Banwa Publications (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
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Research, Funding, and People
No full textResearch, funding, and people are essential drives of discovery and solutions across multiple disciplines. In science, research acts as the foundation, generating new knowledge to address global challenges such as health innovation, environmental impacts, and human behaviour. Funding is crucial for enabling research by covering costs associated with equipment, infrastructure, and personnel, but certainly scarce. People include all stakeholders in research are the driving force for transforming ideas into impacts. Balancing these elements is critical for long-term success of any individual and there is no single formula. Conducting research in the global south can be challenging in terms of limited resources, however, it is an opportunity to work in the settings with a wide variety of tropical diseases and meeting with some experts in a local context. Ensuring this balance maximizes the potential for breakthroughs and sustains a dynamic, forward-moving research environment on both national and international level. In this talk, I am walking you through my research journey in Thailand and where I stand today
Diagnostics Tools for HIV and Monkeypox in Low- and Medium-Income Countries
No full textForty-seven percent of the world’s population has little to no access to diagnostics, with the greatest impact on populations in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs). This is problematic for equity, social justice and pandemic preparedness. Among the many reasons for this inequitable access is the conception of unsuitable diagnostic tests for LMICs. How can researchers develop adapted tests for LMICs? To adress this need, we first developed a new diagnostic technology (LuLISA) with high sensitivity, high troughput, and reduced cost. However, this technology is not well suited to LMICs. Hence, we adapted this technology to a nitrocellulose based diagnostic test (LuLiStrip) and stick format (LuLiStick) to democratise our technology for different needs including laboratories with limited equipment and funding. As our technologies are based on the use of nanobodies-fused-luciferase, we have also developed our own portable luminometer. Through these innovations, we aim to democratize the use of bioluminescence in diagnostic testing for laboratories implemented in LMICs and for point-of-care testing
In vitro Activity of Hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata) and Buyo (Piper betle) Leaf Extract in Diabetic Blood Sample
No full textChronic wounds, which heal slowly due to disruptions in normal healing phases, are a major concern, especially for diabetic patients experiencing delayed healing from poor circulation and microvascular issues. In a scenario where synthetic approaches face limitations, medicinal plants as natural remedies have become an avenue to address this concern. The study uses a quasi-experimental design to assess and compare the in vitro activity of hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata) and buyo (Piper betle) leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, on diabetic blood samples. The evaluation specifically focuses on measuring blood clotting time and assessing antibacterial activity. The study found that hagonoy leaf extract was the most effective for blood clotting, with its 5% concentration producing an average clotting time of 10.5 minutes. This result confirms its previously established role in clotting and hemorrhage control. Buyo leaf extract also demonstrated effectiveness, with its 7% concentration achieving an average clotting time of 14.67 minutes. The combined extract, at a 7% concentration, showed its fastest clotting time of 18.83 minutes but was less effective compared to the individual extracts. In terms of antibacterial activity, no significant differences were observed among the extracts. However, buyo exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10% against S. aureus and 7% against E. coli. In contrast, hagonoy and the combined extracts only demonstrated MIC against E. coli. Future researchers are encouraged to use alternative methods for preparing the leaf extracts, and to identify the best concentration for achieving the maximum antibacterial effect. Future researchers may conduct further research that focuses on the wound-healing properties of hagonoy and buyo individually, as well as the combined effects of their extracts. Additionally, investigating the potential effectiveness of hagonoy and buyo leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against fungal infections could provide valuable insights into their broader therapeutic potential
Resilience as a Double-Edged Sword: Key Factors Influencing Vaccine Hesitancy in the Bagobo Klata Community of Barangay Talandang
No full textThe study examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the Bagobo Klata in Barangay Talandang. While hesitancy is often linked to misinformation and mistrust, this community\u27s resistance is also shaped by their resilience, self-reliance, and autonomy, revealing a more complex interplay of factors. Over a month of immersive fieldwork in Barangay Talandang, we employed ethnographic methods—including interviews and participant observations—to investigate the factors influencing the Bagobo Klata community\u27s hesitancy toward vaccination. It became evident that resilience plays a central role in shaping the community\u27s stance on vaccination. This resilience is not merely toward the disease itself but an assertion of their capacity to endure the pandemic without government intervention or the restoration of restricted liberties, which were contingent on vaccination. Their sense of self-sufficiency is grounded in a robust network of support systems that provided sustenance during the pandemic, their ability to navigate and exploit loopholes in pandemic regulations, and deeply embedded knowledge systems and beliefs about health and the nature of COVID-19. While these factors empowered the Bagobo Klata to resist external pressures, they also contributed to the persistence of vaccine hesitancy. The reliance on these internal support structures and alternative knowledge paradigms sustained the community through the crisis but, paradoxically, reinforced a hesitance to engage with government-led health initiatives like vaccination. This research extends the conversation on vaccine hesitancy, offering nuanced insights into how resilience, autonomy, and cultural beliefs intersect to shape health-related decisions. It underscores the importance of understanding community-specific factors when crafting public health strategies that are attuned to the unique needs and values of indigenous populations
The Impact of Zamboanga City’s Poor Road Conditions on the Academic Performance of Level III Nursing Students of AdZU
No full textThe study aimed to determine the effects of poor road conditions leading to traffic congestion in Zamboanga City on the academic performance of the Level III Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) in NCM112j during the first semester of SY 2023-2024. The study employed a descriptive research design utilizing a qualitative approach and a focus group discussion. The participants were the 50 BSN Level III students from five sections who were commuting using either public or private transportation to get to school. They were selected using simple random sampling. The qualitative findings revealed that the most significant impact of poor road conditions in Zamboanga City is traffic congestion, which may or may not have affected the academic performance of the participants, the Level III BSN students. While some students find motivation in maintaining discipline despite these challenges, the majority shared how traffic-induced stress and insufficient sleep detrimentally affect their overall well-being and academic performance. The necessity to wake up early to avoid tardiness exacerbates these issues, leading to difficulty concentrating during classes. Although students attempt to optimize their commuting time by studying or sleeping, and propose practical solutions like using smaller vehicles or residing in nearby dormitories, persistent traffic congestion still remains a barrier to their academic success in the aforementioned course. The institution must review the schedule of classes to allow for more flexibility, especially for students who commute daily and face the challenges of traffic congestion in the city
Artificial Intelligence Meets mHealth: PASYENTE Mobile for Dengue Symptom Monitoring and Early Detection
No full textDengue remains a public health concern in the Philippines, especially in the Davao Region, where cases exceed the epidemic threshold. Despite the local government units’ preventive efforts, management and monitoring remain limited due to reliance on patient-recorded data. Thus, dengue\u27s true burden remains underestimated. PASYENTE Mobile, a patient-centered mobile health (mHealth) application, seeks to address this gap by improving the positive health-seeking behavior of Filipinos. The application leverages artificial intelligence and mobile application development technologies to provide accessible dengue pre-assessment and monitoring for outpatient cases. Through a consultative approach with domain experts and stakeholders, the prototype application was developed. Users can log fever history and other symptoms for evaluation. A supervised machine learning model approach was implemented to predict the clinical classification of the dengue onset based on user input. Additionally, the application provides healthcare facility recommendations based on the pre-assessment result and user preference regarding cost, distance, and waiting time. PASYENTE Mobile continuously monitors the outpatient\u27s condition by prompting symptom updates, ensuring better patient care. The application has undergone multiple iterations of alpha tests to ensure accuracy, usability, and reliability before advancing to the validation phase. The research team is currently preparing for validation testing. For future studies, exploring alternative machine learning models could enhance classification prediction. Expanding the study to other dengue hotspot districts would further enhance application usability and provide more comprehensive data for model training
Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life among Older Adults: Care Facilities vs. Family-based Living Arrangements in Zamboanga City
No full textThis study compares the quality of life of older adults aged 60 and above in Zamboanga City, focusing on care facilities versus family-based living. Understanding the impact of living environments on physical, social, and environmental well-being is crucial for sustainable elder care. This study used a cross-sectional comparative design with 30 older adults, 15 from care facilities and 15 from family-based settings. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version assessed physical health, social relationships, and environmental factors. Descriptive statistics and t-tests compared quality of life scores. Results revealed a mean quality of life score of 66.49 for family-based living arrangements and 64.65 for care facilities, both falling under the ‘moderate’ category. The independent t-test showed no significant difference in quality-of-life scores between the groups (t = -0.333, p = 0.741). Family-based settings scored higher in social relationships, reflecting stronger interpersonal support, while care facilities showed better physical health outcomes due to structured care and access to medical services. However, the findings suggest that living arrangements alone do not critically impact the quality of life, highlighting the importance of individual care needs and social support systems in determining well-being. Further studies should include a larger sample, involve private care institutions, and assess psychological health. Enhancing social support and improving care environments for both family-based and institutional settings are essential in improving older adults\u27 overall QoL. Emphasizing community and family engagement in elder care policies is also recommended
KaP:SuLL – Kahimsog sa Panglawas: Sulundon ni Lolo ug Lola, An Extension Program for the Elderly (Phase 1)
No full textPoor health conditions that increase the cases of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), unhealthy nutritional intake, and inadequate physical activity are among the burdens of the aging population. KaP: SuLL is an extension program that aims to promote health and wellness, particularly the healthy aging process, by conducting a health literacy intervention for Phase 1. 52 participants in the program included a 5-month interval (pre-posttest) using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly-Filipino and a health literacy lecture series as an intervention strategy, with question surveys to the resource speakers to reveal the experiences of the resource persons. During the pretest, only 1 (3%) participant had a low physical activity level, 10 (33%) participants were within PASE norms, and 19 (63%) participants had high physical activity levels. The post-test data show that 13 (93%) participants had high physical activity levels and 1 (7%) participant was within the PASE norms. The learning experience (3-question survey for the resource speaker) of the faculty-resource persons provides them with a grounded reality of the theories taught in school and the practice outside the structured curriculum. It both affirms how well these experts understand the topics they are teaching and simplifies important concepts, particularly on health literacy, for raising awareness, health promotion, and integrating learning into daily practice. The pretest and posttest results showed increased levels of physical activity while the resource persons delivering these lectures gained valuable insights from delivering the health literacy lectures to this vulnerable population. The extension program implemented in Brgy. Bato is a pilot intervention program to improve general health and well-being for the elderly. The effectiveness of the program needs to be evaluated through impact assessment to determine success rates. The program, if found effective, can then be replicated in different barangays and municipalities in various communities in Davao del Sur as part of the long-term objectives of the extension project
Transforming the Philippine Health System for Greater Inclusivity: Aiming for Equitable Healthcare for All
No full textThe Philippine health system faces significant challenges in providing equitable access to quality healthcare, especially for marginalized populations. Many people live in rural and underserved regions, coupled with high poverty levels, leading to ongoing disparities in healthcare access and results. This abstract proposes strategies to make the Philippine health system more inclusive, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including low-income communities, workers, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and senior citizens. Expanding geographic access by establishing more rural health units and mobile clinics is essential. Investing in telemedicine services can bridge gaps in remote areas, offering consultations and healthcare services to those with limited access. Additionally, integrating community-based healthcare models by empowering local health workers and enhancing their care capabilities can reduce barriers to service delivery. Moreover, policy reforms are needed to ensure equitable financial protection in healthcare, including expanding the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law by increasing enrollment for informal sector workers and low-income individuals in PhilHealth and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, tackling social determinants of health, such as education, housing, and nutrition, through collaboration among different sectors, communities, and government agencies will improve overall health outcomes and promote inclusivity. Additionally, addressing health literacy disparities and enhancing cultural understanding are crucial. Educating healthcare professionals about the languages and customs of marginalized populations can help alleviate distrust and promote more equitable treatment. By prioritizing these actions, the Philippine health system can transform into one that is more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of its citizens
Inclusive and Resilient Health Systems
No full textTo understand how to improve the Health System of the country, we need to understand the framework from which the Health System is anchored to. Knowing these building blocks in itself may be the first step in resilient health systems, knowledge itself is not enough if there is no action or implementation following it. The implementation part needs the support of each and every one of us. Let us learn this health system building blocks to identify the gaps needing the nation’s actions to help make the Philippines have a more resilient Health Systems in the future