ABSTRACT
The study aimed to analyze the impact of pandemic-related BMW production and management in the Philippines and its potential role in transmitting the COVID-19 virus via a mixed-methods analysis of data from surveys of different sectors (consumers of medical waste, deliverymen, and medical workers) and using secondary sources. The results revealed that the most common types of PPE used in the country are disposable face masks and face shields, wherein all respondents reported an increase in the consumption of medical materials. An improper disposal of an estimated 85 million disposable face masks and 50 million face shields in the Philippines poses a serious threat to the environment and health in the Philippines, a biodiversity hot spot. There was a strong correlation between the increased exposure to BMW and laxer degrees of implementation of proper BMW disposal practices. The paper also established an estimated consumption of - 120.5 million face masks, - 71.4 million face shields, -38 million disposable gloves, and - 4.1 million full-body suits per day in the Philippines. The actual output of biomedical waste in the country drastically increased in a year, comprising an average daily output of 3,390 tons of BMW (- 482 tons for face masks, - 2,544 tons for face shields, - 198 tons for disposable gloves, and - 167 tons for full-body suits which is an important discovery regarding the biomedical waste in the country. These estimates were found to be higher than those reported by the Asian Development Bank in 2020. All sectors reported low awareness levels and confidence in the country's effectiveness in implementing current BMW management practices. Copyright © 2022 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The measurement of anthropometric indices can be used to promote early prevention of Diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Filipino population. This study aims to compare the recommended anthropometric measurements namely body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WHR), skin fold thickness, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of two groups, those with diabetes and those without (control), to predict the health risk status of the Filipino adult population. The results suggest that the parameters such as BMI, waist circumference, and WHR in females proved to be the most accurate to predict the diabetes risk among Filipino females. On the other hand, using the logistic regression model, the BMI, MUAC, and waist circumference indices collectively were found to have significant bearings with regard to the risk of acquiring DM. The Asian cut-off values of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 for BMI, and < 90cm and < 80cm for waist circumference of male and female respectively, as recommended according to Taiwanese standards, are also said to apply to the Filipino population. This study is perhaps the first study in the Philippines that has relied on actual data gathering instead of using meta-analysis as done in earlier studies. In the wake of higher mortality in the diabetic COVID 19 positive patients, the gathering of baseline data of potential DM patients will help the government/stakeholders to efficiently strategize public health policies related to future preparedness for such pandemics.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to determine the perception of schools' stakeholders on the COVID-19 vaccination towards readiness to opening schools after prohibiting the face-to-face classes last March 2020. The campaigns were done online using social media platforms. A total of 2034 participants has participated in the survey. Results revealed that participants were dominated by teachers;most of them came from Luzon;ages ranged from 13-19 years old;and female participants. The highest percentage of the reason for vaccine confidence is -They believed that the vaccine would give them immunity from the virus COVID-19∥ while the highest percentage of the reason for COVID-19 hesitancy was -The vaccine might have a possible effect on genetic make-up∥. Furthermore, when participants are grouped according to profile, region, sex, and age, the confidence still a little higher than those who hesitate to get vaccinated by the COVID-19 vaccines. Among the demographics of the participants, only their sex has a significant association with their COVID-19 vaccine confidence and hesitancy (x2 = 42.43, p=0.000). This study recommends that health services at school should be strengthened and vaccination among school children should be part of the school-based management system hand in hand with the health practitioners.