Prevalence and associated clinical factors of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease in Filipino Hemodialysis patients: A cross sectional study

Introduction@#Reflux is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms among dialysis patients. This may be associated with several clinical factors such as comorbidities and subsequent polypharmacy. However, this remains unrecognized and untreated.@*Objectives@# The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Filipino patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and to investigate associated demographic, clinical, and renal profiles of HD patients with and without GERD.@*Methods@#This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study using a validated GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) translated into Filipino. Patients above 18 years old undergoing hemodialysis as outpatients were included. Several clinical factors such as demographic, clinical, and renal profiles were analyzed based on the absence and presence of GERD with a predetermined cut-off value of eight or above.@*Results@#Included in our analysis were 264 patients, from which 36 had GERDQ score of ≥ 8 (13.64% 95%CI 9.98-18.35). Factors associated with having score of ≥ 8 included the following: (1) having chronic heart disease or CHD (COR 4.041, 95%CI 1.89-8.64, p<0.001), (2) being on insulin (COR 2.599, 95%CI 1.25-5.42, p=0.011), (3) anemia (COR 4.508, 95%CI 1.91-10.64, p=0.001) (4) diagnosis of both hypertensive kidney disease and diabetes kidney disease (COR 3.853, 95%CI 1.15-12.96, p=0.029), (5) previous diagnosis of GERD (COR 6.655, 95%CI 3.18-13.91, p<0.001), (6) previous intake of antacids (COR 2.622, 95%CI 1.17-5.89, p=0.020), (7) being employed (COR 2.332, 95%CI 1.15-4.75, p=0.020) (8) alcohol consumption (COR 2.477, 95%CI 1.23-5.01, p=0.012), and (9) smoking (COR 2.405, 95%CI 1.19-4.86, p=0.014).@*Conclusion@#In our study, the prevalence of GERD in Filipino HD patients was 13.64% and may be associated with several clinical factors such as heart disease, insulin use, anemia, hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, previous diagnosis of GERD, use of antacids, being employed, smoking, and alcohol use. A comprehensive understanding of the relationships between these clinical factors awaits further studies in a larger number of patients.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation of the lower extremity functional scale into Filipino, and analysis of its psychometric properties: A study protocol

Background@#Impairment and functional limitations from musculoskeletal conditions are evaluated using outcome measure tools. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is one of the outcome measure tools (OMT) that assess the functional capacity of patients who have lower extremity conditions. It was originally developed in English and translated later into other languages; however, no Filipino version is available.@*Objective@#This study aims to translate, cross-culturally adapt the LEFS into Filipino, and evaluate its psychometric properties. @*Methods@#Using a psychometric study design, the LEFS will be translated and cross-culturally adapted into Filipino following the guidelines set by Beaton et al. and Sousa and Rojjanasrirat. These include six stages: (1) forward translation into Filipino, (2) synthesis, (3) backward translation, (4) expert committee review, (5) pilot testing/cognitive interview, and (6) psychometric testing. Filipinos with lower extremity conditions will be recruited for the pilot (n= 10) and psychometric testing (n= 200). Validity will be evaluated using face validity index, content validity index, independent t-test (knowngroup validity), and Spearman rho (concurrent validity). Reliability will be assessed using Cronbach alpha for the internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient for the stability. Floor and ceiling effects will also be computed. E@*Expected results@#The LEFS will be successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted into Filipino. It will be a valid and reliable outcome measure tool that physical therapists and other healthcare professionals can use for the functional assessment of patients. This study can also serve as a reference for future translation studies

A translation and validation study of the Filipino version of the Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) among Filipino patients with psoriasis seen at the Rizal Medical Center

Introduction@#Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails, and musculoskeletal system. Musculoskel- etal involvement, called psoriatic arthritis occurs in 10-25% of patients with psoriasis and can lead to disability if left untreated. Early detection and intervention of psoriatic arthritis has been shown to decrease morbidity. The Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) may detect the presence of psoriatic arthritis and has been validated in differ- ent countries. Currently, there is no Filipino version.@*Objectives@#To translate, adapt, and validate PEST in Filipino language.@*Methods@#In the first part of the study, PEST was translated and culturally adapted into Filipino. It was pretested in 30 participants. Three experts then assessed its content and face validity. After the content and face validity were met, 115 participants an- swered the Filipino version of the PEST questionnaire.@*Results@#The Filipino version of the PEST questionnaire was comprehensible, clear and appropriate. All questions were relevant. Some words were edited per expert recommendation. One hundred fifteen adult patients were asked to answer the question- naire. It showed good reliability at 94%.@*Conclusion@#The Filipino Version of the PEST was found to be reliable and valid. Larger samples to determine the tool’s applica- bility is recommended.