Accessibility of soil-transmitted Helminthiasis control strategies in selected indigenous people communities in the Philippines

Background@#Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and services. The World Health Organization recommends periodic mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics, health education, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as control strategies to reduce morbidities caused by STH in target populations such as schoolage children (SAC). This paper complements the published results of the parasitological survey (prevalence and intensity of STH) conducted in selected Aeta and Ata-Manobo communities. @*Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the accessibility of STH control strategies to respond to the needs of SAC in IP communities in Pampanga and Davao del Norte, the Philippines. It likewise intended to describe access of these IP communities to STH control strategies. @*Methods@#Data on accessibility of and access to STH control strategies were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eleven officials and workers from the departments of health and education, local government units, and two IP leaders were interviewed on the existing STH burden in SAC, implementation of STH control strategies, particularly of MDA, health education campaigns, and improvements in WASH including good practices and challenges in program implementation. Three FGDs with parents, elementary school teachers of IP schools, and rural health midwives were conducted separately. Guide questions focused on accessibility of and access to STH prevention and control strategies for SAC in IP communities. Informed consent to conduct and record KIIs and FGDs were obtained from participants prior to participation. Analysis of a multi-disciplinary team was based on the accessibility framework for IPs accessing indigenous primary health care services by Davy et al. (2016). @*Results@#The characteristics of the STH control strategies and the target populations are interrelated factors that influence accessibility. Challenges in the availability of the MDA program, particularly, inadequate staffing, drug shortages, and delays in delivery affect accessibility of and access to the free STH control strategies. Perceived harm, adverse events, stigma, beliefs, and practices likewise affect access. Lack of information on the similarity of treatment through community- and schoolbased MDA programs also affected engagement of SAC. IP communities are special settings where geographic isolation, peace and order situation as well as water supply need to be considered to help ensure access to STH control strategies, high MDA coverage, and improvements in WASH leading to desired outcomes. @*Conclusions@#Considering the context of IP communities and addressing the challenges in the accessibility of and access to STH control strategies are necessary to ensure successful implementation of an integrated approach in STH prevention and control strategies. Challenges in the accessibility of STH control strategies are inadequate staffing, poor inventory, and delays in the delivery of drugs, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene. Access of SAC is likewise affected by misconceptions on safety and efficacy of anthelminthics, including stigma and cultural practices. The similarity of the MDA programs based in school or community need to be disseminated.

Engagement and resource considerations in developing and implementing mobile health technologies for COVID-19 Pandemic: Filipino developers’ perspectives

Objective@#This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the different engagement, cost, and resource considerations in developing and implementing mHealth solutions in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#First, six participants completed a form to document the estimated costs of developing a pseudo mobile application with features to mitigate the pandemic. Second, ten key informant interviews determined the facilitators, barriers, and resource requirements in developing mHealth tools. @*Results@#The average cost estimate to develop and roll out a mobile application with public health and epidemiology features is Php 4,018,907 (US $78,650). The analysis of the interviews resulted in 12 themes organized in three domains: 1) facilitators and barriers in developing and sustaining mHealth solutions; 2) costs of sustaining mHealth technologies; and 3) factors affecting the costs of development and maintenance of mHealth technologies. @*Conclusion@#While differences in the cost estimates are evident, it provides a ballpark figure and the different factors that implementers need to sustain and maintain an mHealth solution. This paper hopes to inform policies and practices in engaging technology solution partners and in scaling up mHealth technologies.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis morbidity control in selected communities in Eastern Visayas, Philippines: Post-Haiyan

Objective@#As part of the evaluation of control programs recommended by WHO, this study describes the local implementation of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) morbidity control as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions post calamity. It likewise determines the challenges, areas for improvement, and good practices in SCH and STH morbidity control strategies in Haiyan-stricken areas in Eastern and Western Samar, the Philippines. @*Methods@#Twenty key informant interviews and eight focus group discussions documented the implementation of SCH and STH control strategies in Eastern Visayas. Data analysis was done manually by a multi-disciplinary team. @*Results@#Mass drug administration (MDA) in schools and communities was conducted for morbidity control. MDA for STH for pre-school-age children was integrated into the Garantisadong Pambata program, while a schoolbased teacher-assisted approach was used for school-age children. WASH facilities, such as sanitary toilets, were constructed through the initiatives of the local government units (LGUs) and other private sectors. Partnerships with Plan International Philippines helped in the implementation of WASH through the conduct of Community-led Total Sanitation. Health advocacies helped instill behavioral change in the community. SCH surveillance was conducted annually while STH surveillance was irregularly implemented. Data on MDA coverage were validated through Rapid Coverage Assessment before final reporting. Discrepancies were observed due to typographical errors and the inclusion of teachers and transient migrants in the reports submitted. Challenges in the implementation of MDA include delays in drug delivery, lack of human resources, non-compliance of participants, and drug unpalatability. Challenges in WASH included the lack of hand washing facilities, inaccessibility to safe water, as well as non-utility of sanitary toilets. Strengthening health advocacy and education may help address these challenges.@*Conclusion@#The involvement and partnership of various stakeholders such as LGUs, WASH, and veterinary sectors, together with the academe are needed to strengthen and enhance the implementation of SCH and STH control activities. An integrated approach may contribute to improvements in SCH and STH prevention and control of the communities in selected Haiyanstricken areas.

Comparative efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin, topical permethrin, and its combination in the treatment of scabies: A systematic literature review

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>INTRODUCTION:</strong> Oral ivermectin is an approved first-line option to topical permethrin in Europe and Japan for the treatment of classic scabies, while combination oral ivermectin and topical permethrin is used in clinical practice for extensive or recurrent cases. There is unclear evidence on comparative efficacy and safety.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> To review the evidence on efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin versus topical permethrin or its combination in the treatment of classic scabies.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> We searched PubMed from January 1, 2016 up to August 7, 2021 for systematic reviews that included RCTs comparing oral ivermectin versus topical permethrin or its combination in the clinical treatment of scabies. We described the characteristics of included studies, assessed reporting quality, and summarized results and conclusion.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> We included five systematic reviews. Permethrin did not differ from oral ivermectin in cure rate at the 3 to 6-week time point but had an earlier cure at 1-2 weeks. Adverse effects did not significantly diff er and were few, mild, and transient with both treatments. The evidence ranged widely from low to high certainty and mainly came from three moderate-to-high quality systematic reviews. Combination oral ivermectin and topical permethrin was ranked higher in efficacy but lower in safety compared to either drug alone in one moderate validity network meta-analysis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> There is varying certainty of evidence suggesting comparable efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin versus topical permethrin. Limited evidence suggest higher efficacy and lower safety of combination oral ivermectin and topical permethrin compared to either drug alone. An updated systematic review and network meta-analysis is warranted.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> scabies, ivermectin, permethrin, effectiveness, efficacy, safety</p>

Facilitating factors and barriers to newborn screening uptake in the Cordillera administrative region and region V

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Republic Act 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 was enacted. A multi-sector effort towards systematic screening of newborn disorders and built-in systems for subsequent confirmatory tests for positively screened as well as treatment for confirmed cases was likewise implemented. Despite multi-sector efforts and continuous quality improvement mechanisms, national newborn screening coverage remained low for several years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The study determined factors that influence Newborn Screening (NBS) uptake from various perspectives: mothers, health providers, and program administrators.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Framework analysis of NBS program documents, 25 focus group discussions and 37 key informant interviews of mothers, health providers and program administrators were done in purposively selected communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Region V.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Findings showed the need to disseminate correct NBS procedures, especially upon obtaining positive results. Financing issues were addressed innovatively, but system administrators and health providers required a common understanding of program implementation. Monitoring geographically hard-to-reach areas remained a challenge. Barriers outside the system adversely affected filter cards availability, specimen transport, and release of results. Improved online and paper-based educational campaign, greater local government unit support, streamlined PhilHealth processes, a workload-based manpower complement for monitoring, and continuity clinics to handle positive findings can increase NBS uptake.</p>

Prevalence of and associations for complementary and alternative medicine use among apparently healthy individuals in the Philippine LIFECARE cohort

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The study determined the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and its association with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics among adult Filipinos aged 20-50 years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Data from the Philippine cohort of the Life Course Study in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (LIFECARE) in Luzon were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression determined the factors associated with the use of CAM.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A total of 3,072 participants were included: average age of 36 years, more females, mostly married, living in the rural areas, and employed. The prevalence of CAM use in this population was 43%. The commonly sought traditional medicine practitioners were manghihilot (bone setter or partera) and albularyo (herbalist), and participants used herbal medicines and supplements. Use of CAM was more likely among older participants, females, living in rural areas, had medical consultation in the last six months, experienced moderate to extreme pain, and with poor perception of general health.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The use of CAM is prevalent among apparently healthy individuals aged 20-50 years. Further studies should uncover reasons for CAM use.</p>

Clinical ramifications of TB stigma in Baguio City, Philippines

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> Stigmatization due to a disease is a complex process, particularly in the case of tuberculosis (TB) in Baguio City, Philippines. This article reveals findings important to healthcare professionals in the outpatient setting. Complex aspects of stigma vary among people and healthcare professionals in different roles and settings, facilitating behavior that controls TB in some cases and spreads it in others.<br /><strong>METHODS</strong>: With ethnographic and historical methods, Ladia analyzed a wide range of understandings of 36 healthcare providers and 14 persons affected by TB (PATB). These understandings shape clinical behavior with significant implications for patient outcomes and community health. TB treatment and control historically established concepts and behavioral patterns that have a significant bearing on public understanding today. Comparisons with national survey data supported the analysis.<br /><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Sources of varied understandings of TB include the history of sanitaria, poverty, and incomplete dissemination of current scientific information. While some behavior related to stigma could benefit the health of PATB and their household members, the struggle against stigma leads to counterproductive behavior in a number of cases, sometimes spreading disease and sometimes resulting in unnecessary labor and expense. Healthcare providers can provide accurate, accessible, detailed information to address patients' problems.</p>