Linking suicide attempts with educational attainment among Filipinos 15 to 24 years old: A cross-sectional study

@#The burden of suicide increases globally in ages 15-19 as they are more vulnerable to risky behaviors [8]. The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study of 2013 (YAFS4) suggests further analysis and accounting for other related variables to determine if a true relationship between educational attainment and suicide is reflected. An analytic cross-sectional study was employed using secondary data from the YAFS4. The proportion of suicide attempt among the different education levels and its confounders was determined using point and interval estimates, whereas the association between educational attainment and suicide attempt was determined through multiple logistic regression analysis. Results revealed a high prevalence of suicide attempt among those with 'No schooling/Elementary' (38.36%), who have used alcohol (36.15%) and drugs (50.82%), and identified as 'bisexual' or with an 'identity crisis' (52.00%). Overall, there was an association between educational attainment and suicide attempt. The odds of suicide attempt was 1.69 times higher among those with “No schooling/Elementary” as compared to those “College Graduates or Higher”, and was the only group found to be statistically significant even after controlling for socioeconomic status. An association exists between educational attainment and suicide attempt, wherein having a lower level of education has higher odds of suicide attempt. The study suggests that interventions start as early as elementary school and focus on the out-of-school youth. Additionally, future research may also look further into the confounding effects of socioeconomic status and the mechanisms involved.

Fishing methods and occupational safety practices of fishermen in a coastal municipality of Central Luzon

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aims to explore the fishing methods and occupational safety practices of fisherfolk in a coastal municipality in Central Luzon.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Key informant interviews were conducted with leaders of fishing organizations and the Municipal Agricultural Officer using a semi-structured interview guide.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> Fisherfolk in the selected municipality adopted a variety of fishing practices, equipment, and methods suitable for each individual or group of fisherfolk. Safety practices were either self-learned from observation of elders and family members or arose from a trial-and-error basis, with an emphasis on precautionary measures to avoid injury.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Fishing practices highly varies, the most prominent of which is using numerous equipment for catching fish and other marine products by hand. Occupational safety practices are mainly focused on the avoidance of hazards.</p>

Factors Associated with Treatment Outcome of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the Philippines, 2015 to 2016

Objective@#The study aims to determine the factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome among patients who have undergone tuberculosis treatment.@*Methods@#An analytic cross-sectional study was employed through secondary data analysis of administrative data collected by the National Tuberculosis Control Program from October 2015 to September 2016. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome were determined. @*Results@#Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that belonging to age groups 25 to 34 (aOR=0.73; 95%CI 0.54-0.99) or 35 to 44 (aOR=0.75; 95%CI 0.56-0.99), being male (aOR=1.30; 95%CI 1.03-1.64), doing crafts and related trades work (aOR=0.66; 95%CI 0.46-0.94), living in either a 4th class city (aOR=0.46; 95%CI 0.26-0.82), 1st class municipality (aOR=0.75; 95%CI 0.57-0.98), 4th class municipality (aOR=0.59; 95%CI 0.38-0.93), having a positive sputum smear result (aOR=1.60; 95%CI 1.29-2.00), having rifampicin-resistant/ multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (aOR=9.32; 95%CI 7.28-11.93), being a treatment after lost to follow-up case (aOR=1.84; 95%CI 1.37-2.47) or a case with previously unknown treatment outcome (aOR=1.42; 95%CI 1.00-2.01) were significant correlates of unsuccessful treatment outcome. @*Conclusion@#The study found that age, sex, occupation, residence, sputum smear results, drug resistance, and history of previous treatment were associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome.

Association of Weight Misperception with Unhealthy Diet-related Behaviors among University of the Philippines Manila Undergraduate Students

Objectives@#The study aims to determine whether there is an association of perceived weight status with unhealthy diet practices. @*Method@#An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adult undergraduate students from U.P. Manila. The survey included questions regarding sociodemographic status, habits related to diet and weight management, and perceived body mass index (BMI). Actual BMI were obtained and calculated from actual anthropomorphic measurements. @*Results@#In the population surveyed, it was seen that 53.28% of the students accurately perceived their BMI status, 26.08% overestimated their BMI status, while 17.28% underestimated their BMI status. It was also seen that over-estimating of BMI status is more associated with unhealthy diet practices. Those who over estimated their BMI were 1.95 times more likely to skip meals (p=0.001) and 1.56 times more likely to engage in cutting of food (p=0.034). Physical activity was also seen to be associated with these practices. @* Conclusion@#Over-estimation of BMI may be linked to unrealistic goals in weight loss resulting in unhealthier diet-related habits.