Articles

Experiences of Burnout among Staff Nurses of Private Hospitals in Surigao City

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This descriptive quantitative study is primarily concerned with the level of burnout among nurses working in private hospitals in Surigao City. The following research tools were used in the actual collection of data which includes, the respondent’s Personal Data Sheet and an adapted survey questionnaire namely, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI). These instruments shall be used to gather both respondents’ demographic profiles and determinants of the mental health impact of COVID-19. The respondents of this study were the staff nurses in four (4) private hospitals in Surigao City who are involved in rendering care to patients exposed to COVID-19. The snowball sampling method was utilized in determining the sample size in consideration of the researchers’ and respondents’ limited mobility in the said hospital due to the guidelines, new normal health protocols, and difficulty in identifying and meeting with the schedules of the respondents. Burnout has been described as a dangerous condition resulting from overwork and chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It can lead to physical or mental illness. To effectively play their role during this pandemic, it is essential for them to maintain psychological and mental health; however, the literature has shown that the emergence of COVID–19 has significantly impacted the psychological and mental well-being of our Filipino medical workers. Vast amounts of evidence have shown a significant association between the COVID–19 outbreak and adverse mental health issues such as stress or burnout, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. With the limited actions implemented in response to the studies on the health impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, there is a need for immediate attention to formulating actions or interventions that will halt the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the mental health of healthcare workers.

Factors Affecting Medication Adherence among Elderly People with Chronic Illness in Surigao City

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A descriptive quantitative study in Surigao City, Philippines, investigated the factors affecting medication adherence in elderly individuals with chronic illnesses. The study involved 50 geriatric respondents to whom the researcher-made questionnaires adapted from the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) were administered. Most respondents exhibited a predominantly very high adherence level to their medication regimen, indicating overall satisfactory adherence. Various demographic factors such as age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, income, and clinical diagnosis did not significantly associate with adherence. Exploratory factor analysis identified four key factors affecting medication adherence namely: effectiveness of the medicine, desire to be treated, physician’s good prescription, and influence of positive observations. The study recommends that healthcare providers should implement a continuous monitoring and evaluation process, facilitating adjustments and refinements based on evolving circumstances among the elderly population. Healthcare systems and policymakers should explore strategies to make medications more affordable and accessible, particularly for those with limited financial resources. Future research should delve deeper into each factor to gain a comprehensive understanding of medication adherence.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Vaccination as Perceived By Rural Residents in Surigao City

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This descriptive quantitative research assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on vaccination among the residents within the rurality of Barangay Rizal, Surigao City. The study used a validated researcher-made survey questionnaire that was also tested for reliability to ascertain the intended quantitative data. The respondents were selected through the purposive and quota sampling technique considering 100 maximum rural residents as respondents of the study. The frequency count and percentage revealed that most of the respondents were 18-24 years old, mostly female, mostly single, had achieved college level, and earning less than 9,100 pesos. Frequency Count, Mean, and Standard Deviation also revealed that most of the rural residents are less knowledgeable and have moderate levels of attitudes and beliefs about vaccination. The Analysis of Variance (AnOVa) and Pearson r revealed no significant associations between the residents’ profiles and the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccination. Likewise, there was also no association and relationships between knowledge and attitudes and between attitudes and beliefs. Notably, there was a relationship between the residents’ knowledge and beliefs about vaccination. The study provided a broad overview of rural residents’ sentiments towards vaccination as well. It’s crucial to educate residents about the vaccine development process to address their concerns. They are cautious by observing the side effects of the vaccines before getting vaccinated. Barangay Health Workers should conduct stronger orientations or symposiums for the rural residents. Proper health education should be disseminated among these people through seminars or symposiums. Lastly, the staff or nurses of the rural health centers must provide accurate information and strengthen any advertisements or IEC materials for the wide dissemination of information. By providing brochures to provide clear and accurate information about vaccines.

 

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Primary Healthcare Services Delivery as Perceived by Rural Residents

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This study assessed the impact of the CoViD-19 pandemic on primary healthcare services in Barangay Mabua, Surigao City. Employing a quantitative research design, the study profiled participants and investigated the pandemic’s effects on healthcare delivery. Purposive sampling was used, and data was collected through a validated questionnaire. The research objectives included examining variance based on participant profiles and deriving recommendations. The findings revealed a significant impact of the pandemic on primary healthcare services, with preventive and rehabilitative services showing variance across demographics. The study concluded that despite challenges, primary healthcare services continued to cater to the community. The implications of the research were far-reaching, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the community. The recommendations encompassed health literacy campaigns, collaborative efforts, and financial assistance programs to address the identified challenges. The study not only contributes valuable insights to the field but also lays the groundwork for future research endeavors in healthcare service delivery during crises.

 

Eating Habits and Academic Performance of College Students in a Private School

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This research investigated the eating habits of college students at St. Paul University Surigao and their potential impact on academic performance. This study employs a descriptive-quantitative research design to explore the tangible effects of eating habits on the academic performance of St. Paul University College students. It encompasses approximately 70% of undergraduate students from various academic departments at the institution. To gather data, a researcher-designed questionnaire was administered, and subsequent analysis utilized methods such as Frequency Count and Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation, Analysis of Variance, and Pearson r. The most significant finding is the negative correlation between various eating habits and academic performance, indicating that students engaging in fuel, fun, fog, and storm eating habits tend to have lower academic performance. This highlights the potential impact of dietary choices on educational outcomes. The most relevant recommendation is to promote healthier eating habits among college students through comprehensive approaches that include nutrition education, increased availability of nutritious food options, and resources for stress management, as it directly addresses the negative correlation between eating habits and academic performance, impacting both students’ well-being and their educational outcomes. This study underscores the significance of nourishment in enhancing the overall well-being and academic achievements of St. Paul University Surigao students.

Perceived Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Clinical Care and Treatment of Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (TB-DOTS) Patients

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The study determined the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical care and treatment of TB-DOTS patients in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, from 2020 to 2022. The research utilized a quantitative approach through a descriptive survey, with 150 respondents through purposive sampling. Most respondents were male, and a notable proportion had completed high school. The analysis employed descriptive statistical tools, showing a positive attitude toward the financial aspects of compliance and heightened awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures. Despite challenges introduced by the pandemic, such as difficulties attending medication refill appointments, TB-DOTS patients generally expressed satisfaction with Claver’s healthcare facilities, there are variations based on educational attainment and occupation. These variations suggest the need for tailored interventions to address the specific needs and challenges of different groups of patients. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services and medication refill appointments is evident. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on TB services, health authorities in the Philippines collaborated with key stakeholders to ramp up and adopt easy-to-implement solutions. One solution was home-visit treatment with the help of health workers.

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.