bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Utilization of Primary Preventive Services of Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP) among PhilHealth Indigent Members in Manila
Authors: Barcena Allan John R. , Casimiro Carl Robert A. , Catalan Gil Dominic R. , Pestano Camille A. , Quinto Fenny Mariechit Q. , Ramos-Mortel Buenalyn Teresita M. 
Published: January 2021

Background. The primary preventive services of TSeKaP promote disease prevention among marginalized groups. The threat of non-utilization, however, undermines the effective implementation of the program. To fill in the knowledge gap regarding utilization of primary preventive services, rate of utilization and factors associated with utilization of primary preventive services must be determined.
Objective. To determine the rate of utilization and the association of selected factors with utilization of primary preventive services of TSeKaP among PhilHealth Indigent Member of Manila.
Methods. Using a two-stage cluster sampling, 145 PhilHealth Indigent Members were randomly selected and interviewed. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine associations. FGDs were also conducted to gather reasons related to utilization.
Results and Conclusion. Among those surveyed, 68.28% were found to have utilized at least one primary preventive service. Age (p-value=0.021), knowledge (p-value=0.015), familiarity (p-value=0.029), and accessibility (p-value=0.013) were found to be associated with utilization. Utilization generally increases as age group increases. Those with satisfactory knowledge on TSeKaP, those familiar with their health center, and those who report that their health center is accessible were 1.45 times, 2.12 times and 2.83 times more likely to utilize than their counterpart, respectively. Results showing a significant proportion of non-utilization emphasize the need to improve implementation strategies by improving not only the knowledge of respondents’ on TSeKaP but also their familiarity with their health centers. The use of various communication channels, such as barangay bulletin, public address system, radio or television, may aid the dissemination of pertinent information regarding the program as perceived by the respondents.
Use of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) as a Nutritional Screening Tool among Urban Older Adults in Pasay City, Philippines
Authors: Bullecer Ernani R. , Develos Maribel M. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. This study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and nutritionally-at-risk community-dwelling older adults in an urban setting through the use of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®).
Methods. A cross-sectional survey was done among older adults in Barangay Sto. Niño, an urban poor community in Pasay City, Metro Manila to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and older adults using the short and full form of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). Anthropometric assessment was done to determine body mass index as well as physical examination to determine presence of nutrient deficiencies.
Results. Using the Asia Pacific cut-off for BMI, it can be noted that 16.5% were classified as underweight. On the other hand, results of the MNA® short form screening showed that less than half (42.6%) of the study respondents have normal nutritional status. Majority of the respondents were either malnourished (14.8%) or at risk of malnutrition (42.6%). Moreover, results of the Full MNA® form showed that almost half of the study respondents were either malnourished (8.2%) or at risk of malnutrition (39.3%). The rest of the study respondents were classified as having normal nutritional status (52.5%).
Conclusion. As compared to Body Mass Index, which can only identify prevalence of malnutrition, the MNA®, both short and full form, was not only able to identify malnourished and nutritionally-at-risk older adult as well as provide variables that may screen for possible causes of malnutrition. This is necessary and relevant for timely nutrition intervention for improved nutritional outcome among older adults.
Diagnosis and Management of Childhood tuberculosis in Public health Clinics in a rural Area in the Philippines: results from a Community surveillance
Authors: Aldaba Josephine G. , Ama Ma. Cecilia G. , Salonga Aida M. , Sylim Patrick G. , Sarol, Jr Jesus N. , Lopez Anna Lena 
Published: January 2021

Background. Childhood tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health problem worldwide despite the increase on its emphasis in national health programs.
Objective. This study aimed to describe how TB in children is identified and managed in a routine TB program in a rural setting in a high-burden country.
Methods. This is a prospective, community-based surveillance study in public rural clinics in the Philippines. Observations on case finding and management of TB in children as well as contact tracing in an existing TB program are described.
Results. Out of 266 children with presumptive TB, 41 (15.4%) were cases of TB, 15 (5.6%) had latent TB infection (LTBI), 81 (30.5%) had TB exposure, and 129 (48.5%) had no TB. There were 37 (90%) TB cases who were clinically diagnosed. Ninety-three per cent (93%) of children with TB disease were cured or completed treatment. Among 25 children targeted for isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for LTBI and TB exposure, only 12 (52%) completed the recommended 6 months of IPT. Only 40 (43%) children aged 0 to 4 years exposed to smear-positive TB cases were screened.
Conclusion. Barriers in the diagnosis, low IPT completion and problems in contact tracing may hinder successful implementation of TB programs for children.
Risk factors of developing Pneumonia Among Confirmed Measles Cases
Authors: Ylade Michelle C. 
Published: January 2021

Background. Deaths may occur due to complications of measles. The most common measles complication is pneumonia and accounts for most measles-related deaths.
Objective. The study aimed to identify risk factors for developing pneumonia among measles cases.
Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted using measles surveillance data from an outbreak in the Philippines from January 2013 to December 2014. Data on age, sex, area of residence, clinical manifestations, receipt of measles vaccine, and other exposure variables were obtained and analyzed using logistic regression.
Results. Approximately 25,166 confirmed measles cases were included in the study where 16% had pneumonia. Potential risk factors identified in the development of pneumonia among confirmed measles cases were younger age (<5 years = OR 2.49, 95% CI: 1.81,3.42; 5-14 years = OR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.64,3.33), resident of Mindanao (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.74,2.74), presence of cough (OR 5.51, 95% CI: 2.04,14.86), presence of conjunctivitis (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11,1.55), and being admitted to hospital (OR 3.16, 95% CI: 2.57,3.90). Confirmed measles cases with receipt of measles containing vaccine (MCV) (OR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63,0.87) were found to be less likely to have pneumonia.
Conclusion. These risk factors help identify cases requiring prompt management to reduce morbidity and mortality in any future measles outbreaks.
Optimization of ibuprofen hydrogel-based Matrix tablet formulation for oral delivery
Authors: Celiz Giselle Clarisse D. , Leaño Catherine Joy B. , Arollado Erna C. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is poorly soluble leading to its slow systemic absorption. This study aimed to optimize the formulation of an ibuprofen hydrogel-based matrix tablet to improve its dissolution for better oral bioavailability.
Methods. Raw material of ibuprofen was subjected to quality control test and compatibility test with the excipients. Six trial formulations were performed, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 as the matrix for the first three trial formulations and carbopol for the remaining trial formulations. Finished product quality control (FPQC) tests were conducted to choose the best formulations to be compared against the marketed products using comparative dissolution and stability studies.
Results. Among the trial formulations, Formulation 3 and Formulation 4 displayed highly satisfactory results from FPQC. The results of disintegration tests, comparative dissolution, and stability studies suggested carbopol as the better polymer over PEG 6000 which made Formulation 4 as the best.
Conclusion. Based on the percent drug release and similarity factor, it was concluded that the formulation optimized in this study was considered to be similar with the standard liquigel.
Optimization of the isolation and Purification Method of Pharmaceutical Grade Pectin from Pomelo Fruit Peels (Citrus maxima Merr. [family rutaceae])
Authors: Arollado Erna C. , Ramirez Romeo-Luis F. , Manalo Richelle Ann M. , Dela Torre Gerwin Louis T. , Ponsaran Kerstin Mariae G. , Salvador Shaina Mara M. , Siocson Mae Pauline F. 
Published: January 2021

Background. Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide used in pharmaceutical formulations as a binding agent. Importation of pectin costs billions of Philippine pesos, but the local laboratory-scale production of this excipient from fruit peel wastes is estimated to be cheaper by 80%.
Objective. To address economic and environment concerns associated with pectin production, this study aimed to optimize the isolation and purification of pharmaceutical grade pectin from pomelo (Citrus maxima Merr.) fruit peel as basis for commercial-scale production.
Methods. Pectin was extracted from pomelo using different solvents: 6.2% w/w citric acid, 1N acetic acid, 3N hydrochloric acid, 3N nitric acid, and 3N sulfuric acid. Temperatures for extracting pectin were explored at 40°C, 60°C, and 90°C. Obtained pectin samples were characterized based on the following parameters: equivalent weight (EW), methoxyl content (MC), ash content (AC), anhydrouronic acid content (AUA), and degree of esterification (DE).
Results. Highest pectin yield (9.25%) was obtained using 3N nitric acid and 3N sulfuric acid at 90°C.Based from the pharmacopeial standards (MC ≥ 6.7, AUA ≥ 74.0), all the samples did not pass the parameters, except the pectin extracted using 3N sulfuric acid at 90°C (MC = 6.76, AUA = 74.61).
Conclusion. Among the different solvents used for extraction, 3N sulfuric acid produced the highest percent yield of pharmaceutical grade pectin from pomelo fruit peel. Its optimum temperature for extraction was at 90°C. The sample passed the USP standards of MC values not less than 6.76 and AUA values not less than 74. Under the following conditions, pomelo fruit peel have the potential for commercial-scale production of pharmaceutical grade pectin.
Determination of the Antiangiogenic Activity of Telescopium telescopium (horn snail) Extract using in ovo Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay
Authors: Luay Milany Anne M. , Gonzaga Mary France R. , Po Sharmaine Kae D. , Arollado Erna C. 
Published: January 2021

Objective. To determine the antiangiogenic activity of Telescopium telescopium (Horn snail) extract using in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.
Methods. Methanolic extract of Telescopium telescopium was subjected to modified Kupchan partitioning. Four treatment groups – negative control, positive control (quercetin), test samples, and blanks – were used for the in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. ImageJ software was used to measure average vessel diameter (DV) and total length (LT) to determine the degree of vascularization, percent inhibition, and antiangiogenic activity. Biochemical screening was done for the crude extract and the fraction with the highest percent inhibition.
Results. Butanol fraction showed the highest percent inhibition in both average vessel diameter (DV) (417.30% ± 300.83) and total length (L T) (44.21% ± 8.11). There was no significant difference in the antiangiogenic activity of both crude and butanol fraction compared with quercetin. Biochemical screening confirmed the presence of sterols and carbohydrates in both fractions.
Conclusion. Crude extract and butanol fraction resulted in positive percent inhibition values, indicating inhibition of angiogenesis. They were found to have no significant difference with quercetin in regard to their antiangiogenic activity. Sterols were assumed as the biochemical class of the antiangiogenic compound of interest.
Disparities in hospital Capacities and Efficiency of Computer-based health insurance Claims Processing
Authors: Caballes Alvin B. , Nisperos Gene A. , Zuniga Philip C. 
Published: January 2021

Background. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has adopted several computer-based systems to enhance claims processing for hospitals.
Objectives. This study sought to determine the efficiency gains in the processing of PhilHealth claims following the introduction of computer-based processing systems, taking into account differences in hospital characteristics.
Methods. Data were obtained from a survey conducted among 200 hospitals, and their corresponding 2014 claims figures as provided by PhilHealth. Summary descriptive statistics of hospital capacities (ownership, service level, and utilization of PhilHealth computer systems) and claims outcomes (claims rejection rates, as well as length of claims processing times for hospitals and with PhilHealth) were generated. Multivariate regression analysis was done using claims outcomes as dependent variables, and hospital capacities as independent variables.
Results. Nearly a quarter of the surveyed hospitals did not utilize any of PhilHealth’s computer-based claims systems. Utilization was lowest for primary as well as public facilities. Among those that used the systems, most employed the on-line membership verification program. The mean claims rejection rate was 3.81%. Claims processing by hospitals took an average of 35 days, while PhilHealth required 40 days from receipt of claims to release of reimbursement. Regression analysis indicated that facilities which utilized computers as well as private hospitals had significantly lower claims rejection rates (p<0.05). The claims processing duration was significantly shorter among private facilities.
Conclusions. Private hospitals are able to process claims and obtain reimbursements faster than public facilities, regardless of the use of PhilHeath’s computer-based systems. PhilHealth and public hospitals need to optimize claims processing arrangements.
Epidemiology of Measles in the Philippines
Authors: Ylade Michelle C. 
Published: January 2021

Background. Measles cases have decreased ever since vaccination has been introduced through the DOH Expanded Program on Immunization (DOH EPI) in the Philippines. Elimination is the current goal. However, despite high vaccine coverage, a nationwide outbreak occurred in 2013.
Objectives. This study aimed to present measles incidence rates before and after the introduction of the measles vaccine, describe the changing epidemiology of measles, and assess the effectiveness of measles vaccination and baseline measles reporting.
Methods. National data from 1960 to 2014 were used to determine incidence of measles and describe its epidemiology. Vaccine coverage and data on measles surveillance were used to estimate vaccine effectiveness by birth cohort and age group.
Results. Reported measles incidence decreased after the introduction of measles vaccine compared to prevaccination levels (pre-vaccination: 36 per 100,000 to 73 per 100,000; 2008-2014 confirmed measles incidence: 1.47 to 23.76 per 100,000, suspected measles-5.7 to 58.08 per 100,000). A shift in the age distribution of cases was noted during the outbreak. Vaccine effectiveness by birth cohort ranged from 85-96% while the lowest VE estimate by age group was seen among those aged 26-30 years.
Conclusion. Measles vaccine coverage should target wider age groups. Measles surveillance should be improved to help in evidence-based decisions for a more effective plan towards measles elimination.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Teenagers Regarding Sex in the Community of Los Baños, Laguna
Authors: Candelaria Maria Eleanor L. , Rodriguez Maricar B. , Reyes Robbie Jun B. , Clemente-Co Leah Rebecah R. , Tatel Reymund D. 
Published: January 2021

Background. The steady rise in the number of teenage pregnancies in Los Baños, Laguna was identified as a public health concern that needs to be addressed immediately given the numerous complications to the teenage mother and her infant.
Methods. The study used a multicomponent strategy which included 1) a survey of Grades 7-12 students, 2) training of midwives, and 3) advocacy for parents to enhance existing projects on teenage pregnancy.
Results. The survey showed that students value the opinion of friends of the same gender but prefer to get information from a health professional.
Conclusion. The students did not see their parents as a preferred source of information for sexual health. Approximately one-third of the respondents mistakingly believed that teenagers will never get pregnant during their first sexual encounter. Recommendations include training teachers to provide professional advice, inclusion of more schools for the survey, further training on other counselling techniques, and extension of advocacy to other pertinent sectors of the community.
Household Characteristics, Housing Profile and Diet Diversity of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Beneficiaries and Non-beneficiaries in Lucena City, Quezon, Philippines
Authors: Zarsuelo Ma-Ann M. , Suva Madeline M. , Juanico Clarissa B. , Hurtada Wilma A. 
Published: January 2021

Background. The Philippines adopted the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that serves as the government’s flagship social assistance program for the poor. This provides short-term income support to poor families while investing on health and education to overcome future poverty.
Objective. This study aimed to characterize the beneficiary and non-beneficiary households and evaluate the impact of 4Ps program on housing facilities and diet diversity.
Methods. Quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate survey outcomes between 91 randomly sampled beneficiaries and 91 completely enumerated non-beneficiaries (incoming grantees). FANTA Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as an indicator for dietary diversity while structured questionnaire on housing profile was based on BIDANI and CEM-UPLB tools.
Results. The 4Ps beneficiaries had significantly higher maternal education, household size (ρ=0.038), and improved water source (ρ=0.004) than non-beneficiaries. Cash transfer among 4Ps households provided 11% increase in the average monthly income of P7,324 pre-transfer. Diet diversity using FANTA scoring (0-12) showed that nonbeneficiaries were significantly lower by 0.4 than 4Ps score of 7.9 (ρ=0.003). Maternal education was found to have significant positive correlation with diet diversity. Both groups had high cereals and fats intake (>90%) while low in complex carbohydrates and legumes (<31%).
Conclusion. The 4Ps had positive correlation on housing profile and diet diversity among beneficiaries. Family Development Session should integrate practical methods on improving variety of foods, specifically, the low consumption food groups. Additionally, a review on the selection criteria based on the provincial poverty threshold vis a vis income of grantees must be implemented to accurately target intended beneficiaries.
Ethnomedicinal Uses of tawatawa (Euphorbia hirta Linn.) in Selected Communities in the Philippines: a Non-invasive Ethnographic Survey Using Pictures for Plant Identification
Authors: Lam Hilton Y. , Montaño Marco Nemesio E. , Sia Isidro C. , Heralde III Francisco M. , Tayao Lotgarda 
Published: January 2021

Background. There is a growing interest in the use of Euphorbia hirta Linn. as herbal remedy for dengue, supposedly based on folkloric practice. However, there has been no ethnobotanical documentation of such use in the Philippines. Because of this, the medical community cautions the public against the sole use of E. hirta in treating dengue.
General Objective. To describe the ethnomedicinal uses of Euphorbia hirta Linn. In selected communities in the Philippines.
Specific Objectives. (1) To identify the vernacular names of the plant; (2) to identify the earliest known use of the plant against dengue infection and for other indications; (3) to document the methods of preparation and administration, side effects, and contraindications of use.
Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive design using the snowball sampling of interviewer-guided key informants for the ethnobotanical interview.
Limitations. The results of this study may be limited by its convenient sampling design and the use of plant pictures with different magnifications.
Results and Conclusion. Majority of the respondents were female (93%), 41-60 years old (39%), had high school education (43%), and resided in Quezon City (31%). The plant is locally known as tawatawa, butobutonesan, malagatas, and mangagaw. It has been used to treat fever in the Philippines as early as 1948. Its use as a treatment for dengue started only in the 1980s. The plant is either squeezed, crushed, or boiled, and is administered topically or orally. The only reported side-effect is increased urinary frequency.
Recommendations. It is recommended that more comprehensive and large scale studies be conducted, including: (1) identification of folkloric uses of E. hirta for the treatment of other diseases; (2) determination of different concentrations of extract (crude or semicrude) using the various reported preparations for optimal outcomes for the different reported medicinal uses.
Public Policy on Alcohol Consumption and Accessibility: Implications to its Implementation in Metro Manila Universities and Colleges
Authors: Pagkatipunan Paulo Maria N. 
Published: January 2021

Objectives. The study aimed to identify alcohol-related advertisements and access to alcohol outside selected Metro Manila schools as well as to identify alcohol-related ordinances and determine their enforcement.
Methods. An area within 100 meters of ten randomly selected colleges in Metro Manila were included in the study using the Global Positioning System (GPS). These areas were grid-searched for alcohol related advertisements and alcohol outlets. Ordinances related to alcohol were also identified.
Results. An average of six advertisements and 12 establishments which sell alcoholic drinks were seen near the selected colleges in Metro Manila. Three of the five cities where the ten colleges were situated had ordinances which prohibit selling to minors while two cities prohibit issuing of liquor licenses to establishments within 200 meters from a school.
Conclusion. Alcohol-related advertisements and alcohol outlets were plentiful near Metro Manila colleges even when there were ordinances which prohibit giving licenses to establishments to sell alcoholic beverages
Una reflexión sobre la Escuela en tiempos de Covid desde la mirada de Arendt, Meirieu, Simons y Masschelein
Authors: Vargas Pellicer José Miguel 
Published: January 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una serie de reflexiones sobre algunas de las condiciones que hacen posible la experiencia escolar, entendiendo la Escuela como una cuestión de interés público donde se media la relación entre las nuevas generaciones y el mundo, producto de siglos de experiencias culturales. Para ello, se revisaron tres textos relevantes: La crisis en la educación, de Hannah Arendt, Pedagogía: el deber de resistirde Philippe Meirieu y En defensa de la escuela. Una cuestión pública, de Maarten Simons y Jan Masschelein. Aprovechando la contingencia sanitaria producto de la pandemia asociada al Covid-19, es un momento oportuno para retomar algunas preguntas fundamentales sobre aquello que da sentido a esta institución que llamamos Escuela.