The status on non-communicable disease prevention and control in the Philippines: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to provide concise background information regarding the state of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors as well as the existing efforts to address them in the Philippines in the last 25 years. METHODS: A desk review of documents and literature review as well as analyses of available statistical data and several consultations with involved government agencies have been made to come up with summary figures and tables.RESULTS: NCDs as well as metabolic conditions that can potentially lead to NCDs are on the rise in the last score of years. The Philippines, through the Department of Health, has been visionary in leading various projects and activities to fight NCDs over the last two decades, and its efforts are slowly paying off: the prevalence of tobacco use and that of hypertension have decreased over the last 5 years. NCD mortality (including premature deaths) and prevalence of behavioral risk factors, however, generally remain high, and the Philippines needs to accelerate whole-of-society and whole-of-government actions to sustain the gains and attain its NCD targets in the next 10 years or so. CONCLUSION: The need to strengthen health system interventions and promote accountability of various sectors in addressing NCDs and its risk factors in the country arises. The development of a multisectoral action plan on NCD prevention and control is needed to halt the rise of NCDs in the country.

Assessment of a public health promotion and education module at the graduate level: A basis for revision of learning resource material for teaching and training health promotion and education

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the existing Public Health Promotion and Education 210 module (PHPE 210) as basis for the revision of the learning resource material. Specifically, this study determined the stakeholders' perceptions on the module in terms of: (1) its presentation, organization, topics covered, clarity/user-friendliness and its relevance to practice; (2) its strengths and weaknesses; and (3) the topics that need to be integrated in the resource material. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used for this study. Through purposive sampling, 4 focus group discussions and 11 key informant interviews were done. Topic Guide was used as the main data collection instrument. Informed consent was obtained prior to data collection. Data was described verbatim, emerging themes and actual quotations from the participants and informants were extracted in the succeeding analysis. RESULTS: The results of the focus group discussions and key informant interviews, in general, were similar and actually complemented each other. The module was perceived to be relevant, comprehensive and logically organized. The historical foundation needs to be presented in a more concise and updated manner, and examples and practical applications of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model must be used. To update the module and make it more relevant to the present issues, innovative health promotion strategies such as social media, healthy settings, health in all policies, and multi-sectoral approach must be included in the revised version. Practical applications of the theories and health promotion and education strategies also need to be considered in the revision of the module. The module has to be presented in a more reader-friendly manner, easy-to-use and visually appealing to its readers. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the importance of incorporating the perceptions of educators, module developers, practitioners, experts, and the learners or students in assessing and redesigning a more relevant learning resource material. With the current trends and emerging issues in health promotion and education, an evidence-based development and improvement of learning resource modules to make them relevant to changes have to be continuously undertaken.

Socio-cognitive factors and perceived barriers: Their influence on the patient's adherence to pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVES: This descriptive-correlational study aims to determine the extent of socio-cognitive characteristics, perceived barriers and the factors contributing to treatment adherence among PTB patients.METHODS: A survey was administered to PTB patients registered under the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) program of Binan and Cabuyao, Laguna.  Records review and key informant interview were also utilized to determine adherence rates.RESULTS: There were 184 PTB patients who participated in the study. Knowledge on PTB and its treatment and perceived threat of PTB was high, and perceived barriers to PTB treatment is low; but the respondents were uncertain on the perceived benefits of PTB treatment adherence.  Perceived social support towards PTB treatment adherence was high, opportunity and time costs were low, and accessibility to PTB treatment services was high.  Adherence to daily medication taking was reported by 98.4% of the respondents and 78.3% of these had the intention to complete the duration of PTB treatment.  The level of knowledge on PTB and its treatment, and social support from the community, and treatment partners were the most significant predictors of PTB patients' adherence to treatment.CONCLUSION: The adherence rate of the PTB patients to their treatment was high, and the extent of knowledge on PTB and its treatment was the greatest influencing factor towards PTB patients' adherence to treatment.