ABSTRACT
Objective@#This study aims to determine the prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 16 barangays of the AMIGA municipalities of Cavite. @*Methods@#The research is a cross-sectional study. Randomly chosen participants were interviewed using a translated version of the WHO Steps questionnaire. Interviewees were then invited to participate in another session where their anthropometric measurements were taken and their fasting blood sugar and cholesterol levels were determined.@*Results@#The research was done in 12 out of the 16 targeted barangays. A total of 1,527 participants were interviewed and 1,123 of them completed the study. The most significant findings in all 12 barangays were a very high rate of passive smoking (range of 60-80%); a relatively high proportion of respondents with obesity by all 3 parameters (BMI 29-52%; waist circumference 42-78%; and waist-to-hip ratio 41-78%) despite sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables and more than adequate physical activity; and a high proportion of participants with hypertension (more than 30% in 8 out of 12 barangays) and diabetes mellitus (more than 8% in 7 out of 12 barangays). @* Conclusion@#A high prevalence of risk factors of NCDs, particularly obesity, hypertension, and diabetes was found in the 12 barangays of AMIGA that participated in the study. Results of this study should provide the baseline data against which the success of an ongoing program in the area can be measured.
Subject(s)
Cities , Noncommunicable Diseases , World Health Organization , Surveys and Questionnaires , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Objectives@#This study aims to (1) determine the cardiovascular risk of persons with hypertension and diabetes attending hypertension/diabetic clinics or hypertension/health club meetings in the AMIGA (Alfonso, Mendez, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo and Amadeo) municipalities of Cavite; (2) suggest measures to improve the cardiovascular disease (CVD) program in these municipalities using the results of the study. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was performed on patients diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes who are attending clinics or club meetings in the barangays of the five AMIGA municipalities of Cavite. Participants were interviewed using an abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire on risk factors. The participants’ anthropometric measurements were obtained and their total blood cholesterol levels determined. CVD risk was then estimated using the WHO / International Society of Hypertension (ISH) risk prediction chart for the Western Pacific Region B. @*Results@#1,032 participants from 27 barangays qualified for the study. Participants were predominantly female (74%); over-all mean age was 58.43 years. The majority of the participants (79.17%) were found to be in the low-risk group; 11.34% were in the moderate risk group; 4.46% were in the high-risk group; while 5.05% were in the very high-risk group. Majority of the participants were also found to be obese. Mean total cholesterol was 207.02 mg/dl. @*Conclusion@#Majority of participants were stratified in the low-risk category (<10% chance to have cardiovascularevents in the next 10 years), while 9.5% were in the high-risk category (≥20% risk). Obesity is a major risk factor that could be addressed in this population.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Risk Assessment , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
Objective@#The study determined the safety, efficacy and acceptability of a Philippine community preparation of Siling Labuyo liniment in the management of knee osteoarthritis.@*Methods@#A 6-week randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted in three municipalities of Cavite from 2017-2018. The municipalities were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group, using a commercially available Diclofenac 1% gel as the control agent. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to measure the outcomes.@*Results@#Forty-seven participants completed the study. Statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in pain relief, reduction of symptoms and increase in knee functionality was reported by participants in both the experimental and control groups. Across the dimensions measured, at least 30% improvement in scores was reported by the experimental group, and at least 40% by the control group. The difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Itching (13%), burning sensation (11%) and reddening of the skin (15%) were experienced in both the experimental and the active control groups.@*Conclusion@#Use of the liniment led to a modest therapeutic effect and was well-tolerated by the participants.