Articles

Adherence to Hypertension Management Practices Based on International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Guidelines among Hypertensive Patients

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Hypertension is a significant global health concern with profound cardiovascular implications. The researchers used a quantitative research design employing a descriptive research survey approach and the instrument used to seek information was a researcher-made questionnaire for assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension management such as medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and blood pressure control. These tools were used in data analysis frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, and lastly analysis of variance (ANOVA). This abstract presents a study conducted in Brgy. Washington, Surigao City, focusing on adherence to hypertension management guidelines by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). Respondents generally showed high adherence to hypertension management, primarily taking medicine, with moderate adherence to monitoring blood pressure, physical activity, and diet, influenced by demographic factors. The study found no significant difference in medication adherence or adherence to a balanced diet among hypertensive individuals in Brgy. Washington, but did show differences based on age, occupation, income, and years of hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based initiatives.

Antioxidant Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Bark and Leaf Extract against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

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This study comprehensively investigated the antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) bark and leaf extract against two common bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The objective was to assess the potential therapeutic applications of breadfruit extract in combating bacterial infections caused by these organisms. The researchers employed an experimental research design, utilizing controlled experiments to evaluate the effects of breadfruit extract on the target bacteria. Both the bark and leaf parts of the breadfruit plant were examined in the study.  The extracts were subjected to analysis to identify and quantify the presence of beneficial compounds. The analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including but not limited to Phenolic Acid and Flavonoids, which are known for their potential health benefits and antioxidant properties. These compounds were found to be present in relatively high concentrations, suggesting the potential of breadfruit extract as a source of natural antioxidants. In terms of antibacterial activity, the breadfruit leaf extract exhibited promising results by demonstrating significant inhibitory effects against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In contrast, the bark extract showed limited effectiveness against Escherichia coli but displayed some inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest that breadfruit extract may have potential as a natural antimicrobial agent, particularly in combating Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Teratogenic Risk Potentiality of Blue Ternate (Clitoria ternatea) Leaf Extract Using Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay: Phase One

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The study implemented a descriptive classic experimental design within a laboratory, utilizing the Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay to investigate the teratogenic potential of Blue Ternate (Clitoria ternatea) leaf extract using the different extract concentrations, and the phytochemical analysis screening unveiled the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and steroids in the leaves. The primary objectives encompassed the assessment of teratogenicity at various extract concentrations, comparing results with controls, and exploring the plant’s impact on embryonic development. While no significant differences emerged in primary and secondary blood vessels among treatments, a conspicuous variation in tertiary blood vessels indicated potential teratogenic effects at specific concentrations. Nevertheless, the study concluded that Clitoria ternatea exhibits promising therapeutic attributes. Recommendations include the implementation of public awareness programs elucidating the health benefits of Blue Ternate and further investigations into refining, storage practices, and potential teratogenicity in other plant parts. These insights, of considerable value to medical practitioners and future researchers, underscore the importance of caution and consultation, especially for pregnant individuals. In summary, the research significantly contributes to understanding Blue Ternate’s safety profile, presenting avenues for future exploration. The emphasis on careful consideration in medicinal applications, particularly during pregnancy, reinforces the need for responsible and informed decision-making in healthcare practices.

Lived Experiences of Adolescent Mothers in their Transition to Motherhood in a Rural Barangay

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This descriptive phenomenological type of study employed Giorgi’s Phenomenology with transcribed semi-structured face-to-face interviews to provide detailed examinations of personal lived experiences among the selected adolescent mothers in Barangay Rizal, Surigao City. Ten informants were selected using the criterion-based purposive sampling method specifying those who are mothers aged between 10 to 19 years old, have given birth to one live baby, are residents of Barangay Rizal, and are living with their parents who underwent struggles in transitioning to motherhood only. The emergent themes from the study revolved around three key aspects: physical problems, insufficient support, and mental and emotional distress. The journey into motherhood, while transformative for any woman, presents a unique set of challenges and complexities for adolescent mothers. Their experiences were vividly expressed in their narratives, showcasing a range of emotions including fear, uncertainty, and the simultaneous joy of motherhood. As they grapple with their new responsibilities, they also face the ongoing challenge of identity formation as adolescents. Throughout their journeys, there is a prevalent theme of profound personal development. This study serves as a very useful and trustworthy input for the creation and execution of specific programs and treatments that address specific challenges faced by adolescent mothers as they transition to motherhood.

Challenging the Societal Stigma Surrounding Body Dysmorphia in the Philippines: Bridging the Gap of Misconceptions

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health disorder that adversely affects how people perceive their physique and self-concept. The study focuses on a thorough investigation of the pervasive societal stigma surrounding Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the Philippines. Moreover, it expounds on the related literature and studies to elucidate the profound impact of the stigma on individuals with the disorder.   Patients with the disorder often experience unrestrained and excessive repetitive behavior, such as criticizing one’s physical flaws, people-pleasing, and overly obsessing about self-grooming practices (Body Dysmorphic Disorder, n.d.). Utilizing the integrative review for the methodology, the paper examines relevant and significant literature from electronic databases to further develop vital information and analyses for challenging social stigmas related to body dysmorphia in the Philippines. The study reviews the existing literature to recognize social perceptions and stereotypes of body dysmorphia in the Philippines, exploring cultural, social, and historical elements that contribute to the stigma. It identifies interventions intended to challenge societal stigma. Local and international sources were used to examine the effectiveness of existing approaches in addressing BDD and its societal stigma. It further explores the effectiveness of community-based education programs, media literacy campaigns, and mental health awareness programs in challenging misconceptions and promoting acceptance of people facing BDD. The research aims to identify the societal stigma associated with BDD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the Philippines, which negatively affects the mental and emotional well-being of individuals facing the disorder, further bridging the gap of misconceptions.

Sociocultural Perspectives on Badjao Life Captured from the Lived Experiences of Badjao Teens in Surigao City: A Phenomenology

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This Husserlian phenomenological study explored the sociocultural perspectives on Badjao life of teens in Surigao City. Employing Van Kaam’s phenomenology modified by Moustakas (1994), six key informants from the Badjao community (aged 15 to 19) in Canlanipa, Surigao City, were interviewed on their sociocultural experiences, yielding nine themes. Purposive sampling identified informants. Applying Van Kaam’s modified by Moustakas for data analysis revealed significant findings: Cultural Transition and Urban Challenges, Social Stereotypes and Bullying, Judgement and Discrimination, Language and Communication Challenges, Community and Social Exclusion, Government Support for Education and Community, Community Resilience and Support, Badjao Community Dynamics, and Traditional Cultural Practices. The Badjao community’s resilience relies on governmental support, education, and navigating cultural transitions. Facing discrimination and economic disparities, they strengthen social bonds, preserving cultural identity. Tradition meeting progress creates a harmonious future. The research amplifies Badjao teens’ voices, aids Surigao City leaders in understanding their needs, boosts community pride, contributes to cultural understanding, enriches academic knowledge, refines cultural theories, empowers individuals, informs policies, and strengthens community well-being.

The Shift of Philippine Architectural Media toward Digitalization (2018-2023)

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This research examines how Philippine architectural communication experienced a renewal after the pandemic crisis. First, through a shift from the country’s flagship architectural magazine, BluPrint, toward a personally initiated digital platform, Kanto. Since BluPrint started to become digital in 2018, the publishers aimed at more aggressive targets for new articles. When Covid hit the Philippines in the beginning of 2020, it made BluPrint  suffer and confused. The publisher company focused on the business side to diminish the encountered deficit. They started reaching out to a common lifestyle market but the journalists wished to continue addressing architects and the public interested in architecture. As the company wanted to broaden the target, the journalists felt that most of their content did not fit for that expansion. As result of the tension, in December 2020, most of BluPrint’s former staff decided to leave and “migrate” for Kanto. Kanto, a digital platform was created out of the former personal blog of one the migrant journalists to be an intellectual venue for art and architecture advocacy. Upon this departure, BluPrint’s publisher noticed that not only the magazine could not be published for a whole year in 2020 but also, it lost its journalists for a new competitor. Thus after a significant interruption, the publisher decided to renew BluPrint with a fully new staff. This marks the second shift, the complete digital transition of the originally printed, then blended BluPrint. These dynamic communication aspects of architecture, construction and built environment have not yet been sufficiently investigated, unlike their physical aspects. In order to elaborate findings, after a review of literature on worldwide shifts towards digital media, this paper matches observations on the institutional history and performance of BluPrint and Kanto with a second line of premises, qualitative statements. It reviews how former BluPrint, now migrant journalists are successful on the digital platform Kanto, in a fully different organizational and financial system. It also presents how BluPrint also experienced a renewal with its fully new staff. Behind both shifts, an underlying dilemma between financial success and content success became sharper in times of the increasing and now almost obligatory digitalization. Events and festivals are strongly needed by both online publications to create a tangible and interactive basis for gathering experiences of architecture lovers among themselves and with their “star architects”. In summary, the digitalization established a wider variety of journalistic forms which appear in more spontaneous, less focused presentations. While BluPrint strives after a wider viewership with an entertaining character, Kanto tries to deliver more depth in the profession embedded in a variety of artistic and cultural forms. As conclusion, in both shifts, content curation strategies prevailed over technological skills. The described genre shifts propelled deeper changes in both the content and nature of architectural discourse in the Philippines. The shifts also drew up a new relationship pattern between practicing architects, contractors and architectural media.

A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Secondary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A. Y. 2017-2022

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A tracer study is a research method commonly used in the field of education to assess the outcomes and impact of an educational program or institution on its graduates. It involves tracking and gathering data on the employment status, career paths, and overall experiences of program graduates over a specific period after they have completed their studies. The tracer study titled “A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Secondary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022″examined the employability of graduates and assessed the effectiveness of the teacher education program outcomes. Data was collected from a sample of 35 graduates using an adapted-modified questionnaire and analyzed using various statistical tools. The study revealed that the majority of participants were females aged 22 to 25, with a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational attainment. English was the most specialized area, and most respondents graduated in 2017. Within six months of graduation, approximately 51.43% were employed and 48.57% were unemployed, with employed graduates occupying teaching positions at different levels and others pursuing various occupations. Competencies learned in college, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, were deemed useful in their first jobs. The study also identified attributes acquired during undergraduate studies, including communication, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, social and ethical responsibility, productivity, accountability, leadership, teamwork, and pursuit of academic excellence. Graduates rated the teacher education program outcomes and their knowledge in teaching, global competence, reading proficiency, effective communication, pedagogical competence, technological proficiency, knowledge integration, transformative education, assessment competence, ethical responsibility, creativity, empathy, and lifelong learning as very effective. The study concluded by recommending targeted support and preparation for challenging areas of licensure examinations, measures to enhance employability and job placement assistance, and efforts to bridge the education-employment gap. Additionally, specific programs, resources, mentorship initiatives, and curriculum improvements were proposed to support graduates’ success and professional growth. Regular assessment, collaboration with industry professionals, continuous learning promotion, and partnerships with stakeholders were suggested to ensure program effectiveness and foster innovation in teaching and learning.

A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022

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A Tracer study is a research method that tracks and collects data on the outcomes and experiences of graduates to assess the effectiveness of educational programs. This research study titled “A Tracer Study on the Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of St. Paul University Surigao A.Y. 2017-2022” aimed to trace the employability of graduates and assess their rating of the effectiveness of the teacher education program outcomes. The researchers collected data from 45 graduates using an adapted-modified questionnaire and analyzed using various statistical tools. The findings showed that most of the graduates were female and within the age range of 21-24. Most participants were single, held a bachelor’s degree as their highest educational attainment, and graduated in 2018. The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) was taken by 31 graduates, with professional education subjects identified as the most challenging area. Six months after graduation, at least 62% of the graduates who responded remained unemployed, while those employed mostly worked as grade school teachers. The competencies learned during college, such as communication, information technology skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, were reported as valuable in their first jobs. Graduates highlighted the development of attributes such as communication and relational skills, academic excellence, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, social and ethical responsibility, productivity, and accountability during their undergraduate studies. Graduates rated the nine teacher education program outcomes as very effective. The study’s conclusion recommends targeted support for licensure exam preparation, enhancing employability and job placement, and bridging the education-employment gap.

Pedagogical Challenges and Opportunities during Covid-19 Pandemic: Perspectives from the Pre-Service and High School Teachers

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This study aimed to determine the pedagogical challenges and opportunities of the Pre-Service and high school teachers in the new normal education.  The sample size was determined using the slovins formula and 13 pre-service teachers, and 26 High School Teachers were the participants. Descriptive and inferential were used. Findings revealed that most of the respondents were 21-26 years old, female, high school teachers, and situated mostly in urban areas. The conduct of online classes was the major challenge faced by both pre-service and high school teachers for they used to conduct classroom teaching for many years. The online teaching-learning modality was successfully implemented to practice teaching as a mission to facilitate students learning through various online strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age, sex, type of respondents, and locality did not show a significant degree of variance in the extent of the pedagogical challenges and opportunities they encountered. The locality has a significant degree of variance in terms of teaching-learning engagement and opportunities for teaching-learning platforms. Hence, seminars and workshops on online pedagogies and online assessment tools strategies to facilitate online teaching more engaging was recommended.