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The development of efficient and reliable online assessments has become increasingly important in the digital era. We developed a 10-min online word reading assessment of global English based on the existing paper-and-pencil version of our English silent word reading test. The test includes two parts, namely, random word recognition and contextual word reading. A total of 889 participants (437 children and 392 adults; 62.7% female) took part in the study. They were from various regions including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Poland, the United States, and the Philippines. Reliability and validity analyses on various demographics samples (by age and country/region of origin) demonstrated that the WordSword Test is highly reliable and valid (e.g., the correlation of this test with other English reading measures were above.80). Education level was positively correlated with test performance, while the correlations between age and test performance were not consistent. Ninety-seven children participants also took the paper-and-pencil version of the WordSword Test. The correlation between performances on the online and paper-and-pencil versions of the test was.879, one year apart. With more children and adults taking the WordSword Test, we ultimately hope to establish norms by area, grade level, and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfiuoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on paper packaging resist water and oil to effectively contain food and beverages. However, previous studies have established correlations between PFAS and several diseases including COVID-19, cancers, and obesity. The goal of this collaborative research between the Philippines and Singapore is to set a baseline for PFAS levels in local packaging with the intended outcome of further increasing awareness on these contaminants in Southeast Asia, providing a starting point for migration experiments and risk assessments on PFAS in commercially-available food contact materials and articles, and initiating policy developments on these substances in the Philippines. In this study, 15 different types of PFAS were analyzed in selected paper packaging used by major quick service restaurants (QSRs) in Metro Manila. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), PFAS was detected in 100% of the samples with a total PFAS concentration range of 8.20-97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm². The highest amount of PFAS compound measured across all samples was PF-3,7-DMOA (89.8 ng/100 cm²). PFAS compounds regulated in European packaging such as PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA and PFDA were also detected in all samples but at trace levels. Paper wrappers for rice and small burgers were found to have the highest total PFAS of 97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm². This value translates to approximately 65.1 ng F/100 cm² which is way below 10,000 ng F/100 cm², the currently existing limit for PFAS in packaging set by the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food. While each packaging may be deemed safe compared to regulation, the compounded effects brought by use of multiple packaging, and high frequency and long-term exposures require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing interest in using verbal autopsy to produce nationally representative populationlevel estimates of causes of death. However, the burden of processing a large quantity of surveys collected with paper and pencil has been a barrier to scaling up verbal autopsy surveillance. Direct electronic data capture has been used in other large-scale surveys and can be used in verbal autopsy as well, to reduce time and cost of going from collected data to actionable information. Methods: We collected verbal autopsy interviews using paper and pencil and using electronic tablets at two sites, and measured the cost and time required to process the surveys for analysis. From these cost and time data, we extrapolated costs associated with conducting large-scale surveillance with verbal autopsy. Results: We found that the median time between data collection and data entry for surveys collected on paper and pencil was approximately 3 months. For surveys collected on electronic tablets, this was less than 2 days. For small-scale surveys, we found that the upfront costs of purchasing electronic tablets was the primary cost and resulted in a higher total cost. For large-scale surveys, the costs associated with data entry exceeded the cost of the tablets, so electronic data capture provides both a quicker and cheaper method of data collection. Conclusions: As countries increase verbal autopsy surveillance, it is important to consider the best way to design sustainable systems for data collection. Electronic data capture has the potential to greatly reduce the time and costs associated with data collection. For long-term, large-scale surveillance required by national vital statistical systems, electronic data capture reduces costs and allows data to be available sooner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to develop a model to help parents cope with decisional conflict. Background: Parents of children with congenital heart defect experience decisional conflict when they are uncertain about treatment decisions for their child, which may lead to delay in seeking care or distress over the decision made. Design: Correlational design with model building and data triangulation was used. Methods: Data were collected through surveys and interviews with a consecutive sample of 221 parent respondents from June to December 2018. Structural equation modelling and qualitative data analysis were used. Results: Lower decisional conflict was seen in parents with higher income, more nurse support and physician risk communication. Time delay for surgery was correlated with the child's age, social service coverage, and social support. Decisional conflict mediated the influence of income, nurse support and physician risk communication on satisfaction with decision. Based on model fit parameters, the emerging model is a good and parsimonious model of decisional conflict. The overall theme, 'Deciding for Surgery: What Matters Most', described the processes parents went through in making treatment decisions. Conclusion: Nurses may help parents feel more certain, less conflicted, and more satisfied with their decision by addressing factors including knowledge gaps, personal values, available support, and resource access. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Decisional conflict occurs when parents are uncertain of the best action for their child because treatment options entail risks for undesirable outcomes, value compromise, unclear prognosis, or anticipated regret over the decision.Professional support, information, and communication are vital to parents' decision‐making process.Child, parent, and support factors may influence parent treatment decisions in varied paediatric conditions. What this paper adds? Child's age at the time of decision‐making had an effect on the delay in surgery. However, assisting parents to weigh their options and focus on personal values allowed them to make their treatment decision.Low income, costly health services, and bureaucratic processes impeded the timely availment of surgery. Healthcare reforms that provide a system of government funding, streamlined health structure, and social insurance may be looked into.Family support weighed in on the parents' decision to delay surgery for fear of blame or guilt. Providing relevant information enabled parents to make a choice and stand by their decision regardless of the outcome. The implications of this paper: Modelling provides a framework to identify which factors are more important and how they interact to affect decision‐making. It may be used as an approach to find solutions to clinical problems for groups with different diagnoses.Though nursing support, information, and communication are essential, a more holistic family nursing care approach may be considered to assist parents to make appropriate treatment decisions for their child.Familiarity with the healthcare system may equip nurses to aid parents in processing available healthcare funding and dealing with financial uncertainty affecting decisions for their child's treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines is a source of labor for many countries. Roughly 10 million overseas Filipinos are working and living outside of the Philippines. This paper examines the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, and income) and self-rated physical and mental health, access to healthcare, and health habits among immigrant Filipinos living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Through convenience sampling, Filipino migrants (n = 103) aged 18 years and above participated in the online survey between October 2022 and March 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square. Almost all respondents self-rated their health as excellent and very good. Female respondents are more affected by mental health. Most are enrolled in the Universal Health System of Spain (public insurance). There is more utilization of private health insurance among respondents aged 60 years and above and high-wage earners. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with males. More than half of the respondents perform weekly exercise occasionally or never. These findings suggest a potential need for targeted interventions with an emphasis on the practice of preventive health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially among financially disadvantaged migrants with lesser health access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine key obligations of states to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the right to health framework in the context of COVID-19. As a case study, it also describes the state of health in places of detention in the Philippines during the pandemic, with an end view of providing granular recommendations for prison policy reforms. Design/methodology/approach: Relevant rules under international human rights law related to places of detention were thematically analyzed to articulate the scope of the right to health of PDLs. To describe the state of places of detention in the Philippines, this paper relied on archival research of news from selected local mainstream and specialized media. Findings: The right to health framework provides a foundation for the response to COVID-19 in places of detention. Key concerns include increase in the number of infections, vulnerabilities in physical and mental health, and the spread of infection among correctional staff. Long-standing structural constraints and limited health information compound the threat of COVID-19. The Philippines must comply with its human rights obligations to PDLs to effectively address COVID-19-related concerns. Practical implications: Policy reforms in Philippine places of detention must include application of community standards on physical and mental health, implementation of emergency release and application of non-custodial measures for long-term prison decongestion. Originality/value: This is one of the few papers to analyze human rights in health care in places of detention during a pandemic, as nuanced in the context of the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most commonly used tools by clinicians to identify cases of anxiety and depression in medically ill patients is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, or the HADS Filipino version. However, there were some "gray areas" with its use, particularly for those who are in the non-psychiatric setting. Some translated items may pertain to something else which could influence patients' responses. Furthermore, local studies showed differences in the conception, understanding, and expression of depression unique to Filipino culture and could be potentially missed during the assessment. This paper determined the validity and reliability of the Anxiety and Depression Symptom Assessment Guide or ADSA to a sample of 91 adult cardiac Filipino patients in the in-patient setting. In addition to the 29-item ADSA tool that was generated from HADS, the review of literature and other sources was also reviewed by experts from two rounds of Delphi Survey. It was written in a yes-or-no format and available in both English and Filipino versions. The tool was tested for internal consistency, intra-class and inter-item reliability. Another test used was criterion-based validity utilizing HADS to identify cases of anxiety and depression. The results showed that ADSA is highly reliable with Cronbach's alpha of 0.97, poor-to-moderate intra-class correlation (0.670 for anxiety, 0.440 for depression), and consistent/acceptable interitem correlation (0.528 for anxiety, 0.382). Both HADS and ADSA were positively correlated with correlation coefficients of 0.667 and 0.391 (p-value<0.5) for anxiety and depression respectively. Using a cut-off score of 5, ADSA has moderate sensitivity and specificity of 72.5% and 78.4% for anxiety, and 66.7% and 64.3% for depression. Further research is needed to strengthen ADSA's validity by increasing the sample size and the multi-center sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the specific roles of men and women at various phases of fishing activity. There were a total of 266 fisher respondents randomly selected from six identified fishing sites in Leyte, Philippines. Data were gathered through face-to-face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test were carried out to analyze the primary data gathered. Based on the findings, men primarily take part in decision makings pertaining to fishing activity such as fishing time, place, and quantity of fish catch to sell. They also are the in-charge in the preparation of the fishing paraphernalia and the ones who sell and bring the fish catch to their preferred marketing outlets. Meanwhile, women played vital roles in cooking the food for fishing activity and the ones who compute, record and keep the earnings from fishing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines continues to produce globally competitive nursing graduates. However, it performs poorly in international standards for quality education in nursing. This paper investigates the objective parameters of quality assurance: Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accreditation, Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) licensure examinations, and other international and local standards to measure the quality of nursing education inputs and outputs. Results showed an accreditation rate of 3% for nursing programs, less than the national average of 10% for all programs across all professions (CHED 2018; CHED n.d. -a; CHED n.d. -b). Some highly regarded programs have advanced to Level IV (seven baccalaureate programs and two master's programs). Although there is a link between graduates' performance and effective instruction and sound evaluation in university procedures (Amanonce & Maramag, 2020), written board exams cannot assess some performance indicators to determine if a student has met program objectives. Although the country has produced globally competitive nursing graduates, steps must be taken to improve the program's compatibility with the concept of globalization. Strategies should be aimed at performance indicators in a global nursing education and profession landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triumph of vaccination programs requires the modification of human behavior, which in turn, needs an understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding vaccine and vaccination. This paper aimed to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination KAPs of the teachers. Following a quantitative correlation research design, 2272 K to 12 teachers from Mindanao, Philippines were surveyed using an adapted instrument. The data collected were treated using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test for independent samples, ANOVA, Point Biserial Correlation, and Pearson r. The result shows that most teachers perceive themselves as knowledgeable, possess desirable attitudes, and demonstrate favorable practices toward COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination. It was further found that COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination knowledge significantly differed across gender while both attitudes and practices significantly differed across age, gender, monthly income, and teaching experience. Hence, future policies and measures to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices should be developed targeting samples with these characteristics. Lastly, the result reveals that COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination knowledge influence attitudes and practices. Thus, to increase desirable attitudes and favorable practices, government officials and concerned groups must promote COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Challenges in the nurse practice environment greatly affect nurse work outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between nurse practice environment and work outcomes in the Philippines. Methods: This cross‐sectional survey involved 549 hospital nurses in the Philippines in 2018. The nurse practice environment was measured using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES‐NWI). Four self‐report scales were used to measure work outcomes: job satisfaction, job burnout, job stress and nurse‐assessed quality of care. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Significant relationships were found between nurse and organizational characteristics and nurse practice environment. Further, multivariate regression analysis revealed that the nurse practice environment had a significant and positive relationship with perceived quality of care and a significant and negative relationship with job burnout and job stress. Conclusion: A favourable work environment significantly reduced job burnout and job stress and improved the quality of patient care. With considerable migration abroad, a favourable nurse practice environment may engage a better nurse workforce in the country and subsequently reduce migration. Managers must focus on developing good nurse practice environments that will improve professional work outcomes and quality patient care. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about the topic? The nurse practice environment in hospital settings comprises nurse participation in hospital affairs; nurse foundation for quality care; nurse manager ability, leadership and support for nurses; staffing and resource adequacy; and collegial nurse–physician relations.For many years, substantial numbers of Filipino nurses have migrated abroad seeking a better practice environment with better professional and personal development opportunities. What this paper adds? Similar to many international studies, the data analysis supports certain elements of the nurse practice environment being significantly related to better work outcomes.Collegial nurse–physician relations and nurse participation in hospital affairs were negatively related to nurse level of job burnout. Staffing and resource adequacy and the overall perceptions the of nurse practice environment were negatively related to both job burnout and job stress.Overall, the nurse practice environment was predicted by personal characteristics (years of nursing and highest educational attainment) as well as organizational factors (location of work, type of hospital and hospital bed capacity).A favourable nurse practice environment affects the quality of patient care; however, it had no relationship with job satisfaction among nurses. The implications of this paper: A favourable nurse practice environment may result in reduced job stress and job burnout among nurses. Considering the substantial migration of Filipino nurses abroad, improving the nurse practice environment and associated work outcomes may be used as a strategy to encourage Filipino nurses to remain in the country to work and serve sick and needy Filipinos.Health‐care managers must consider professional and organizational factors that improve the work environment for nurses. Promoting professional advancement and career development for nurses may enhance the nurse practice environment.The challenges of an unfavourable nurse practice environment need to be addressed through coordinated efforts of government agencies, policymakers, nurse organizations and hospital administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is a global health issue and is also regarded as one of the major public health concerns in the Philippines. Presented in this paper is the application of a geographic information system (GIS) in mapping dengue cases in Baguio City. A descriptive research design was utilized and mapped dengue cases were reconciled with environmental correlates such as land cover, housing information (independent, mixed, or interconnected), hydrology (water bodies and canals), urbanization level (urban or rural), elevation, soil, and land surface temperature. Moreover, demographic factors and practices were utilized for further analysis. Results show that interconnected housing, urbanization, land surface temperature, hydrology, and population density are predictors of dengue cases in Baguio City with the predictive power of 0.3810 (strong), 0.3426 (strong), 0.2509 (medium), 0.1675 (medium), and 0.1323 (medium), respectively. In the context of dengue, several data gaps in health information systems exist. Although the Manual of Procedures for the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) published by the Department of Health (DOH) of 2014 provides a detailed guide in the management and surveillance of communicable disease, the use of GIS was noted to be unspecified. Using GIS provides the possibility of harmonizing several data sets to better inform policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achievement of Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines requires capable health workers who can navigate changes and lead in the local implementation of health system reforms. Public health nurses are in a strategic position to lead in UHC implementation as they constitute the largest cadre of health workers in the public health setting, and core concepts of UHC intersect with principles of public health nursing practice. This paper aims to describe the development and implementation of a leadership training program for public health nurses in the Philippines, in response to UHC. Document reviews of training reports and evaluations, including course site data analytics, and evaluation of the training program were done for the four cohorts of the course. The University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing, with support from the Department of Health, responded to the increased demand of the Philippine health system for public health nurses with strong foundations and advanced skills by designing and offering a leadership development course specific to PHNs. From November 2019 to March 2022, a total of 183 participants from 17 regions completed the training. With the COVID-19 pandemic and dynamic changes in governance, the experiences of the project highlighted the need for flexibility in delivering the training program, updating module contents according to the latest developments, and improving course duration and evaluation. Barriers to course engagement and completion must be addressed for PHNs, their workplaces, clients, and the health system to benefit the most from the training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: explore thoughts and feelings of children on COVID-19, find out how they cope, and what they did during lockdown. It was total lockdown in Luzon, Philippines, April 2020 – when survey was conducted; pre-tested open-end questionnaire was administered to children who answered either by paper and pen, or through social media, with parents' cooperation. Participants: 200 boys and girls, 6-12 years old, public and private schools in NCR-Luzon. Results: Participants heard COVID-19, pandemic and lock down from media and family; described as deadly, dangerous, contagious, world-wide, death-causing virus; about 90% expressed sadness, fear, boredom, anger, disappointments and difficult time; employed self-enhanced coping mechanisms, and engaged in hobbies and interests to assuage thoughts and feelings; family appeared as saving grace. Recommendations: develop strategies to assist children during critical events; studies – find out effects of pandemic on participants' health; visit participants after two years to find out reminiscence of pandemic experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The numbers of children in conflict with the law continue to rise in Asia, yet few studies have been conducted regarding factors associated with it. It has been theorized that children with conduct disorder represent majority of children in conflict with the law, and that poor moral competence mediates the association between conduct disorder and antisocial behavior. This study aimed to present a profile of Filipino children in conflict with the law, determine the prevalence of conduct disorder in the sample, and investigate variables associated with conduct disorder. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study conducted at a conflict with the law Custodial Care Center in the Philippines. The procedure entailed a diagnostic interview and questionnaire administration conducted by psychiatrists. Questionnaires administered included the Moral Competence Test and Parental Warmth and Acceptance Scale. Statistical analyses of data included descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and independent t tests. SPSS v.23.0 was used for data encoding and analysis. Results: Twenty‐three participants were included in the study, with 10 participants with conduct disorder and 13 controls. Majority were male adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Conduct disorder was associated with commission of multiple violations, particularly theft and homicide, the presence of a substance use disorder, and a history of abuse. Participants with conduct disorder had lower moral competence levels compared to participants without conduct disorder. Conclusion: Conduct disorder was associated with high‐risk antisocial behavior and lower levels of moral competence. This paper examines the relationship between moral competence and conduct disorder among Filipino children in conflict with the law. Aside from the association found between low moral competence and conduct disorder, other associations uncovered in this study include the relationship between conduct disorder and the presence of substance use as a dual diagnosis and history of child abuse. As of the time of publication, this is the first paper of its kind to have been conducted in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global COVID-19 crisis disrupted education systems around the world. With the call for vaccination as a crucial step toward educational recovery, it is important to study the intentions of teachers to vaccinate against COVID-19. Thus, this article aimed to examine the intentions of Filipino teachers to vaccinate against COVID-19. A sample of 1070 K to 12 teachers from Mindanao, Philippines participated in the online survey. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that a large majority of the teachers are uncertain about whether they will vaccinate against COVID-19 or not. When looking into the underlying reasons, they expressed that they do not have enough knowledge about the vaccine and are concerned about its potential side effects. The results further revealed that gender, monthly income, and educational attainment were significantly associated with the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Lastly, it was found out that a low level of barriers significantly predicted the intention of the teachers to vaccinate against COVID-19. Considering these results, this paper underscores the need for concerned authorities to strategically focus on addressing the persistence of hesitancy by campaigning for vaccine literacy and information resilience so that teachers will vaccinate when appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide insights into how teachers can sustain ICT integration practices in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. A mixed-method case study design was used for the study. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, classroom observation, and document examination. Qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. For data validity, triangulation of responses and member checking was carried out. The study identified successful technology integration factors in geographically isolated and disadvantaged schools: a strong community of practice, an adequate support system, and contextual ICT integration practices. It suggests that teachers' pedagogical practices related to ICT toned to undergo a continuous process of review and reflection to ensure that ICT-related practices remain pedagogically effective and relevant to changing needs and contexts. The account of the teachers in this study, focusing on their teaching experiences in a school in a remote, low-income area, creates a paradigm for comparative research on education in challenging contexts. Comparative studies on ICT integration practices in poverty-stricken, post-disaster, and conflict-affected areas, could provide inputs for formulating context-specific policy recommendations that could support successful ICT integration in small rural schools in the Philippines and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the quality of social relationships of older Filipino church members by determining their perceptions of support and non-support in their social network.Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews was utilized. A purposive sample of six Filipino older adults (ages 60-89) were invited and agreed to participate in the study.Findings The themes found in the study confirmed the types of support outlined in social convoy theory. Several unique nuances in the types of support and non-support between the interactions of older adult Filipinos with people very close to them, somewhat close to them, and merely acquainted with them were identified. The themes of support include instrumental support, emotional care, social connectedness, and companionship during engagement in activities. Themes characterising lack of support include disrespect and lack of understanding, constraining one’s actions, helplessness in responding to the other’s needs, non-dependability and non-reliability, difficulty in maintaining social connections, making it difficult to play a desired or expected role.Research limitations/implications The study’s limitations are the small sample size, the quality of support explored only through nominating two members of each level of closeness in the older adults’ social convoy, sample size adequacy to reach data saturation, and the lack of data on support reciprocity that may influence the respondents’ perceptions of support and non-support.Practical implications The findings of the paper point to possible interventions to improve social support for the older population. The road map for those interested in developing interventions should also put some emphasis on older adults’ needs in their continued societal engagement. Interventions may involve facilitating role transitions and providing social support systems attuned to the needs of the elderly.Social implications The authors speculate that this lack of support experienced by the older adults relates to the loss of societal roles, especially as this relates to their identity, meaning, and changes in social interactions within their communities. It is therefore important that interventions be planned to provide structures for older adults’ transitions in their re-engagement in society and into the work-force, thereby reducing this sense of role ambiguity and providing them with more positive identities in their communities.Originality/value The results suggest another form of support distinct from the emotional and instrumental support elaborated in previous work. This support is identified as companionship from within the social network that allows older adults to sustain engagement in meaningful activities. The study’s results further suggest a lack of clarity in societal roles, i.e. a sense of role ambiguity, which older adults may experience in the transitioning from adulthood to later adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Educating women regarding breast cancer and increasing breast self‐examination uptake continues to remain a major challenge despite the intensive campaigns. An innovative, cost‐effective and easily customised intervention is needed especially in under‐resourced and hard to reach communities. This paper is a report examining the effects of mobile text messaging on women's knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, BSE self‐efficacy and frequency of BSE. Methods: A randomised controlled trial design was used. The study sample consisted of 128 women of reproductive age (WRA) (64 in the experimental group and 64 in the control group) from two communities in the Philippines during the months of August to October 2018. Three to five short messages were sent to the participants in the experimental group daily for one month while the control group did not receive the messages. Results: Women who received mobile text messages had higher knowledge of breast cancer (F = 21.756, p = 0.001) and breast self‐examination (F = 6.776, p = 0.010) than the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in the BSE self‐efficacy (F = 1.446, p = 0.232) and frequency of BSE (F = 3.374, p = 0.69). Conclusion: Mobile text messaging significantly improved the knowledge on breast cancer and breast self‐examination among women; however, it did not affect their breast self‐examination self‐efficacy and frequency. Mobile text messaging can be a viable tool that can be used by healthcare workers in order to educate women regarding breast cancer and breast self‐examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The abundance of easy and accessible information and the rapid development of social networking sites (SNSs) have proven that the world is small and within reach. The great implication of this interconnectivity is attributable to the change in the learning and sharing environment, which for the most part is something that classrooms are lacking. Considering the potential implications of SNSs in nursing education reveals the benefits of SNSs in allowing students to communicate and interact with a wider audience and beyond the classroom. The aim of this study is to identify the extent of SNS utilization, the perceived benefits of SNSs and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in five countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines and Turkey). Methods: This study is a quantitative cross-sectional study that determined the relationship between the utilization of SNSs, the perceived benefits of SNSs, and the potential of SNSs for improving the study habits of nursing students in the five participating countries (Israel, Iraq, Oman, the Philippines, and Turkey). This paper is based on carefully analysing the survey responses of a sample of 1137 students from an online hosting site. The online instrument focuses on the extent of the utilization and benefits of SNSs according to their accessibility, usability, efficiency and reliability. Results: Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) our findings, reveal a significant positive correlation between the extent of a possible improvement in study habits and the extent of SNS utilization in terms of the four domains, namely, accessibility (r = 0.246), usability (r = 0.377), reliability (r = 0.287) and efficiency (r = 0.387). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a significant positive correlation between students' study habits and the extent of SNS utilization, meaning that the more students devote themselves to their study habits, the higher the level of SNS utilization. The use of SNSs by nursing students has positive and negative implications, and there is greater potential for further improving approaches to nursing education through the adaptation of curricula based on the proper utilization of SNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the premises of Positive Psychology, this undertaking conducted a pilot study of the designed 14-session Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) program established based on the character strengths and virtues (CSV) of persons who use drugs (PWUDs) to assess its usefulness, delivery details, and impacts. Conducted in one of the biggest Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines, 24 PWUDs were randomly selected by the program staff to participate in its pilot run while securing all necessary ethical guidelines and requirements. Via within-subjects pretest-posttest experimental design, the especially adapted and developed tools were used to assess the PWUDs' progress as they were facilitated by the said program. Results yielded significant improvements in the PWUDs' mental wellbeing (M = 1.29, SD = 0.35; t (21) = 9.30, P <.00001), life satisfaction (M = 1.82, SD = 0.24; t (21) = 9.89, P <.00001), and psychological functioning (M = 1.65, SD = 0.19; t (21) = 8.58, P <.00001). Moreover, the PWUDs regarded the designed PPI program very highly and experienced it with positive outcomes, especially for their CSVs. Further improvement of the said program centers around proper time allotment, number of participants in the program sessions, appropriate activities per session, including specific ice breaker games, activity materials needed, and the proper sequencing of each session. These data are used to improve the PPI program structures and components. Pertinent conclusions about the gathered data were drawn, and relevant recommendations were also thereby provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Purpose: Cultural competence is significant in addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations. This study conducted psychometric testing of a cultural competency instrument in the Philippines. Methods: Brislin's translation and a cross-sectional online design were used. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with varimax rotation examined construct validity of the 23-item scale among 157 adult LGBTQ+ residents. The scale revealed overall reliability (α =.85) including two subscales (α =.87, α =.81, and α =.61). The EFA yielded three theoretical factorial solutions. Conclusion: The Filipino version of the instrument demonstrated reliability and validity. Measuring clients' perceptions of provider and organizational cultural competency can improve the utilization of healthcare in Filipino LGBTQ+ communities. Future research will examine the dimensional structures of the instrument among expanded LGBTQ+ communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress in relation to academic studies is identified to be one of the reasons behind suicide cases in higher education institutions around the world. Locally, there is none to less studies that explored this area among nursing students. As stress is inevitable in nursing students' Related Learning Experience (RLE), recognizing the stressors that affect their quality of RLE is necessary. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the stressors and coping strategies that nursing students commonly use in managing stress during their RLE and their relationship to each other. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design with total enumeration sampling was employed. A pilot-tested questionnaire was used to gather data from 191 junior and senior nursing students from two nursing schools in Iligan City. Weighted mean, standard deviation, percentages, and Spearman rho were used to analyze the data. Results: The findings show that the "Clinical Instructor" (Mean=3.01) is perceived to cause higher stress among all the intrapersonal and interpersonal stressors identified. Students highly utilize both intrapersonal (Self-Concept Mean=3.75) and interpersonal strategies (Role Function Mean=4.13, Interdependence Mean=3.46) to cope with stress. When students' clinical "skill confusion" increases, they tend to work less with others (r=-0.259, p=0.000). When "staff nurses" cause them less stress, their use of positive "self-concept" decreases as well (r=0.152, p=0.035). Furthermore, when students are stressed with their "Duty-mates," they rely more on "physiological" coping mechanisms (r=0.160, p=0.027). When their "clinical instructor" causes them stress, they cope less with "physiological" (r=-0.237, p=0.001) and "interdependence" strategies (r=-0.317, p=0.000). Conclusion: Among all the stressors, clinical instructor causes more stress to the students. The students' perceived stressors affect their effective use of intra and interpersonal coping strategies. Nurse educators, nursing schools and regulating bodies can consider these results in designing a holistic curriculum and helping students manage stress healthily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe sources of health information and health‐seeking behaviours of adults (aged ≥18) living in medically underserved communities in the Philippines. Design: This is a secondary, quantitative analysis from a cross‐sectional parent study. Participants completed a 10‐item, self‐report survey on their sources of health information, healthcare providers sought for health and wellness and health‐seeking behaviours when ill. Responses were evaluated across two age groups (<60 vs. ≥60 years) and genders using generalized linear mixed models. Results: Surveys were completed by 1202 participants in rural settings (64.6% female, mean age 49.5 ± 17.6). Friends and/or family were their key source of health information (59.6%), followed by traditional media (37%) and healthcare professionals (12.2%). For health promotion, participants went to healthcare professionals (60.9%), informal healthcare providers (17.2%) or others (7.2%). When ill, they visited a healthcare professional 69.1% of the time, self‐medicated (43.9%), prayed (39.5%) or sought treatment from a rural health clinic (31.5%). We also found differences in health‐seeking behaviours based on age and gender. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need to organize programs that explicitly deliver accurate health information and adequate care for wellness and illness. Study findings emphasize the importance of integrating family, friends, media and healthcare professionals, including public health nurses, to deliver evidence‐based health information, health promotion and sufficient treatment to medically underserved Filipinos. Implications: New knowledge provides valuable information to healthcare providers, including public health nurses, in addressing health disparities among medically underserved Filipinos. Impact: This study addresses the current knowledge gap in a medically vulnerable population. Healthcare professionals are not the primary sources of health information. Approximately one‐third of participants do not seek them for health promotion or treatment even when ill, exacerbating health inequities. More work is necessary to support initiatives in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as the Philippines to reduce health disparities. Reporting Method: We adhered to the reporting guidelines of STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for cross‐sectional studies. Patient or Public Contribution: There was no patient or public contribution as our study design and methodology do not make this necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational therapists and occupational scientists are increasingly aware of the relationship between occupation and global climate change, with some working to raise awareness of the issues and others proposing that an occupational perspective can make a valuable contribution to understanding and addressing the issues. In this discussion paper the United Nations Global Survey on Sustainable Lifestyles (1), which reports young adults' beliefs about everyday occupations that have a substantial impact on the environment (food, housekeeping, and transportation) is introduced. The authors argue that the survey findings are a valuable resource for occupational therapists who are concerned about global climate change and work with young adults (age 18-35), providing valuable insights into their concerns and preferences in relation to sustainability. To illustrate the insights contained in the reports, findings from four countries are presented: New Zealand and Sweden, the authors' countries of origin, and the Philippines and Lebanon which have people living in New Zealand and Sweden. Application to individual and community-based interventions to promote more sustainable lifestyles is suggested, along with studies to examine the perspectives of young adults with a disability, as their concerns and sustainability preferences might differ due to the barriers that limit their participation in educational and vocational occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are known to be one of the deadliest creatures in the world. There have been several studies that aim to identify mosquito presence and species using various techniques. The most common ones involve automatic identification of mosquito species from the sounds produced by flapping its wings. The development of these important concepts and technologies can help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. This paper presents a simple model based on mean and interquartile values that aim to solve the mosquito classification. Despite its simplicity, the proposed model significantly outperforms a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model in identifying the mosquito genus from the classes of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex, with an additional fourth class of No-Mosquito. A dataset of sound recordings from the Humbug Zooniverse, collected by researchers from Oxford University, and augmented with locally collected audio recordings of mosquitoes in the Philippines were used in this study. The proposed technique uses the numerical data from a series of 26 different pass-band filter values generated from spectrograms of audio recordings, specifically computing the statistical measures of median and interquartile values for each filter from instances of the same class. To predict the class of an instance, the sum of squares of differences was computed between the actual values of the instance against the expected values of each class on each of these three statistical measures. The average classification accuracy of our proposed model was 92.8%, and this was higher than the 86.6% classification accuracy yielded by the CNN model. Moreover, the proposed model required much less time for both training and classification than the CNN model. As the proposed model outperformed the CNN model in accuracy and efficiency, the results offer a promising technique that may also simplify the process of solving other sound-based classification problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting individuals and society's physical and mental health. Despite the lack of any definite and effective therapeutic regimen, public health measures such as quarantine and isolation have been instituted to contain this pandemic. However, these mitigating measures have also raised issues regarding isolated patients' mental and psychological well-being. Several stakeholders were engaged in this approach, including the university, the local health office, the tertiary hospital, and the local communities. This intervention addresses concerns regarding the health status of isolated individuals due to COVID-19 infection, making the program available to anyone who agrees to participate. This was done through telehealth services delivered via phone calls and SMS. The university provided technical support and telehealth manpower through medical students. The local health unit manages the isolation facilities, while the referral hospital offers specialty care for isolated patients through teleconsultation. Finally, the local community is the one that reintegrates discharged patients into their communities. Three hundred forty-four (344) participants were provided seven sessions on telehealth education and tracking of their COVID-19 prescribed practices and mental health. The mean age of the patients was 37 years; half were females, and 15% had comorbidities. Regarding their mental health status, the level of depression dropped from 6% to 1% (p<0.0001), the level of anxiety dropped from 12% to 2% (p<0.0001), and the level of stress dropped from 3% to 0% (p<0.0001) from the first day of admission to 2 weeks after discharge. Moreover, a general trend of statistically significant increase in various practices was noted: wearing face masks, physical distancing, disinfecting frequently held objects, hand hygiene, and self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. Those with progressing symptoms of COVID-19 were referred immediately to the referral hospital. There were also no reports of complications of co-morbidities during their stay in the isolation facilities or social isolation upon community reintegration. The study concludes that telehealth services have the potential to address many challenges in providing continuous healthcare services to isolated patients until they are reintegrated into their community. Furthermore, a whole-of-society approach is necessary to provide holistic care to patients affected by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental verbal aggression has long been assumed to be detrimental in terms of parent-child relationships. However, little is known about how it affects the relationship with psychological well-being, the more specific thought on maternal and paternal verbal aggression, and more acknowledgment regarding the implication of aggressive words as injurious to children. The critical goal of the study was to investigate whether participants reporting experiences on their maternal and paternal verbal aggression impact their psychological well-being. Data for the analysis were from the college students of PHINMA- University of Pangasinan (n = 219). A purposive sampling method was employed to select participants. Results showed that high psychological well-being is not significant, with both paternal and maternal verbal aggression jointly affecting it. However, maternal verbal aggression is independently associated with lower psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing, as a profession, is a facet where job satisfaction and performance matter. In the changing landscape of nursing practice in the Philippines and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to revisit and to perform an empirical investigation of the current state of nurses' job satisfaction and performance in the hospital setting. This study aimed to describe the job satisfaction and performance among staff nurses in private and government hospitals in Baguio City. Design: Using a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 313 randomly selected staff nurses working in two private and two government hospitals in Baguio City were surveyed from March to April 2023, using a questionnaire. This study's protocol was approved by two ethics committees, namely the Saint Louis University Research Ethics Committee and the BGHMC REC. Nominal data was analyzed using the SPSS trial version employing frequencies, percentages, and the Chi-square test. Findings: There are more staff nurses in both private and government hospitals who reported satisfactory job satisfaction levels (276 nurses, 87.9%) and had good job performance (303 nurses, 96.5%) in all domains. However, results show that there are more nurses (209 nurses, 90.7% ) in government hospitals who are satisfied with their jobs than in private hospital nurses (67 nurses, 80.1%) in the domains Intra-practice Partnership/Collegiality (p=0.010); Challenge/Autonomy (p=0.001); Professional, Social and Community Interaction (p=0.010); Professional Growth (p=0.036); Time (p=0.009); and Benefits (p=0.045). In terms of job performance, more government nurses at 97.3% (224 nurses) rated a higher self-appraisal of job performance. In comparison, only 94.8% (79 nurses) of private staff nurses appraised themselves as having good performance. No significant differences were found in the domains of job performance, namely leadership, teaching, planning, communications, and professional development, except in critical care. In "Critical care," which showed significance, the results suggest that more nurses in government hospitals perceive higher job performance, revealing a significant difference (p=0.011) in the "critical care" domain, indicating that a higher proportion of nurses in government hospitals demonstrate superior performance in this area. Conclusion: Through this study, it was learned that nurses in both private and government hospitals generally experience high job satisfaction and performance, reflecting a fulfilled workforce and indicating commendable competency among the staff nurses. However, more nurses in government hospitals report high satisfaction and perceived performance in critical care compared to those in private hospitals. Thus, the findings of this study can contribute to and serve as a rationale for policy-making regarding creating a positive work environment, proper management and leadership, creation of training and skill development for critical care, providing opportunities for professional growth, and conducting regular evaluation and feedback----- all geared towards a satisfied and productive workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the reliability of the Philippine nurse licensure examination (PNLE) results from 2010 to 2019. Background: The PNLE first-time pass rate (FTPR) is a major criterion used to evaluate nursing program quality. There is wide variability in PNLE results ranging from 0% to 100% across nursing schools. There are no published studies to investigate the reliability of the PNLE. Methods: A retrospective correlational research design was used to determine the reliability of PNLE. Secondary data analysis of 517 nursing schools' PNLE FTPR results was conducted. Descriptive statistics described trends in PNLE results over 10 years. Spearman correlation was used to determine PNLE reliability. Findings: The PNLE FTPR increased from 2010 to 2019. More than half of Philippine nursing schools have low PNLE performance. Combined annual PNLE results, that is, adding May/June and November/December results, provided a more accurate measure of reliability. Conclusion: The PNLE is a reliable measurement tool to evaluate nursing program outcomes. Regulatory bodies should use caution in using PNLE results as a criterion in assessing nursing program quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Southeast Asia, the increasing availability of commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF), including dry or instant cereals (CPCF cereals), has been noted, however, concerns exist around their nutrient profile and labelling practices. This 2021 study assessed the nutrient composition, labelling practices, and micronutrient content of CPCF cereals sold in the capital cities of seven Southeast Asian countries: Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Vientiane (Lao PDR), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study adapted a nutrient profiling model from the WHO Regional Office for Europe to determine the proportion of products suitable for promotion for older infants and young children. Micronutrient content of fortified CPCF cereals was assessed against fortification levels specified in the Codex Alimentarius guideline for formulated complementary foods. Of the 484 products assessed, 184 (38.0%) met all nutrient composition requirements. Around one‐third of CPCF cereals contained added sugars and/or sweeteners (37.2%) and high levels of sodium (28.9%). None of the CPCF cereals met all labelling requirements, primarily due to the presence of inappropriate claims on the labels. Most fortified CPCF cereals contained adequate amounts of critical micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D. However, rates of fortification varied across the seven countries, and almost a third (30.8%) of CPCF cereals were not fortified with any micronutrients. To support the appropriate promotion of CPCF in the region, Southeast Asian countries need to strengthen and enforce national binding legal measures, including national standards for the composition, labelling, and fortification of CPCF cereals. Key messages: Despite most commercially produced complementary foods (CPCF) cereals available in Southeast Asia met the majority of nutrient composition requirements, a considerable number of products contained added sugars/sweeteners (37.2%) and high levels of sodium (28.9%). Regulations that prohibit the use of added sugars/sweeteners and establish an upper limit for sodium in CPCF cereals are a policy priority in the region.None of the 484 CPCF cereals studied met all labelling requirements. Inappropriate claims were the most common. Three‐quarters of the products failed to meet labelling requirements on the protection and promotion of breastfeeding. National regulations on labelling must be strengthened and enforced to protect against inappropriate marketing of CPCF.Approximately two‐thirds or more of fortified CPCF cereals contained adequate amounts of micronutrients critical for older infants and young children (IYC), such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D. Nonetheless, the fortification of CPCF cereals varied greatly by country, and almost a third (30.8%) of CPCF cereals were not fortified with any micronutrients. This is a missed opportunity to provide essential micronutrients to older IYC in contexts where nutrient‐poor diets are common. Future policies that stipulate mandatory minimum micronutrient levels for CPCF cereals are recommended for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complementary feeding period is a critical stage of child development when micronutrient needs are high and challenging to meet. Understanding if specific micronutrient gaps exist during this period is critical for effective programming. A Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment (CONGA) was conducted in seven countries in Southeast Asia to estimate gaps in micronutrients commonly lacking in the diets of children aged 6–23 months and to establish the certainty of available evidence for each identified gap. Sixty‐eight evidence sources were identified during this analysis, and 310 micronutrient‐specific data points were identified across all seven countries. Data points varied in recency, representativeness and evidence type. The CONGA methodology enabled the estimation of a gap burden rating for each micronutrient in each country, as well as a rating of their evidence certainty. Micronutrient gaps were identified in vitamin D, zinc and iron and a potential gap was identified in calcium during the complementary feeding period in the region. Evidence relevant to intake and deficiency of folate, vitamin B12, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C and vitamin B6 was limited across the region. Proven strategies to address these gaps include increasing the availability and consumption of nutrient‐dense foods, micronutrient supplementation, large‐scale fortification of staple foods and condiments and point‐of‐use fortification through multiple micronutrient powders and fortified speciality foods. More recent data on micronutrient availability, intake and deficiency is urgently needed in Southeast Asia. Key messages: Older infants and young children aged 6–23 months experience micronutrient gaps during the complementary feeding period in Southeast Asia. Synthesis of evidence compiled across seven countries in the region identified gaps in vitamin D, zinc and iron and a potential gap in calcium during this critical period.National nutrition policies and programmes should consider multiple strategies to address these micronutrient gaps.Over half of the data points relevant to nutrient deficiency and intake compiled from the seven countries are over a decade old. More recent data on micronutrient availability, intake and deficiency is urgently needed in Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one migrates from an area of low to high incidence of breast cancer their personal risk of developing breast cancer increases. This is however not equally distributed across all races and ethnicities. This paper specifically examines Filipino migrants. A literature review was conducted to summarize breast cancer incidence, screening practices and trends in treatment amongst Filipino migrants. In addition, a retrospective cohort study was conducted specifically examining the age in which Filipino women were diagnosed with breast cancer compared to Asian and Caucasian counterparts. Filipino women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a statistically significant younger age (53.2) compared to their Asian (55.1) and Caucasian (58.4) counterparts. In addition, they are at an increased risk of developing more aggressive breast cancer with noteworthy disparities in the care they are receiving. The evidence suggest this group is worthy of special focus when diagnosing and treating breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Job satisfaction is a frequently studied topic among scholars, but only few have taken into account the job satisfaction of older workers. This study aims to develop a model that describes the mediating effect of happiness on job satisfaction specifically on a select group of aging Filipino workers. This paper utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) for its data analysis to test what impact happiness has on job satisfaction. Three hundred aging Filipino workers, both from public and private organizations in the Philippines, took part in this study by completing a five-part research tool that consists of aRobotfoto(a Dutch term that describes a photo-like picture drawn by police to describe a suspect from a witness's illustration) and adopted questionnaires for physical and mental well-being, employee recognition, happiness, and job satisfaction. The structural equation model revealed that physical and mental well-being and employee recognition significantly affect—and are predictors of—happiness. Moreover, it was found that happiness has an impact on the job satisfaction of older workers. Findings generated in this study cater relevant ideas in developing programs and practices for the aging workforce in the field of Human Resource Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine which stressor has the highest occurrence and what stressors are related to nurse outcomes, such as job satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and turnover intention. Background: Numerous stressors have been identified in nursing practice, but it is unclear if specific stressors are related to nurse outcomes. Design The study used a cross‐sectional and descriptive‐correlational research design. Methods: In July and August 2017, survey data were collected from 427 staff nurses employed in a large tertiary‐level private hospital in Metro Manila, Philippines. The Nursing Stress Scale was used to measure stress frequency. Structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship of stressors and nurse outcomes. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicate nine Nursing Stress Scale factors. Workload is the most frequent stressor. Moreover, workload was negatively related to job satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Workload and conflict with nurses were positively related to turnover intention. Conclusions: The Nursing Stress Scale has a different factor structure based on a survey of nurses in the Philippines. Only workload and conflict with nurses were related to specific nurse outcomes. Nurse managers should identify and mitigate stressors experienced by nurses since these can lead to turnover and poor quality of care. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Nursing is one of the most stressful health care occupations.Stress is related to job satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and turnover intention.The Nursing Stress Scale is a widely used tool to measure stress in nursing practice. What this paper adds? Stress due to too many non‐bedside nursing tasks is the highest reported item level stressor.Among several stressors, only workload was related to job satisfaction, perceived quality of care, and turnover intention.Instead of the original seven‐factor model, results of factor analyses suggest that the Nursing Stress Scale fits a nine‐factor model. The implications of this paper: Nurse managers should mitigate stressors experienced by nurses to improve job satisfaction.One way to reduce nurse turnover could be to reduce nurses' workload.The quality of care provided to patients by nurses may improve by reducing workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic science plays a crucial role in the pursuit of justice, particularly through the identification of physical evidence found at crime scenes, such as human fingerprints and handprints. This study aimed to develop formulae for determining living stature using the handprint anthropometry of Tagalog people, an indigenous ethnic group in the Philippines. A total of 360 Tagalog volunteers, comprising 180 men and 180 women, were recruited. This study excluded subjects who had finger and hand-related diseases, injuries, or were under the age of 18. The materials used were a stadiometer for height measurement, a digital vernier caliper for handprint measurements, and a handprint kit to collect handprints. Five length measurements were collected for each handprint. The length measurement spanned the distance from the middle wrist crease to the tips of each of the five fingers. The data were analyzed statistically using regression analysis (p<0.05) in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The analysis results produced equations for determining stature using all the length measurements of the handprints. The study involved the calculation of correlation coefficients (r values) and standard deviations using the stature and handprint lengths of individuals of both genders. The results are presented in the form of tables and figures. The study concluded with the development of regression equations that may be utilized for determining stature based on various handprint length measurements of the Tagalog people. This study represents the first-ever anthropological study conducted on the Philippine Tagalog population within the scope of this research subject matter. The formulae can be applied to actual crime scenes for the purpose of personal identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mapping out actual supportive care needs assists nurses in providing holistic individualized care. This study aimed to explore the care needs of parents of children with cancer in the Philippines. Method: Guided by the Supportive Care Needs Framework (SCNF), this study used an embedded mixed-method design with the quantitative revised Cancer Patient Needs Questionnaire and qualitative semistructured interviews to describe parents' care needs and priorities. Results: Filipino parents (N = 156) of children with cancer have various care needs which could be classified along the SCNF categories—practical, informational, spiritual, physical, emotional, and physical needs as ranked from highest to lowest. A number of variables were significantly associated with care needs. Solid tumor diagnosis was associated with greater practical, emotional, and psychosocial care needs; having a child who had undergone surgery was associated with more practical and spiritual care needs; and being within one year of the child's diagnosis was associated with practical, psychosocial, and spiritual care needs. Parent priority needs included (a) addressing financial needs; (b) access to temporary housing to minimize treatment-related costs; (c) support groups among parents of children with cancer as a source of information; (d) financial and social support between members of family and partners of parents of children with cancer; and (e) using prayer to facilitate acceptance. Conclusions: Supportive care needs of parents of children with cancer are important components of care that should be given recognition to enhance holistic individualized care throughout the childhood cancer experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anchored on the key constucts of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (1985), this paper seeks to test a model that explores the influence of knowledge, attitude, and caring behavior on nursing students’ behavioral intention toward geriatric care. A five-part survey-questionnaire was administered to 839 third and fourth year nursing students from a comprehensive university in the Philippines. To delineate the underlying dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and caring behavior, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out. The resulting factors were integrated in the proposed model prior to structural equation modeling (SEM). The emerging model shows that while knowledge did not directly influence intent, it had a direct impact in the development of attitudes. Impliedly, by delineating the variables through EFA, new relationships between specific knowledge, attitude, and caring behavior dimensions can be observed. As shown, a nursing student's intent to care for older people can be increased if he/she sees them as powerful and wise. On the other hand, if one sees older people as demanding in nature, he/she is less likely to pursue geriatric nursing in the future. Interestingly, the resulting structural model in this study has successfully and clearly delineated the positive and negative determinants of nursing students’ intent to care for geriatric patients. The researchers hope that the model be used as an assessment tool for various nurse populations in order to effectively plan innovative strategies when introducing geriatric nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Aim: Nurses play an essential role in improving health‐related knowledge and self‐efficacy of patients through health education. This study aimed to investigate the effects of message‐framed informational videos on diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A quasi‐experimental pretest and posttest design with two experimental and one standard care comparison groups was carried out to examine the effects of the message‐framed videos. The two message‐framed informational videos were developed to provide health teachings about diabetes self‐care. The knowledge and self‐efficacy of the two video groups and lecture comparison group were measured before and after the intervention using valid and reliable instruments established by the authors. Results: After the intervention, the knowledge and self‐efficacy of the two experimental groups were significantly higher than the comparison group. No significant difference was found in the knowledge scores between the two experimental groups, but a significant difference was noted in the average increase in their self‐efficacy. Conclusion: Message‐framed informational videos can be effective in increasing the diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy, and a gain‐framed rather than loss‐framed approach can be superior in increasing self‐efficacy. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? The use of an informational video in providing health education to patients improves retention of information.Message framing may be used to provide health‐related information effectively regarding gains and losses of behavioural changes among patients. The majority of the literature has focused on the moderating effects of self‐efficacy on message framing.There is a dearth in message framing research in the nursing literature particularly in a patient setting with high risk for actual health problems like type 2 diabetes. Limited work has reported the magnitude of the effect of message‐framed videos on self‐efficacy. What this paper adds? Gain‐ and loss‐framed informational videos, created to provide health teachings about diabetes self‐care management, significantly increased the diabetes management knowledge of older adults with type 2 diabetes.Both message‐framed informational videos achieved a modest increase in diabetes management self‐efficacy of older adults with type 2 diabetes, but the gain‐framed messages were more effective than the loss‐framed ones. The implications of this paper: Nurses can use message‐framed informational videos to increase the diabetes management knowledge and self‐efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes during health teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This paper is a report examining the level of professional autonomy as well as its predictors and outcomes among practicing nurses in the Philippines. Methods: This study adopted a descriptive, cross‐sectional research design. One hundred sixty‐six (n = 166) nurses participated in the study or a response rate of 83% during the months of January 2017 to May 2017. Seven self‐reported scales were used for this study: the Nurse Autonomy Scale, Job Stress Scale, Burnout Measure Scale, Job Satisfaction Index, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, Turnover Intention Inventory Scale, and the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the collected data. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate levels of professional autonomy with education and hospital bed capacity as strong predictors. Regression analysis showed positive effects of professional autonomy on nurses' job outcomes such as organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and work performance. Conclusion: Consistent to international studies, nurses in the Philippines demonstrated moderate levels of professional autonomy. Nurses who had higher levels of autonomy tended to be high performing, satisfied, and committed in their jobs. Organizational efforts are critically important to foster autonomy in practicing nurses through adequate support, education, training, and developed policies. What is already known about the topic? Professional autonomy is an essential aspect of a positive work environment and is attributed to enhanced outcomes in patients, nurses, and organizations.The literature has identified several factors (individual and organizational) that influence nurses' ability to gaining professional autonomy.In the Philippines, the extent to which practicing nurses act, function, and practice independently according to their professional nursing role remains unexplored.What this paper adds? Results showed moderate professional autonomy among Philippine nurses with education and hospital bed capacity as important predictors.Higher perceptions of professional autonomy were linked to enhanced organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and work performance.The implications of this paper: Nursing leaders and managers are strategically positioned to enhance autonomy in practicing nurses through provision of adequate resources, organizational support, and developed policies.Professional enrichment through continuing education, training, and provision of adequate mentorship and coaching are essential to promote autonomy in nurses.By strengthening the concepts of nursing autonomy and professionalism in the curriculum, nursing education can play an essential role in preparing future nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the work-related quality of life (WRQOL) among nurses and explore its association with performance evaluation ratings. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized measuring the WRQOL scale and the previous performance appraisal rating. Multistage sampling approach was utilized with nurses stratified based on their position and then systematically random sampled based on their unit assignment. Results: One hundred and eighty-two nurses were included. About half reported a high quality of work life (101; 55.5%). Low scores were noted on the subscale working conditions (100; 54.9%), low to average responses for home-work interface (109; 59.9%), control at work (100; 54.9%), and stress at work (90; 49.5%). A higher proportion of nurses reported positive responses toward the areas of general well-being (113; 62.1%) and job-career satisfaction (112; 61.5%), than in the other subscales. There were notable differences between WRQOL ratings: (1) Head nurses had the highest perceived quality of work life, followed by nurse supervisors and charge nurses (F = 6.1, P < 0.01) and (2) Nurses in the pay-patient services reported lower quality of working life, while those in office and outpatient services had more positive scores (F = 4.6, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Only more than half of the nurses reported a high quality of work life, some of its dimensions, particularly job and career satisfaction and working conditions, appeared to vary in the perceived degree across years in service, work hours, and position. The assessment of the quality of work life may serve as an important tool to address staff burnout, absenteeism and other issues that affect job performance among health-care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many Asian immigrants, including Filipino Americans (FilAms), experience psychological distress (PD) due to the challenges in adjusting to their new country and culture. This descriptive comparative study aimed to compare FilAms and Filipinos concerning their levels of PD, sources of stress, and use of health-promotion strategies. Methods: Data from 89 FilAms and 95 Filipinos living in urban cities, obtained from the I-HELP-FILIPINOS database, measuring cardiometabolic risks, mental health, and environmental stressors in 2017, including PD, were examined. Results: The mean age of all participants (N = 184) was 44.2 ± 22.8 years old. Both groups rated their health as good to excellent, although Filipinos were significantly more likely to be distressed (p <.001). Filipinos were also more likely to ascribe stress to employment (48.3% vs. 68.2%, p =.006) and finances (28.1% vs. 52.6%, p <.001) than FilAms. Discussion: While both groups shared comparative perspectives on health, FilAms reported lower PD than Filipinos. The most significant source of stress was the country of residence. We recommend tailoring interventions to each local context's unique social and environmental circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the association of early onset of smoking and use of other addictive substances with nicotine dependence, the extent of substance use, and the probability of relapse in drug treatment and rehabilitation centers. Self-reported data were collected from July to September 2019 from 632 inpatients at five drug treatment facilities in the Philippines. The Addiction Severity Index (5th edition) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence were used to assess the inpatients' drug and alcohol use and nicotine dependence severity, respectively. Of a group of smokers who started smoking before the age of 10 years old, 54.3% were nicotine dependent current smokers and 9.89% were low to moderate nicotine dependent smokers. There were 82.61% male responders and 76% of the females started using drugs and alcohol before the age of 14. Other drug use eventually increased, yielding odds ratio of 26.5 and 28.9 in the past 30 days and lifetime, respectively, with 95% confidence interval of 10.8–64.9 and 11.5–72.9, indicating significant (p <.05) differences. This study advises policymakers to focus more on educating and disseminating information about the early onset of nicotine, which paves the way to nicotine dependence and other drug use problems eventually. This present study suggests a follow-up intervention and an aftercare therapy solely for nicotine dependents with substance use disorder in the prevention of relapse after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-centered care (PCC) is the prevailing model of care globally. However, most research on PCC has been conducted in Westernized countries or has focused on only two facets of PCC: decision-making and information exchange. Our study examined how culture influences patients' preferences for five facets of PCC, including communication, decision-making, empathy, individualized focus, and relationship. Participants (N = 2071) from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia, and the U.S.A. completed an online survey assessing their preferences for exchange of information, autonomy in decision-making, expression and validation of their emotions, focus on them as an individual, and the doctor-patient relationship. Participants from all four countries had similar preferences for empathy and shared decision-making. For other facets of PCC, participants in the Philippines and Australia expressed somewhat similar preferences, as did those in the U.S.A. and Hong Kong, challenging East–West stereotypes. Participants in the Philippines placed greater value on relationships, whereas Australians valued more autonomy. Participants in Hong Kong more commonly preferred doctor-directed care, with less importance placed on the relationship. Responses from U.S.A. participants were surprising, as they ranked the need for individualized care and two-way flow of information as least important. Empathy, information exchange, and shared decision-making are values shared across countries, while preferences for how the information is shared, and the importance of the doctor-patient relationship differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Traffic enforcers are vulnerable to work accidents, injuries, and illnesses because they are commonly exposed to ergonomic risk factors while performing their tasks. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of environmental risk factors and postural risk factor to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among traffic enforcers in Manila City, Philippines using binary logistic regression analysis. METHODS: A total of 120 participants were included in the study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were utilized. In addition, several devices such as a noise dosimeter, digital air thermometer, and IAQ sensors were also utilized to measure the environmental exposure of enforcers during their work shift. RESULTS: The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers was high, with 71% of the respondents reporting symptoms of MSDs in more than one part of the body for the past 7 days. The body part that has highest prevalence was upper back, followed by lower back, and legs/ankles. Logistic regression analysis revealed that awkward work posture (OR = 4.61, 95% CI = 2.17, 9.83), noise exposure (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.82), heat exposure (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05), and pollution exposure (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.85, 1.05) were significant contributors for the prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers in Manila City. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MSDs among traffic enforcers is caused by their work posture and exposure to psychosocial factors such as noise, heat, and poor air quality. Thus, to minimize the risk of MSDs, it is suggested to provide administrative controls, such as job rotation or shifting, and introduce frequent rest breaks. It is also recommended to provide enforcers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as cooling vests, noise-canceling earplugs and N95 facemasks. This would help in uplifting musculoskeletal health for traffic enforcers and other workers in a similar field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment is a serious problem affecting millions of children. Research on self-reporting of child maltreatment has shown a difference in reporting between caregivers and children. Increased understanding of this has implications for further evaluations of parenting programmes and assessment of violence and maltreatment. The purpose of this study was to explore caregiver-child reporting discrepancies on child maltreatment and emotional health before and after piloting of the International Child Development Program (ICDP) in the Philippines. Data was collected from caregivers and their children before and after caregiver participation in ICDP. Participants were selected from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Leyte by Save the Children. Caregivers and children completed a questionnaire with some adapted items from the Conflict Tactics Scale Parent–Child version (CTSPC), some relevant complementary items on psychological aggression and items from the emotional problems subscale from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Matching items, subscales and total count scores were compared using paired t-tests in STATA 14. Forty-six caregivers and 43 children aged from 5–13 years participated at baseline, and 44 caregivers and 42 children at endline. At baseline, children reported significantly more maltreatment than their caregivers. The groups reported similarly at baseline and endline on the items from the subscale on emotional problems. Both children and caregivers had lower scores on our harsh discipline scale at endline, indicating improved parenting strategies after the intervention. These results indicate a difference in reporting of child maltreatment between caregivers and children, with higher rates reported by the children before the intervention, but not after. This is important because it illustrates child and caregiver perspectives on maltreatment, and how they can differ. As such, our findings point towards a positive effect of ICDP on parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]