International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
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Understanding HIV transmission and prevention among men who have sex with men in a sexual health clinic
Get PDFThis comprehensive study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a sexually transmitted infections (STI)-friendly clinic in Johor, Malaysia. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the study analyses data from 421 MSM patients, emphasizing the critical role of sociodemographic factors in influencing HIV-related behaviors. The majority of participants, mostly with tertiary education, displayed a sound understanding of HIV, with 71% showing good knowledge on HIV prevention and transmission. However, there remain gaps in knowledge, particularly among those with lesser education, and in practices related to condom use and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The study highlights a stark disparity in HIV-related attitudes and practices based on education level, employment status, and income. Notably, those with higher education and income levels demonstrate more responsible practices and better knowledge, underscoring the need for tailored educational programs. The findings call for comprehensive and targeted interventions, considering the diverse backgrounds of individuals, to effectively mitigate the risk of HIV infection. This research is vital in the absence of a definitive cure for HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), emphasizing preventive measures based on accurate information and positive attitudes towards the disease
Social determinants in health and mental well-being among out-patients
Get PDFSocial determinants are crucial in shaping mental well-being, yet their specific impact within diverse cultural contexts like the Philippines remains underexplored. This study investigated the influence of social determinants on mental well-being among out-patients with mental health conditions. A retrospective cross-sectional design was used, analyzing existing health records (n = 21,813) from 2019 to 2024 and survey questionnaires (n = 89) from three psychiatric institutions. Social determinants were classified as proximal or distal, and mental well-being was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Results showed that participants generally reported a high level of mental well-being. Regression analysis revealed that while proximal social factors collectively explained the largest variance in well-being (28.6%), they were not statistically significant predictors as a group. Conversely, specific distal factors-notably birth order (p<0.010), parental marital status (p<0.017), and a history of family sexual abuse (p<0.033)-were significant individual predictors. This research provides novel evidence on the application of the proximal-distal framework in a Filipino context, uniquely demonstrating that while broad social categories are influential, specific familial and life-course events are more direct predictors of mental well-being. The findings underscore the need for culturally-sensitive, targeted interventions that address both broad environmental factors and specific individual circumstances to promote health equity
Supportive-educative nursing on knowledge, self-efficacy and medication compliance in pulmonary TB patients
Get PDFTuberculosis (TB) cases are very developed in Indonesia and are ranked second largest in the world with 8.5% of global cases. We aim to analyze the effect of supportive-educational nursing interventions on self-efficacy, medication adherence, and knowledge of TB patients. The research design used is a quasi-experimental with a control group design. The treatment group was given supportive educational nursing using pocketbooks and teaching aids, while the control group was given education by health workers using leaflets. This research was conducted in the Bima city area by randomly selecting pulmonary TB sufferers in seven community health centers. The sample size is calculated use the Slovin formula and get the sample size was 64 people. Wilcoxon sign rank test and Mann-Whitney were used in this research. The findings show that there were differences in knowledge, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence in the intervention group regarding pulmonary TB with p-values=0.000, 0.000, 0.001 respectively. Findings show that in the control and treatment post-test groups, there were differences in the variables of self-efficacy, treatment compliance, and knowledge with p-values=0.001, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively. The conclusion was the intervention given to the treatment group had an impact on increasing self-efficacy, pathophysiology, and knowledge compared to the control group in TB patients
Transcending telemedicine: exploring telemedicine adoption perspectives of physicians
Get PDFTelemedicine has become indispensable in contemporary healthcare, reshaping patient care worldwide. The utilization of it has significantly risen in the Philippines, particularly during the pandemic, mirroring a global trend. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of studies regarding its pragmatic implementation among Filipino physicians, a crucial aspect for enhancing healthcare delivery. A qualitative analysis utilized in-depth interviews with experienced physicians in the Philippines. The researchers employed an inductive methodology to investigate how 13 physicians integrate telemedicine into their private medical practices. The selection of participants was purposeful, specifically targeting physicians with more than two years of experience in telemedicine. The qualitative data collected was subjected to a rigorous thematic analysis, comprehensively examining the current telemedicine integration situations. The examination of the data indicated a central theme: ‘Transcending Telemedicine’, emphasizing its influence that goes beyond being a mere technological tool. It overcomes time, space, and geography constraints, enhancing physicians’ ability to serve patients. There are four subcategories connected that contribute to or hinder the achievement of this goal: factors influencing adoption and factors influencing implementation and responses and reactions to telemedicine adoption. This paper contributes to the general understanding of telemedicine’s function in healthcare, specifically in the setting of a developing country. It emphasizes the necessity for continuous support and adjustment to maximize its benefits
Antioxidant and anticancer activity of Canarium ovatum Engl. (Pili) ethanolic leaf extracts
Get PDFThe Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) tree, native to the Philippines, has been reported to have medicinal properties because of the biological and chemical properties it exhibits. This paper aimed to investigate the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the ethanolic leaf extract of C. ovatum. To determine the phytochemicals, present in the extract, standard procedures for qualitative phytochemical screening were performed. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed in vitro using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The anticancer activity of the extract was assessed in vitro using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay against the HCT116 cancer cell line. Phytochemical screening of C. ovatum ethanolic leaf extract detected alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The extract had extremely high antioxidant activity (IC50=11.44 mg/L). The MTT assay revealed moderate cytotoxic activity of the leaf extract to HCT116 cancer cell line (IC50=94.43 mg/L). These findings suggest that the C. ovatum ethanolic leaf extract has therapeutic potential because of the presence of beneficial phytochemicals, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer capacity. Futher research is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the medicinal potential of Pili leaf extracts, including exploring other biological activities using various assays and employing different solvents for leaf extraction
Mental health of working adults: their work and their digital literacy
Get PDFThe interplay between digital interactions and mental health among working adults is intensifying, driven by the pervasiveness of social media and its potential effects on psychological wellness. This research utilizes a socio-cognitive approach to explore how perceived social support (PSS), work mattering, and work self-efficacy (WSE) mediated by new media literacy (NML) influence general mental health (GMH) in a digital era. Through extensive empirical testing, the study reveals that high levels of NML can directly enhance the positive effects of PSS on GMH, bypassing the need for intermediary states like mattering and self-efficacy. This highlights the critical role of digital skills in moderating social support mechanisms and mental health, suggesting that integrating digital literacy into mental health strategies could be vital for improving workplace well-being in contemporary digitally-focused environments
Physician acceptability of oral ivermectin versus permethrin in scabies treatment
Get PDFOral ivermectin may be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to topical permethrin for classic scabies but its acceptability among physicians in the Philippines is underexplored. This qualitative study aimed to investigate physicians’ experiences and perceptions regarding oral ivermectin, alone or in combination with permethrin, and only permethrin in the treatment of classic scabies. We interviewed 15 purposively sampled Filipino physicians: nine have prescribed only permethrin, one has prescribed either oral ivermectin or permethrin alone, and five have prescribed all three regimens for scabies. Interview data were analyzed and thematically organized using the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). Our findings reveal mixed awareness and experience with ivermectin among Filipino physicians: while most were generally confident in permethrin as the standard care, combination therapy was reserved as a last resort. These insights highlight the need for ongoing education, clearer guidelines, and further research to improve the efficacy and accessibility of scabies treatments while addressing physicians' varying perceptions and self-efficacy in alternative treatments
The relationship of nutrition literacy to nutrition status and differences by gender in Thai high school students
Get PDFNutrition literacy (NL) is an indicator of food consumption nutrition status, and the prevalence of overweight among high school students is increasing. Thus, there is a need for an analysis of nutrition literacy and other factors relevant to overweight, comparing differences based on biological sex and gender to prevent and reduce the risk of overweight among high school students. In this cross-sectional study. Boys represented 63.5% and girls 36.5% of the total. The prevalence of overweight in high school students was found to be 35.1% of all cases. The incidence of overweight was higher in high school student boys at 67.1%. The age range of boy and girl students was found a median of 17.50 years (16.30–18.80). NL was associated with overweight; the main NL protective factors in boys were knowledge of nutrition principles (AOR=0.03; 95% CI: 0.002–0.618; p=0.022), interactive nutritional literacy (INL) (AOR=0.17; 95% CI: 0.03–0.82; p=0.027), and critical nutrition literacy (CNL) (AOR=0.03; 95% CI: 0.003–0.327; p=0.004). The main NL protective factors in girls were INL (AOR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.05–0.71; p=0.013) and CNL (AOR=0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.95; p=0.043), after controlling for potential confounding variables. Therefore, gender-specific public health strategies are required to prevent overweight
Electroencephalography and heart rate variability prognostics in mental health therapies for Malaysian workers
Get PDFGlobally, over a million individuals succumb to suicide annually, with depression contributing to 6.7% of these tragic deaths. Such crises often stem from life-induced pressures, escalating into severe mental health issues. Recognizing these early signs is pivotal, but insufficient without effective therapeutic measures. This study endeavors to address these challenges by exploring patient responses to therapy using electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) data. Conducted in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, the research involves workers and employs aromatherapy, deep breathing exercises, and ruqyah alongside a control group. EEG and HRV signals monitor brain wave patterns and heart rhythm coherence, aiding in identifying depression, stress, and anxiety indicators. Integrating questionnaire data including the depression-anxiety-stress-scale (DASS), beck depression inventory (BDI), beck anxiety inventory (BAI), and statistical analysis, the study aims to evaluate therapeutic efficacy in enhancing relaxation and mental well-being. Metrics like HRV coherence ratio and EEG delta wave activity offer insights into therapy optimization. Results suggest deep breathing exercises and aromatherapy as most effective in inducing calmness, followed by ruqyah. By tailoring therapy to individual needs, especially among workers, the study endeavors to foster mental health resilience in communities, paving the path towards a mentally healthier populace
Effectiveness of school-based nutrition education on obesity and nutritional status of adolescent girls: a scoping review
Get PDFSchool based nutrition education is an effective way to improve nutritional status of adolescent girls through changing their dietary behaviors. This scoping review therefore aimed to summarize the available literature evaluating the effectiveness of school-based nutrition education interventions on anthropometric measures and nutritional status of adolescent girls. A systematic approach following the PRISMA guidelines was adopted to investigate the effects of nutrition education in schools. A search term and an eligibility criterion were applied and 2 databases, i.e., Scopus and PubMed were selected to retrieve the existing literature. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 11 studies and data from 3957 participants were included in this review. School-education intervention was taken as an independent variable to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs. Most of the studies found the beneficial effects of school-based nutrition programs to reduce obesity among adolescent girls. However, a few studies (n = 4) did not show any significant impact of nutrition education programs to improve nutritional status of this age-group girls. Our review reported the beneficial effect of school health-education programs to reduce obesity in adolescent girls. A holistic approach with more professional training for teachers based on health promotion strategies, inclusion of nutrition education into the curriculum, operative follow-up and evaluations are needed to implement more effective school-based nutrition education programs