and discrimination, with attitudes towards substance users being more negative compared to those with MH issues. Conclusion: Despite national policies requiring MH and SU services in schools and workplaces, gaps in service delivery and institutional support hinder implementation. To improve service delivery, there is a need to strengthen resources, policy, leadership support and address stigma and discrimination.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the perceived barriers to online learning encountered by Filipino occupational therapy students (OT) amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Methodology: An electronic survey comprising multiple-choice questions, Likert scale assessments, and open-ended questions was disseminated among OT students across the Philippines. Statistical analysis involved the Chi-Square test to evaluate associations among variables. Results: A total of 161 responses were gathered, highlighting barriers faced by OT students in online learning. These included challenges such as physical and mental health issues, difficulties adapting to online learning styles, household responsibilities, and limited conducive study space. Additionally, an association was observed between internet connectivity types and speeds, and the encountered barriers. Conclusion: Findings underscore the significant hurdles experienced by OT students in online learning. As educational platforms increasingly adopt online modalities, there is a need to apply an occupational perspective in crafting strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating these barriers. However, considering the limitations identified, particularly regarding the development of practical skills and the importance of social interaction, a hybrid learning approach that merges the flexibility of online learning with the irreplaceable benefits of classroom-based instruction emerges as a promising solution. This study's insights provide valuable guidance for higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop and implement such hybrid models, ultimately enhancing support mechanisms for OT practice-based teaching and learning, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.

Unrecognized gender issues in TB prevention and management in the community and the resulting lack of mechanisms to address these poses as barrier in the success of TB control. Results from two projects on gender responsiveness in TB prevention and management in the community conducted in 2020-2023 contributed to the development of a checklist that can be used as guide to make TB control measures gender-responsive. The checklist used the basic elements of a public health program as framework. This was enhanced by measures to address gender issues which surfaced from KAP community surveys on TB and Gender, in-depth interviews of TB program implementers, and FGDs with women and men who had lived with TB, including their families.

Background: The enactment of the Philippine Universal Health Care (UHC) Act mandates the formation of Integrated Health Care Provider Networks (IHCPN), linking hospitals and health facilities, which includes government and privately-owned primary care providers. While hospitals and some health facilities are already under government regulation, primary care providers have not been subjected to formal licensing requirements. In this changing service delivery model, the possible impact of three regulatory policy options being considered need to be assessed according to the goal of ensuring that health services remain affordable and are of high quality. Methodology: A multi-method approach to regulatory impact analysis (RIA) systematically assessed three regulatory options: 1) one Department of Health (DOH) license per hospital and health facility (status quo); 2) one DOH license for all public hospitals and health facilities within an IHCPN and another for individual private hospitals and health facilities; and 3) one DOH license per individual hospital and health facility, and one DOH certification issued to individual hospitals and health facilities as part of an IHCPN. Information from literature, documents, focus group discussions, and cost analyses were triangulated. Results: Regulators are faced with two main risks : there is no standard for networked health care delivery that could provide a foundation for regulation, and provider participation is voluntary, which could lower the interest of private providers to integrate. The three regulatory options considered these risks. Option 1 requires the least change in regulatory policy, but is expected to increase costs to regulators due to the expansion of licensing and enforcement work covering primary care providers. Option 2 requires the most change in regulatory policy, but may be the least expensive to enforce, especially if all facilities join a network. This can also be preferred in a setting with existing interlocal health zones, and participation in the network by private providers poses the most challenge. Option 3 is a tiered regulatory set up that projects the highest cost to regulators as a result of both establishing new certification standards and guidelines on top of a wider scope for enforcement. Conclusion: This is the first RIA conducted for the Philippine health system, with challenges similar to those experienced in developing countries. Across the three pre-determined regulatory models, the least costly option may not be the easiest to mount and enforce. Implementability appears to be a stronger consideration which seems to be hinged to the option requiring incremental rather than large form of changes.