Evaluating the Primary Care Plan for Migrant Workers in Singapore: Perspectives from Healthcare Workers after Two Years of Implementation

Migrant workers are an integral part of the labor force in Singapore, yet their healthcare needs only received focused attention with the rollout of the Primary Care Plan (PCP) in 2022. This study gathered perspectives from healthcare workers (HCWs) on the implementation of the PCP, two years after its introduction. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with purposively sampled HCWs from the largest anchor operator appointed to implement the PCP, using a topic guide formulated using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). A thematic analysis was performed to identify themes on facilitators, barriers, and suggestions for improving the implementation of the PCP. Interviewees highlighted the affordability of primary care, the accessibility of migrant worker clinics, the mandated enrollment of migrant workers, and the availability of a diverse group of HCWs speaking migrant workers’ native languages as facilitators to the implementation of the PCP. Low co-payment affecting sustainability, lack of awareness of the PCP by HCWs from other public healthcare institutions, lack of attention to social determinants of health among migrant workers, and lack of integration of the PCP into secondary and tertiary care were cited as barriers to the implementation of the PCP. Interviewees suggested tiered co-payments, health promotion targeting migrant workers, as well as efforts to improve the living conditions of migrant workers to enhance the provision of primary care for migrant workers. The perspectives of healthcare workers, as the primary implementers, offer crucial insights into the facilitators, barriers, and potential improvements for the PCP. These inputs are essential for the ongoing refinement and success of the PCP. We strongly encourage policymakers and anchor operators to work collaboratively in co-developing service improvement initiatives that enhance the quality and accessibility of primary care for migrant workers. Additionally, future research should focus on conducting comprehensive needs assessments among migrant workers, ensuring that primary care services are tailored to their unique health needs and cultural contexts, thereby improving overall health outcomes

Phenomenological Study on Self-medication and Medication Practices in An Urban Poor Community: A Basis for Community Development Services

Self-medication has set off an expanding public health consideration due to its extensive practice, often seen as a cutback measure amidst the identified high costs of medicines. However, the rise of medication malpractices has led to important issues and entailed intervention programs. Using a phenomenological research design within a qualitative framework, the study gathered data through focus group discussions. The research aimed to assess participants\u27 lived experiences, perceptions of self-medication, and the factors influencing their decisions to self-medicate. The participants\u27 responses, based on their experiences and observations, revealed how they manage various illnesses within their community. Key themes that emerged from the study include the convenience of self-medication, financial constraints, and misconceptions about conventional medicines and healthcare services. The findings indicate that self-medication is a prevalent practice in Zonta Village, providing residents with a convenient way to manage illnesses at home. However, the study also highlighted that several factors influence the decision to self-medicate, potentially leading to risks for the residents. The study contributes to the development of community health services to address the issues surrounding self-medication, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to promote safer medication practices and improve overall community health. The researchers suggest that local health offices utilize this study to address medication malpractices within communities, emphasizing the need to recognize issues such as antibiotic abuse, unhealthy medication habits, and disease masking. Additionally, they recommend that the Department of Health (DOH) consider this study as a reference when developing programs and policies aimed at combating these issues

Exploring the Potential of Java Plum (Duhat) (Syzygium cumini) as a Fruit Syrup and Natural Sweetener

This study primarily aimed to develop a fruit-based sweetener for health-conscious individuals using Java plum or duhat (Syzygium cumini), an underutilized local fruit in the Philippines rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants. Four syrup formulations with varied fruit pulp blends (A-35%, B-45%, C-55%, and D-65%) were prepared and subjected to a Preference Ranking test. Based on the panel’s preference for higher fruit content and low added sugar, Formulation C underwent further characterization: physicochemical, proximate, antioxidant properties, and consumer acceptability. It exhibited 55.60° Brix total soluble solids, a pH of 4.88, a viscosity of 1,730 mPa-s, and a solubility time of 18.40 s. The syrup\u27s color profile featured a slightly dull dark hue with a reddish undertone and a yellowish tint (L*= 29.31, a*=14.69, b*=5.39, H=20.15, C=15.64). Its proximate composition included 58.38% moisture, 0.45% crude ash, 0.04% crude fat, 1.77% crude fiber, 0.40% crude protein, and 38.97% total carbohydrates, with 19.93% glucose and 41.40% total sugars. Additionally, the syrup demonstrated high antioxidant properties, with 81.41 mg GAE/g total phenolics and 2.79 μg/mL DPPH scavenging activity. In Consumer Acceptability (n=80), Formulation C received positive ratings: "like very much" for appearance, "like slightly" for aroma, and "like moderately" for taste, texture/mouthfeel, and overall acceptability. Overall, this study successfully utilized duhat fruit to create an alternative sweetener in syrup form with promising health benefits. Further research is recommended to optimize its sensory attributes while enhancing its nutritional profile and functional properties

Factors Affecting the Clinical Performance of Level III AdZU Nursing Students A.Y. 2023-2024

This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the clinical performance of Level III nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) during the academic year 2023-2024 in the hospital setting. The study utilized a descriptive quantitative design, with stratified random sampling selecting 175 students from 312 Level III nursing students of ADZU. Data were collected via validated online surveys, tested for reliability, and analyzed to determine how various factors affect the students\u27 clinical performance. The findings reveal that key factors, including prior knowledge and skills, frequency of clinical training, and access to relevant technological resources, significantly affect the clinical performance of nursing students. Most respondents confirmed that these factors play an essential role in shaping their competence and ability to perform effectively in clinical environments. The study highlights the importance of addressing these areas to improve clinical training and overall student development. This study recommends that the ADZU College of Nursing enhance clinical experiences by improving access to technology, increasing clinical training, and strengthening foundational knowledge. Future research should explore factors like motivation, stress management, and instructor-student interactions, while the administration should examine both student and instructor experiences

Antibiofilm Activity of Semipurified Anthocyanin extract of Blue Ternate (Clitoria ternatea) on Hospital-acquired Infection: An Invitro and Insilico Study

Clitoria ternatea is a plant highly valued in the community because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with bioactive compounds that comprise flavonoids, anthocyanins, and terpenoids. C. ternatea extracts have antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against a variety of bacteria that are common causes of hospital-acquired infections. The study assessed a specific antibacterial property of the plant by comparing the effectiveness of the anthocyanin plant extract in counteracting new biofilm formation both in vitro and in silico. The study design tested the anthocyanin plant extract on biofilms formed on both glass and polystyrene surfaces. The anthocyanin extract derived from the plant has a good ability to prevent biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the cell density of bacteria on both glass and polystyrene media is significantly less than that of the untreated control groups (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the treatment of S. aureus with C. ternatea resulted in a significant reduction of the microbial cell counts on its surface, suggesting antibiofilm activity. Similarly, for E. coli, cell count reduction was reported in media made from glass and plastic (p < 0.001), in which the count decreased from 134 to 38.3 in glass and from 142 to 22 in polyester. These outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of anthocyanin-rich fractions of C. ternatea in inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli biofilms associated with infection conditions; possible future applications are highlighted. It is highly recommended that future in vitro studies of C. ternatea aim to examine other bioactivities besides the anti-attachment effect. It would also be useful to identify the types of anthocyanin compounds present in the extract through the best available techniques, such as HPLC-MS. Further, more advanced in silico studies should be conducted to assess the binding affinity and specificity of various anthocyanin derivatives to other microbial proteins possibly relevant to therapeutic applications

PASYENTE: Project for Dengue

Advanced healthcare technologies are gaining traction for their superior accuracy over traditional methods. The World Health Organization highlights AI\u27s key role in enhancing disease screening, surveillance, clinical care, research, and drug development. The Philippines\u27 healthcare system could benefit from greater ICT, operations research (OR), and AI integration, building on initiatives like TeleHealth. In 2019, Dengue cases surged in seven regions, with Davao City seeing a 67% rise (DOH, 2019; NEDA XI, 2021). To address Dengue, our team proposed a patient-centered Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), which will pilot-test in Davao City, and then expanding to other hotspots. The PASYENTE Project leverages AI and OR to address dengue, aiming to enhance healthcare quality, expand technology use, and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country

Treating “Madness”, Remembering Traditions: Postpartum Practices in Visayan Communities in North Cotabato, Mindanao

Earlier studies that mentioned bughat commonly interpreted it as a relapse after suffering from an illness, perceived as women’s bodily reaction to childbirth or due to the violation of postpartum taboos. Using ethnographic approaches such as key informant interviews and participant observation, I examined the ways to address bughat, thereby preventing madness, in Visayan communities in North Cotabato and how these practices form community and reinforce their identity. I also discussed the importance of traditional healers in the community and the Ati (self-ascribed) from Antique, who frequently travel to Mindanao to sell their traditional medicine. By examining the aspects of illness, healing, and memory, this paper contributes to the blurring of ethnic divisions among the “settlers”, Bangsamoro, and Lumad (indigenous people), facilitates the flow of knowledge and materia medica, and reveals health and well-being as a collective concern in peasant communities of North Cotabato. This study then attempts to present people’s agency and creativity in addressing the health issues confronting them

Advancing Rabies Control Through Digital Tools and Data-Driven Methods

Known as the world’s deadliest virus, rabies is 100% fatal. Over 300 Filipinos die annually due to rabies disease despite being 100% vaccine preventable. In Davao City, the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO) vaccinated over 160,000 dogs and cats in 2022. However, the city still tallied 19 animal rabies cases and 13 human rabies deaths. With the bulk of data CVO has been collecting yearly and given the limited personnel with technical expertise on data analysis, insights on rabies transmission and control tends to be subjective and at times, inconsistencies in strategic planning for rabies control are overlooked. Moreover, rabies prevention and control strategies in animals and humans are fragmented which can inadvertently lead to unmet goals despite well-meaning efforts. Many countries have shown that rabies elimination is possible through One Health and Participatory approaches. With proper data storage and management, evidence-based strategies can be formulated in which a centralize dashboard would be an effective tool to quickly gain insights about the data at hand at different levels. RabDash or Rabies Data Analytics Dashboard is a centralized data management and analytics system for rabies-related data such as the number of rabies cases, population data of dogs in an area, location of captured animals, case monitoring, and current interventions implemented by the city. The system works by collecting these data and generating downloadable data visualizations in the form of graphs, charts, and maps. RabDash can also forecast rabies cases and provides phylogenetic information of rabid dogs to produce historical data and enable further conduct of research methods. These features will help facilitate the decision-making process of the local government in developing new and targeted interventions to address rabies cases. RabDash enables easy tracking of rabies cases within the city. It aims to address the inefficiency of the current system by automating the process of analytics for all rabies-related data. Since the system no longer relies on manual data processing, results for every data input remain consistent following a uniform process. This new system will help the CVOs better assess their local rabies situation and efficiently implement local guidelines

The Impact of Zamboanga City’s Poor Road Conditions on the Academic Performance of Level III Nursing Students of AdZU

The study aimed to determine the effects of poor road conditions leading to traffic congestion in Zamboanga City on the academic performance of the Level III Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) in NCM112j during the first semester of SY 2023-2024. The study employed a descriptive research design utilizing a qualitative approach and a focus group discussion. The participants were the 50 BSN Level III students from five sections who were commuting using either public or private transportation to get to school. They were selected using simple random sampling. The qualitative findings revealed that the most significant impact of poor road conditions in Zamboanga City is traffic congestion, which may or may not have affected the academic performance of the participants, the Level III BSN students. While some students find motivation in maintaining discipline despite these challenges, the majority shared how traffic-induced stress and insufficient sleep detrimentally affect their overall well-being and academic performance. The necessity to wake up early to avoid tardiness exacerbates these issues, leading to difficulty concentrating during classes. Although students attempt to optimize their commuting time by studying or sleeping, and propose practical solutions like using smaller vehicles or residing in nearby dormitories, persistent traffic congestion still remains a barrier to their academic success in the aforementioned course. The institution must review the schedule of classes to allow for more flexibility, especially for students who commute daily and face the challenges of traffic congestion in the city

Bat Coronaviruses: Towards a One-Health Approach for Pathogen Surveillance

Bats are among the most diverse group of mammals globally and provide important ecosystem services such as seed dispersal, pollination and pest control. Due to its unique biology, bats can tolerate infectious agents and have been found to harbor numerous bacterial and viral species, including pathogens with zoonotic potential. The 21st century has seen a rapid rise in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) including coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS and COVID-19, all of which have several levels of evidence indicating its origin from bats and other wildlife hosts. Furthermore, because of anthropogenic activities that alter ecosystem landscapes and facilitate sustained interaction between wildlife, livestock and humans, it is expected that the frequency of EIDs will continue to increase. In the Philippines, efforts for pathogen surveillance in wildlife populations including in bats remain fragmented. This indicates the need for increased research to monitor pathogens circulating in the wild. We present some of the local efforts initiated by UP Mindanao researchers in bat coronavirus surveillance and highlight some of the key findings, challenges, and future directions to enhance pathogen monitoring using a one-health approach. We also highlight the need to use metagenomic approaches to enable a comprehensive profiling of bat and wildlife pathogens, identify priority targets and facilitate the development of rapid diagnostics for routine surveillance