Assessment of a public health promotion and education module at the graduate level: A basis for revision of learning resource material for teaching and training health promotion and education

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the existing Public Health Promotion and Education 210 module (PHPE 210) as basis for the revision of the learning resource material. Specifically, this study determined the stakeholders' perceptions on the module in terms of: (1) its presentation, organization, topics covered, clarity/user-friendliness and its relevance to practice; (2) its strengths and weaknesses; and (3) the topics that need to be integrated in the resource material. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used for this study. Through purposive sampling, 4 focus group discussions and 11 key informant interviews were done. Topic Guide was used as the main data collection instrument. Informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Data was described verbatim, emerging themes and actual quotations from the participants and informants were extracted in the succeeding analysis. RESULTS: The results of the focus group discussions and key informant interviews, in general, were similar and actually complemented each other. The module was perceived to be relevant, comprehensive and logically organized. The historical foundation needs to be presented in a more concise and updated manner, and examples and practical applications of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model must be used. To update the module and make it more relevant to the present issues, innovative health promotion strategies such as social media, healthy settings, health in all policies, and multi-sectoral approach must be included in the revised version. Practical applications of the theories and health promotion and education strategies also need to be considered in the revision of the module. The module has to be presented in a more reader-friendly manner, easy-to-use and visually appealing to its readers. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the importance of incorporating the perceptions of educators, module developers, practitioners, experts, and the learners or students in assessing and redesigning a more relevant learning resource material. With the current trends and emerging issues in health promotion and education, an evidence-based development and improvement of learning resource modules to make them relevant to changes have to be continuously undertaken.

Selected sociodemographic and psychosocial variables related to mothers' preference for childbirth setting in a barangay in Rosario, Cavite

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe selected sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that are related to mothers' preference for childbirth setting in a barangay in Rosario, Cavite. METHODS: This study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. An interview guide was developed, pretested, and used in interviewing mothers who had given birth from September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2010. Data collected was encoded and analyzed using Epi-info 3.5.1 to compute for the means and proportions of relevant variables. RESULTS: A total of 271 mothers were interviewed, of whom 53.5% gave birth at health facilities. Mothers who were young adults, had at least graduated from high school, and/or had a family income of greater than Php 10,000 tended to prefer facility-based delivery. Those who had adequate knowledge of child delivery and postpartum complications, as well as those with a positive attitude towards facility-based delivery, gave birth in health facilities. Among the family members, the spouses had greater influence on the decisions of mothers regarding their preference. Whereas doctors appeared to have influenced the decisions of mothers who had facility-based deliveries, midwives influenced those who had home-based deliveries. CONCLUSION: The maternal mortality ratio in Rosario, Cavite and the facility-based delivery rate in the sampled barangay remain higher than the targeted rates. This necessitates more efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goal (MDG) No 5. The findings of this study can serve as a guide in developing health promotion and education intervention focusing on specific age group, significant others, and health providers in order to achieve the desired outcomes.

Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices related to ovicidal-larvicidal traps for dengue control among households in one barangay in Quezon city

OBJECTIVE:The study aimed to establish the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of households in Quezon City on the novel dengue Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) traps.METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done in one barangay in Quezon City.  This barangay was purposively chosen for two reasons: 1) it has a  high incidence of dengue and, 2) it is one of the recipient barangays of DOST-developed OL traps distributed by DOH. Data were collected through face to face interview using a pilot-tested interview schedule and observation. Respondents were also purposively included if they were a resident of the barangay, at least 13 years old, have received an OL trap & instructions, and gave consent. A total of 399 respondents were recruited which was more than the computed sample size  of  383.RESULTS: Of the 399 respondents, 92% were females, age ranged from 13 to 82 (mean of 39), 85% were married and 54% finished secondary education. Majority had high level of knowledge on OL traps components, properties, installation, and maintenance. Generally, 65% to 90% of respondents had favorable attitudes and perception towards dengue OL traps. Some misconceptions like OL trap is not safe to human and that it can kill mosquitoes even without adding the pellets were found.CONCLUSIONS: The study generally established good knowledge, positive attitudes and perceptions and correct practices among respondents. Misconceptions need to be corrected to increase the acceptability of using the OL traps at the household level.

The Filipino seafarers' lived experience aboard international shipping vessels: A basis for health promotion intervention

OBJECTIVE. This study documented the Filipino seafarers' lived experiences related to their health conditions, access to available health services and facilities, satisfaction with these, and their coping mechanisms aboard international shipping vessels. METHOD. Descriptive phenomenology was used with 12 Filipino seafarers. In-depth interviews were done in an industrial clinic in Manila port area during their annual medical examinations. RESULTS. The most common health-related problems mentioned by informants from dry cargo bulk/tanker vessels were sexuallyytransmitted infections, hypertension, accidents, heart attack, and homesickness. Hypertension, back, knee, and muscle pains and liver enzymes elevations were frequently mentioned problems in luxury liners. Circumstances on board like unlimited amount of food servings, lack of control over food choices, and negative attitude of the cook were perceived to increase seafarers' vulnerability to lifestyle diseases. Loneliness seemed to have contributed to their propensity to engage in high-risk sex behaviors. Informants reported having access to health services and facilities on board as well as satisfaction with these. Gym facilities were seldom used because of work fatigue. Coping mechanisms included watching DVDs, singing karaoke, playing video games, listening to music, and fishing. CONCLUSION. Despite the reported access to health information and services, informants still reported occupational and lifestyleerelated diseases that were perceived to be associated with the work situation that requires appropriate health promotion strategies.