16th National Health Research Forum For Action (NHRFA) Program Booklet by Jake Kho

16th National Health Research Forum For Action LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR STRONGER RESEARCH TRANSLATION

Program

16th National Health Research Forum For Action LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR STRONGER RESEARCH TRANSLATION Hotel Sofitel, Manila | Sept. 16, 2016 | 9 am - 6 pm

CONTENTS 1

Forum Background

Forum Description

Session Description

Forum Program

Oral Presentation: Knowledge Translation

Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in the Philippines: from Emergency-Focused Modelling to National Policy and Government Scale-up

A Retrospective Review of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Chronic Arsenic Poisoning in the Philippines

Increasing Budgetary Meal Allowance for DOH and LGU Hospitals

Technical Assistance to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Developing a Benefit Development Plan - Phase 1

Oral Presentation: Mining and Visualization of Data

Factors Contributing to Maternal Deaths in a Referral Hospital in a Philippine Province

Post-disaster Health Impact of Natural Hazards in the Philippines in 2013

Overcoming Stagnation in the Levels and Distribution of Child Mortality: The Case of the Philippines

Temporary Employment Contracts for Human Resources for Health in Local Government Health Facilities

Breakout Sessions

Poster Presentation

Purchasing of Health Services. How Many Filipinos are Utilizing PhilHealth when They Get Hospitalized in LGU Hospitals?

Development of Municipal Level Maternal Death Scoring System for the Implementation of Pregnancy Tracking System in GIDA Municipalities in Samar

Shared Decision-Making at the General Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital: Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perspective

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

PhilHealth Income: Its VItal Role in the Operation of a Government Hospital

Contrast Induced Nephropathy After Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography among Adults in Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center

The Philippine Policy Context for eHealth

Determining the Association between Retinopathy and Metabolic Syndrome among Patients Seen in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Department of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center

Knowledge, Attitude and Risk Behaviour/Practices Toward HIV/AIDS Among Call Center Agents in the Central Business District of Metro Manila

Use of Visual Analytics Tools in Increasing the Data Demand and Information Use among Key Local Leaders in Selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas

Program and Policy Implications of the Variations in the Management of New Multibacillary Leprosy Patients among Selected Hospitals in Metro Manila

Seasonal Fluctuations of Dengue Vectors in Selected Endemic Barangays in the Philippines

Surveillance of Infection with Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Mosquitoes in Northern Philippines

Assessment of Health Workforce Service Capacities within a Service Delivery Network (SDN)

Mapping of Mosquito-Borned Disease Vectors in the Philippines

Development and Implementation of Insecticide Resistance Management Plan Among Malaria Vectors in the Philippines

Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attitude Towards Patients with HIV/AIDS in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center

Insecticide Susceptibility Status of Different Vectors and Bioassays for Wall and Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in the Philippines

Determinants of Rural Retention of Human Resources for Health

Formulating the National Policy on Telehealth for the Philippines through Stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Involvement and Partnership

Baseline Human Prevalence and Intensity of Infection of Schistosomiasis japonica and Use of Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Control through Socio-Ecosystem-Based Interventions among Endemic Villages of Gonzaga, Cagayan, The Philippines.

Table of Contents

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

FORUM BACKGROUND In 2001, the Department of Health (DOH) held the first National Health Research Forum for Action (NHRFA) in the country, with the specific aim of encouraging exchange and dissemination of public health researches, as well as interaction among stakeholders in public health. The forum has since then become the regular venue to gather researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders in health, who believe in critical and creative exchange of ideas, experience and aspirations. It leverages differing perspectives and expertise to apply research to policy and practice. Every year, the forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme reflects the issues and concerns most relevant to the times.

THEMES 1st-5th

Bridging the Gap of Health Inequities Through Research

6th

Thinking Global, Thinking Systems in Health: Strengthening Reform Initiatives

7th

Harmonizing Health Research Directions and Initiatives for Better Health Gains

8th

New Evidence and Policy Directions: Progressing Towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

9th

Concretizing Actions in Health Research Translation to Speed Up Health Reform Implementation

10th

Opportunities and Challenges in Strengthening Health Systems Through Research

11th

New Directions and Challenges Towards Ensuring Financial Risk Protection

12th

Strengthening Health Systems Research to Achieve Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP)

13th

Kalusugan Pananaliksik para sa Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP 4 KP)

14th

Ugnayan Pangkalusugan para sa Kalusugan Pangkalahatan - Partnerships in Evidence

15th

Bridging Theory and Practice to Achieve Kalusugan Pangkalahatan

Forum Background

FORUM DESCRIPTION Both globally and locally, public health has been heralding a paradigm shift; greater emphasis is now placed on a multidisciplinary perspective in recognizing development challenges, as well as more holistic approaches in generating innovative solutions. The Duterte Health Agenda champions “All for Health towards Health for All” as a unifying battlecry. This mantra takes in a whole of government approach, recognizing the social determinants that influence health of the population. As a strategic thrust, it thus puts forth bringing together a multitude of stakeholders even outside the exclusive discipline of health towards improving access to health services, and greatly reducing out-of-pocket costs. Seeing health with a much wider purview, research headlines an even bigger and more crucial role in generating relevant information and knowledge, and translating these to responsive and impactful policies. This year’s National Health Research Forum for Action (NHRFA) revitalizes and expands the vital relationship between health research, policy development and discourse, to surface key opportunities and replicable practices meant to strengthen health research capacity in the country. Central to this bridging of research and policy is knowledge translation. Evidence generation is crucial to establishing strategic and responsive policy directives and decisions. This may need to be appropriately translated to policy and practice following varying contexts at the national, local, and even institutional levels. As such, factors that aid translation of evidence to policy likewise need to be identified as a key complement to proper evidence utilization. Knowledge translation has long been challenged by data concerns that hound researchers in the Philippines. Among others, this includes data availability, accuracy, completeness, and accessibility. Mining and visualization of data merits just as much attention and focus in order to ensure ease and regularity of available information that can be translated as evidence that support policy-making decisions. The 16th NHRFA shall focus on knowledge translation and mining and visualization of data as a means to strengthen research to policy translation. The first half of the program shall focus on researches and evidence successfully bridged to actual policy at various levels, putting emphasis on factors that have allowed such translation. The second half of the program shall highlight researches that effectively and innovatively utilized available data, specifically highlighting key strategies in navigating through the sector’s data challenges and limitations. Recognizing the importance of human resource in the discipline and field of research, parallel sessions shall also promote exposure of up and coming researchers in health as a means of providing networking opportunities and building capacities. The multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach to health ushered in by the SDGs and SDH shall again bring the forum to its concluding wayforward, by delving deeper into the need for a whole government approach and a health in all policies perspective to achieving the country’s health sector goals and targets.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS Plenary Session 1:

Knowledge Translation Policy development should naturally go through an iterative and consultative process to ensure that its provisions are relevant and contextualized to the current needs of the health sector. Such process should also be properly grounded on solid evidence that objectively steers its direction towards generating the best results. Inevitably, evidence and needs vary following difference in contexts at the national, local, and institutional levels. This emphasizes the crucial role of research and knowledge translation in designing responsive policies towards attaining, better health outcomes, improved operational efficiency, or even strengthened program sustainability. This session will demonstrate examples of successful translation from evidence to policy/practice at various levels, at the same time pointing out factors that aid such translation.

Plenary Session 2:

Mining and Visualizing Data Researchers have long been challenged by difficulties relating to data in the country. More often than not, data can be unavailable, inaccurate, incomplete, outdated or just plain inaccessible. Being the cornerstone of good research, such data inefficiencies forms a considerable barrier to proper and timely knowledge generation relevant to policy development. Still, some researchers have managed to find innovative ways to hurdle this challenge. This has allowed them to produce excellent research materials that have significantly aided policy development and direction. This session will showcase researches that have strategically made use of available data sets despite limitations, to adhere to the needs and requirements of their respective research objectives. Practical efforts done to achieve this shall be highlighted by each, as a means of knowledge sharing and capacity enhancement.

Session Descriptions

FORUM PROGRAM I. ORAL PRESENTATIONS II. BREAKOUT SESSIONS III. POSTER PRESENTATIONS

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

I. ORAL PRESENTATIONS Session #1: Knowledge Translation

Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in the Philippines: from EmergencyFocused Modelling to National Policy and Government Scale-up SPEAKER PROFILE Dr. Rene Gerard C. Galera Jr. is a Nutrition in Emergencies Officer of UNICEF Philippines, he leads the nutrition cluster of UNICEF as the co-coordinator. With his previous engagements with DOH and WHO, Dr. Galera has a wealth of experience in various fields such as nutrition, health emergency and disaster response and management, as well as health systems strengthening.

ABSTRACT Access to essential health and nutrition services by the poor and marginalised in the Philippines is low, exacerbated by recurrent disasters and conflict. Malnutrition persists as an alarming concern in the country. The emergency response to super-typhoon Haiyan in 2013 included successful, cluster-led programmes for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), but highlighted significant shortfalls in national policies, protocols, health system capacity, supplies and government buy-in. Subsequently, national guidelines for the management of SAM were developed and adopted by the Philippine Government in a participatory, consultative process led by the Department of Health, with UNICEF technical support, expert and partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consultation, and SUN stakeholder involvement (under the auspices of the national CMAM working group). MAM guidelines are also in development, but issues around commodity supply costs at scale and competing agency mandates have hampered integration with SAM guidance and finalisation. A detailed scale-up plan for integrated SAM treatment is now in development for 16 priority provinces; supplies are one hundred per cent funded by the Department of Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 Annual Investment Plan.

Oral Presentations

A Retrospective Review of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Chronic Arsenic Poisoning in the Philippines SPEAKER PROFILE Dr. Erin Jane Tababa holds a medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, and is currently a Resident of Dermatology at the Philippine General Hospital. She has had previous publications and presentations at the Regional Congress of Dermatology for the Asian-Australasian region.

ABSTRACT Arsenic is a carcinogen associated with development of malignancies, with earliest manifestations appearing on the skin. Last August 2014, a patient from province X presented with hyperkeratotic lesions on the palms, soles, and speckled pigmentation on the back. He was diagnosed with chronic arsenic poisoning due to the skin findings and elevated urine arsenic concentration. He came from an area previously unknown for arsenic poisoning. The Municipal Health Office performed a community survey to screen for and invite residents to come to the health center for further evaluation. Two health and environmental assessment missions, conducted on December 4 and 15, 2014, were led by the local MHO, together with Department of Health, National Poison Management and Control Center, and the Section of Dermatology of the University of the Philippines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Philippine General Hospital. The studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective was to describe the demographic profile and cutaneous manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning among affected residents in Province X. A review of the dermatologic records of the 116 residents screened during the health assessment survey was done. Among the 116 screened, 70% had palmoplantar keratoses alone, while 40% showed both speckled pigmentation and palmoplantar keratoses. Majority of those with palmoplantar keratoses had a severe grade and affecting children, as young as 4 years old. Among the 52 biopsy reports, 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma in situ detected were detected. In the following months, the local government unit and the local water district provided alternative sources of drinking water and closed the pumping stations believed to be contaminated. Patients with high levels of urine arsenic were admitted at the East Avenue Medical center for work up and management. An Inter-Agency Task Force on Arsenic Risk Management was created by then President Benigno Aquino III to address the needs of the community affected by arsenic poisoning.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Increasing Budgetary Meal Allowance for DOH and LGU Hospitals SPEAKER PROFILE Ms. Josephine Guiao is a Dietary Advisor for the Health Facility Development Bureau of the Department of Health. She has previously worked as a Health Education Promotion Officer as well as a Nutritionist-Dietitian for the DOH. She is a former lecturer of St. Scholastica’s College, the Philippine Women’s University, and the De Los Santos College and Medical Center.

ABSTRACT The Nutrition and Dietetics Service of each hospital plays a significant role in the quality of patient care through the provision of nutritious meals tailored to the patient’s specific health conditions and needs. The Department of Health (DOH) through the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) conducted a study to evaluate the Nutrition and Dietetics Services of selected Hospitals nationwide. Analysis of the one-week cycle menu from the sampled hospitals achieved 59% of the 1,800 kilocalories required daily allowance; carbohydrates at 63%; protein at 70% and fats at 53% with the mean daily cost of the diet at Php 74.39 per patient. Stratified according to type of hospitals, the cost of meal ranged from 45.20 to Php 61.681 patient meal per day for LGU hospitals while in DOH-managed Medical Centers and Regional Hospitals the range was Php 61.63 to Php 68.79. The actual cost of meal per patient is lower compared to the ideal meal daily cost required per patient at 150 pesos. From the research findings, the imperative need to develop a policy was recognized. Hence, a guideline was developed to increase the budgetary meal allowancefor DOH and LGU Hospitals nationwide.

Oral Presentations

Technical Assistance to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in Developing a Benefit Development Plan - Phase 1 SPEAKER PROFILE

Dr. John Wong has extensive experience in epidemiology, biostatistics, health financing, and community health. He is the CEO of EpiMetrics, Inc., a research institution that specializes in epidemiology and biostatistics. Aside from his consultancy work, he also currently sits on the DOH Formulary Executive Committee, and is a lecturer in the Ateneo de Manila University Health Sciences Department and in the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.

ABSTRACT To aid the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) in forming a systematic method to guide benefit package development, this study aims to determine the most burdensome diseases and their recommended interventions in the Philippines from 2015-2035. Twenty-year Philippine burden of disease projections were modeled using data from the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study and the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. The group of ten most burdensome diseases, which account for 40% of Philippine DALYs, will remain the same until 2035. The next 38 most burdensome diseases account for the next 40% of Philippine DALYs. The remaining 221 diseases account for the last 20% of Philippine DALYs, and 68 of these diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. A list of recommended cost-effective interventions was compiled for each of the top 48 diseases. It is recommended that PHIC include equity, work with the DOH to jointly establish capacity and institution-building, and establish clear protocol for benefit package development.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Session #2: Visualization and Mining of Data

Factors Contributing to Maternal Deaths in a Referral Hospital in a Philippine Province SPEAKER PROFILE Dr. Ofelia P. Saniel completed her BS Hygiene degree at the University of the Philippines. She finished her Master of Public Health degree from UP Manila and obtained her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of California, Los Angeles under a Fogarty International fellowship grant. She is a Professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and was awarded the Most Outstanding Alumnus in Research by the UP College of Public Health Alumni Society and a Centennial Professorial Chair. She has been involved in researches on STD and HIV/AIDS, schistosomiasis infection in the Philippines, and maternal health.

ABSTRACT The Philippines barely had any progress in reducing maternal mortality in the last 15 years, despite efforts to prevent maternal deaths from occurring. In 2014, the National Safe Motherhood Program reported that there were 1,374 maternal deaths, resulting mostly from complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth. While maternal mortality statistics often mirror the gravity of the problem, it is often more important to ask ‘why mothers die, and what can be done to prevent such deaths?’ The objective of the study was to identify major community, family and personal, as well as health care system factors which may have contributed to the maternal deaths that occurred in a referral hospital in a Philippine province. Retrospectively, a series of maternal death reviews (MDR) was conducted in 2015 by the Provincial Review Team to determine the circumstances surrounding the 21 maternal deaths that occurred in the provincial hospital between January to December 2013. Facility and Community Reviews were done using the Medical Records Review and Community Review Forms as data collection instruments. Data analysis was done utilizing the MDR factor-based methods recommended by the Philippine Department of Health. Based on the patient charts and death certificates, 19 deaths resulted from direct obstetric complications: 11 cases died of hemorrhage, 6 cases died of pregnancy-related hypertension, and 2 died of maternal infection. Community, family and personal factors that contribute to maternal deaths included mother’s poor knowledge about the danger signs of pregnancy and poor health-seeking behavior despite follow-up from health workers, lack of money for health care and transport, and the strong influence of family members that oftentimes jeopardizes critical lifesaving decisions. Healthcare system factors included inappropriate case management, lack of safe blood supply, inadequate human resources, and poor quality of antenatal care.

Oral Presentations

Post-disaster Health Impact of Natural Hazards in the Philippines in 2013 SPEAKER PROFILE Dr. Ayedee Ace Domingo is currently the Managing Director of Metahelix, a technology company focused on the healthcare industry. Its clients include the World Health Organization, Department of Health, pharmaceuticals, and hospitals. Ayedee was also faculty coordinator for health information management at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. He is the former Chief Technology Officer of GMA New Media, the Internet subsidiary of GMA7 and Director of the National Telehealth Center. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital.

ABSTRACT In 2011, the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) created the Surveillance for Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED), a real-time syndromic surveillance system that allows the early detection and monitoring of post-disaster disease trends. SPEED can assist health leaders in making informed decisions on health systems affected by disasters. This study aims to evaluate the temporal post-disaster patterns of selected diseases after a flood, earthquake, and a typhoon in the Philippines in 2013. We analyzed the 21 syndromes provided by SPEED both separately and grouped into injuries, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by calculating daily post-disaster consultation rates for up to 150 days post-disaster. These were compared over time and juxtaposed according to the type of disaster. Communicable diseases were found to be the predominant syndrome group in all three disaster types. The top six syndromes found were: acute respiratory infections, open wounds, bruises and burns, high blood pressure, skin disease, fever, and acute watery diarrhea. Overall, the results aligned with the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morbidity profile. Within 2 months, the clear gradation of increasing syndrome rates reflected the severity (flood < earthquake < typhoon) and magnitude of the disruption of the health system caused by the disasters. After 2 months, rates dropped, suggesting the beginning of the recovery phase. The most common syndromes can be addressed by measures such as providing for shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and common health services. Most post-disaster syndromes may be addressed by prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment. Health needs differ in response and recovery phases.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Overcoming Stagnation in the Levels and Distribution of Child Mortality: The Case of the Philippines SPEAKER PROFILE Dr. Raoul Bermejo currently works as a health specialist of UNICEF. He is well-versed in various areas of research and policy development particularly in health systems strengthening, noncommunicable diseases, health financing, and maternal and child health among others. He has provided consultancy services to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the National Telehealth Center of the Philippine. He was also a former Provincial Health Officer of Capiz. He holds a Medical degree from the University of the Philippines, and a Masters in Public Health degree from Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp Belgium; he is currently in the process of completing his PhD from the same school.

ABSTRACT Health-related within-country inequalities continue to be a matter of great interest and concern to both policy makers and researchers. This study aims to assess the level and the distribution of child mortality outcomes in the Philippines across geographical and socioeconomic indicators. Data on 159,130 children ever borne were analysed from five waves of the Philippine Demographic and Health Survey. Direct estimation was used to construct under-five and neonatal mortality rates for the period 1980-2013. Rate differences and ratios, and where possible, slope and relative indices of inequality were calculated to measure disparities on absolute and relative scales. Stratification was undertaken by levels of rural/urban location, island groups and household wealth. National under-five and neonatal mortality rates have shown considerable albeit differential reductions since 1980. Recently released data suggests that neonatal mortality has declined following a period of stagnation. Declines in under-five mortality have been accompanied by decreases in wealth and geography-related absolute inequalities. However, relative inequalities for the same markers have remained stable over time. For neonates, mixed evidence suggests that absolute and relative inequalities have remained stable or may have risen. In addition to continued reductions in under-five mortality, new data suggests that the Philippines have achieved success in addressing the commonly observed stagnated trend in neonatal mortality. This success has been driven by economic improvement since 2006 as well as efforts to implement a nationwide universal health care campaign. Yet, such patterns, nonetheless, accorded with persistent inequalities, particularly on a relative scale. A continued focus on addressing universal coverage, the influence of decentralisation and armed conflict, and issues along the continuum of care is advocated.

Oral Presentations

Temporary Employment Contracts for Human Resources for Health in Local Government Health Facilities SPEAKER PROFILE Ms. Ida Marie Pantig is a Research Analyst at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. She has done both quantitative and qualitative research work on public health, particularly in the privatization of hospitals, local health services at the ground level, as well as health financing. She has previously worked as a Consultant to the Asian Development Bank as well as a senior lecturer in the University of the Philippines.

ABSTRACT The increasing population and the changing health needs prompts the need for more health human resources. At the same time, a sudden surge in the number of health professionals, particularly of nurses, made the sector think about how these will be absorbed by the existing facilities. On the other hand, local government units are constrained in terms of hiring due to the “45% of total revenue as PS cap” policy of the Department of Budget and Management. As the demand for health care increases, how can local government health facilities catch up with the need to provide health care to the people? This study looks into the various temporary employment contracts (TECs) being utilized by local government units (LGUs) to hire additional human resources for health (HRH) in local government facilities. Different forms of TECs include contractual, casual and job order contracts. This study also touches on the DOH-initiated deployment programs for HRH. It is found out that TECs are more prominent for nurses, where as much as 40% of a hospital’s manpower is composed of nurses under some form of TEC. Also, this study also reveals that in RHUs, 50% of the nurses are under NDP. This study further explores the various trends in TECs across types of government health facilities. The results, however, should be interpreted with caution. It should be noted that this study is a derivative of a bigger study on health facilities and equipment. Data collected from a prior study were used, which therefore limits the level of analysis. Despite this, the study provides an overview of the situation of HRH in government health facilities in the country. Recommendations include: review of standard manpower ratios to cope with the increasing need for HRH, and reviewing the PS cap for local health offices to ensure adequate HRH for the population.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

II. BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Streamlining Health Research Ethics Review Ethics Review is a vital component in the implementation of research e.g., health research. The Department of Health, as one of the core agencies that institutionalized the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS), recognizes the significant role of this endeavor in coming up with scientific and ethically acceptable research outputs. However, streamlining the ethics review processes is essential to strategically address issues that compromise the entire research undertaking. This session aims to present recommendations and gather insights for the improvement of the health research ethics review in the country.

Exploring Institutional Contracting Mechanisms The project aims to assess the feasibility of and describe options for implementing large research contracts between DOH Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau and another research institution. This institutional arrangement is envisioned to align HPDPBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management and implementation of HPSR towards contributing to medium- to longterm policy and program decisions through the production of better evidence. This consultation aims to elicit input from relevant stakeholders on the feasibility of a proposed contracting arrangement between DOH HPDPB and research institutions in the conduct of health policy and systems research (HPSR).

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Improving Data Access for Researchers Rich data and information can be found spread across various agencies and units, following their management of their individual own mandates, programs, and efforts. With the continuously evolving landscape of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health sector, an inter-agency approach is vital now more than ever. Data sharing and access between agencies can help facilitate this integration, allowing a wider information-base for key agencies to use and analyze towards developing more effective and comprehensive solutions, both for recognized and anticipated sector challenges.

Investing in Data and Young Researchers The session will have two parts. The first part seeks to determine data sets and information systems that will enable better health sector performance assessment. The session will also touch on the questions as to who should be collecting these data, how often, and the most cost-effective mechanism to generate these. The second part seeks to seeks to determine circumstances that affect or alter career choices of young health researchers and identify key policy and program actions to promote an enabling environment for them to build an illustrious and lasting career in health research. Additionally, the session will elucidate additional factors that can encourage careers in government service.

Poster Presentations

III. POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Purchasing of Health Services. How Many Filipinos are Utilizing PhilHealth when They Get Hospitalized in LGU Hospitals? Mr. Juan Alfonso Tanghal

ABSTRACT One of the three strategic thrusts of Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) is financial risk protection through the expansion in enrolment and benefit delivery of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), more widely known as PhilHealth. True enough, PhilHealth insurance coverage has reportedly increased in the past five to six years. But with all the focus on coverage rates, a less understood and delved into portion of Philhealth remains to be uncoveredâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; utilization. This study aims to assess the availment of PhilHealth benefits in government hospitals and provide insights on such trends through the use of annual hospital statistical reports (HSRs) from a sample of hospitals from 2011 to 2014. To properly deliver this assessment, utilization rate is disaggregated by hospital level, by type of service (e.g. medicine, pediatrics, etc.) and by income classification of municipality and/or city. The results will give a glimpse whether PhilHealth is moving in the right direction.

Development of Municipal Level Maternal Death Scoring System for the Implementation of Pregnancy Tracking System in GIDA Municipalities in Samar Prof. Amiel Nazer Bermudez, Kristine Joy de Luna Tomanan, RN

ABSTRACT This project aims to develop a scoring system that will yield an index, which can be used as a proxy of the likelihood that at least one maternal death will occur in a municipality in a year. Information from a review of literature was used to develop a scoring system consisting of 73 indicators grouped in 11 clusters. Each indicator was measured on an ordinal scale, with categories of each indicator corresponding to a given score. The indicator score was multiplied with the assigned indicator weight to obtain the weighted indicator score, while the sum of all weighted indicator scores was taken as the overall index. Recommendations relative to the project include pilot testing and validating the scoring system so that refinements can be made, and using the scoring system alongside other existing methods to monitor maternal health status.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Shared Decision-Making at the General Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital: Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perspective Marvin Jonne Mendoza, Danielle Benedict Sacdalan, Lia Aileen Palileo-Villanueva

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to utilize a Filipino version of the SDM Q-9 questionnaire to evaluate the extent to which a shared decision-making (SDM) is implemented in the General Medicine outpatient clinic of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective. The English version of the SDM Q-9 questionnaire was translated into Filipino and validated through focused group discussions (FGDs). The validated questionnaire was fielded to 236 patients consulting at the General Medicine clinic. Participants agreed that the shared decision-making process was being practiced in the General Medicine clinics. The domains involving identification of preferences, negotiation, and shared decision showed weaker trend towards agreement. Among the nine items of the SDM Q-9, these required the strengthening. In this study, the investigators were able to observe that patients agreed that SDM was being practiced in their clinical encounters with their respective physicians.

PhilHealth Income: Its Vital Role in the Operation of a Government Hospital Unity H. Cortez, MD, FPOGS, FPSUOG

ABSTRACT The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) reimbursement has become the backbone of operations by private and public hospitals. PHIC data states that majority of reimbursements goes to the private hospitals. The funding source of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) was reviewed in this paper, wherein, the GAA from the national government comprised the biggest chunk of funds source (52%) including funds for the personnel services, MOOE and capital outlay. The second source is from the PHIC reimbursement (27%) followed by out of pocket payments (20%). Health care financing through Social Health Insurance is an important strategy in providing hospital support. Thus, collaborative efforts and improvements must be done to increase the PHIC income for hospital development and sustainability and to help meet the goals of Universal Health Care which are better health outcome, responsive health system and financial risk protection for all Filipinos.

Poster Presentations

Contrast Induced Nephropathy After Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography among Adults in Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Mary Dulce Buyao-Catbagan, MD

ABSTRACT Contrast Induced Nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of hospital acquired renal insufficiency, associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT), however local incidence data seems lacking. The study aimed to determine the incidence of CIN among adults undergoing CECT in Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). A cohort study design was employed involving 129 adult patients. Preand post-CECT serum creatinine (sCr) measurements were done to determine if CIN developed, using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Criteria. The overall incidence of CIN was 10.85% (14 out of 129). Significant (p value <0.05) associations were noted between CIN and advanced age (75 years old and above: 30% versus < 75 years old: 9.24%), an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 ml/ min (20% vs. 9.32% for eGFR>60 ml/min), and the presence of medical comorbidities (17.78% vs. without comorbidities: 7.14%).

The Philippine Policy Context for eHealth James A. Salisi, MD, Jay Pee Z. Cruz, MD, MPM-HSD, Sophia Francesca, DP LU, Portia H. Fernandez-Marcelo, MD, MPH

ABSTRACT eHealth in the Philippines is poised to take off but adoption of eHealth applications in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public health sector is limited in scale. This paper examines the context and status of eHealth policy in the Philippines. The aim is to lay out the domains of policy issues that should be addressed for the successful implementation of eHealth in the Philippines. The themes and issues of policies on eHealth cited by Khoja, Durrani, Nayani and Fahim (2012) were used to describe and analyze the status of eHealth policy context in the Philippines. These are: (1) networked care, (2) interjurisdictional practice, (3) diffusion of eHealth/digital divide, (4) eHealth integration with existing systems, (5) response to new initiatives, (6) goal-setting for eHealth policy, (7) evaluation and research, (8) investment, and (9) ethics in eHealth. Documents and policies in the form of enacted laws, memoranda, implementing rules and regulations were retrieved and reviewed to answer whether or not policy themes and issues are addressed currently. Current policies in the status quo do not adequately address the issues that enable effective implementation of eHealth in the Philippines. While preconditions for eHealth to flourish such as strategic frameworks for ICT and eHealth have been established, they are inadequate in addressing licensing, diffusion of innovation, handling innovation, evaluation and research, and investment.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Determining the Association between Retinopathy and Metabolic syndrome among Patients Seen in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Department of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center Karren L. Antonio MD, Tricia Katrina Alias MD, Bien Matawaran MD, FPCP, FPSEM, Ivan Olaivar, MD, FPBO

ABSTRACT Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and elevated blood pressure. A global increase in the incidence and prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome has been noted. In line with this, blindness caused by retinopathy both diabetic or hypertensive has also been a rising concern because of the increasing number of individuals who develop retinopathy syndrome would have a greater risk for developing retinopathy compared to patients who do not present with metabolic syndrome. This is a cross-sectional study involving 87 persons aged 40 and above seen in the Internal Medicine Outpatient Department. These patients were classified according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome using the ATP III criteria. An indirect fundoscopy was done to detect presence or absence of retinopathy. To determine the association between metabolic syndrome and retinopathy among participants, computation of odds ratio was used. 87 patients were included in the study. 50 patients were noted to have metabolic syndrome and 37 patients did not fulfill the criteria for metabolic syndrome. 24% of patients with metabolic syndrome have retinopathy and only 10.8% of patients without metabolic syndrome are 2.6 times more likely to have retinopathy than those without metabolic syndrome, however this was found to be not significant (OR 2.6 C 0.8,8.9). Retinopathy was noted to be more prevalent among patients with metabolic syndrome compared to patients without metabolic syndrome. Although the results were not statistically significant, we documented an increase in the risk of developing retinopathy among patients with metabolic syndrome compared to patients without metabolic syndrome (OC 2.6 CI 0.8, 8.9)

Poster Presentations

Knowledge, Attitude and Risk Behaviour/Practices toward HIV/AIDS Among Call Center Agents in the Central Business District of Metro Manila Ma. Liza Q. Carmelo MD, John S. Delgado MD, Mario M. Panaligan MD

ABSTRACT In the Philippines, 20,989 HIV Antibody sero-positive cases were reported from 1984 to 2014. To assess the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Risk Behaviors/Practices towards HIV/AIDS among call center agents in the central business districts of Metro Manila, a cross sectional psychometric study by convenience sampling for 4 months was done in selected call center company agents using a validated questionnaire. Results were expressed using frequency and percentage of response. The respondents were knowledgeable in the difference of AIDS and HIV, risk factors, complications and STI. Positive attitude with the support group, living, lifestyle of patients who have HIV/ AIDS were noted. Majority of the respondents had sexual intercourse. Condom use was not popular among them. Respondents were well adapt on the knowledge of HIV and AIDS, STIs, and attitude and beliefs in the HIV and AIDS (p = 0.0023).

Use of Visual Analytics Tools in Increasing the Data Demand and Information Use among Key Local Leaders in Selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas Arturo M. Ongkeko Jr., RN, Portia Fernandez-Marcelo, MD, MPH

ABSTRACT Quality health information provides the context for local health leaders to establish equitable and responsive programmes in the Philippines where health inequities are evident. Yet, the Philippine health information system is largely manual and paper-based: prone to error, and health workers generating data do not routinely use these for decision-making. UP National Telehealth Center with UNICEF implemented â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Real-Time Monitoring of Maternal, Child Health and Governance Indicators through the Community Health Information Tracking Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to improve HIS management and developing ICT-enabled health workers, springing from the ethical use of eHealth tools: 1) Community Health Information Tracking System (CHITS), electronic medical record used by RHU Physicians and Nurses for clinical data and to generate reports, 2) mReports, android-based mobile health application used by Rural Health Midwives to document patient information that synchronizes with CHITS; and 3) LGU dashboard visualization tool for local leaders to manage public health problems using data for meaningful decision-making. rCHITS is implemented in 13 selected GIDA with high maternal mortality rates and poverty incidence.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Program and Policy Implications of the Variations in the Management of New Multibacillary Leprosy Patients among Selected Hospitals in Metro Manila Veincent Christian F. Pepito; Rae Erica D. Samontina, Sarah Jane A. Abdon, David Norman L. Fuentes, Ofelia P. Saniel MPH, PhD

ABSTRACT The plateauing of incidence of leprosy in the Philippines may be partly attributable to the variations in the clinical diagnosis and management of new multibacillary leprosy patients. This study aims to determine the variations in the management of new MB leprosy cases and discuss its program and policy implications. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was used to determine significant differences in the treatment completion and defaulting patterns of 1034 new MB leprosy patients taking MDT in three large leprosy hospitals in Metro Manila from 2007-13. Focus group discussions were also conducted with health professionals treating these patients. There were differences in the treatment completion patterns across the three hospitals. There were also documented variations in the diagnosis, clinical management and definitions of treatment completion and default among the hospitals, and when compared with DOH and WHO standards.

Seasonal Fluctuations of Dengue Vectors in Selected Endemic Barangays in the Philippines Estrella I. Cruz, Ariza Minelle A. Aguila, Marion Romina B. Tuliao, Jaime Montoya, and Ferdinand V. Salazar

ABSTRACT Vector surveillance is an important tool to gather entomological data for control strategies and develop early warning system to prevent epidemics. A total of 600 households in six Barangays were surveyed monthly for 14 months in November 2014 to December 2015 namely Barangays Tambunting and Sampaloc in Manila; Barangay Cupang and Putatan in Muntinlupa City; Barangay San Pedro and San Miguel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. WHO vector indices are used to calculate level of infestations : House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), Breteau Index (BI), Pupa Per Person Index (PPI), and Pupal Index (PI). Results revealed that monthly climate variables do not show any effect on entomological indices and mosquito density. Barangay Putatan showed highest number of adult mosquitoes collected. Barangay Sampaloc has the lowest mosquito count among the six barangays and in all study barangays which would correspond to increase in breeding sites but still, immature and adult populations were low.

Poster Presentations

Surveillance of Infection with Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Mosquitoes in Northern Philippines Wilfredo Aure , Yusuke Sayama, Mariko Saito, Estrella Cruz, Fidel Malbas, Tadatsugu Imamura, Akira Suzuki, Esperanza Espino, Hazel Galang, Jorbert Bernal, Cecille Lopez Socorro Lupisan, Hitoshi Oshitani, Remigio Olveda

ABSTRACT Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the most common encephalitis in the world, caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) transmitted by mosquitoes, Culex species. To investigate the species composition and abundance of the JE vectors and virus type of JEV circulating in the Philippines, a survey of JE mosquito vectors in Tarlac Province, Region 3, Northern Luzon was carried out. Monthly mosquito collection was conducted from May 2009 to April 2010 by Carabao (water buffalo) Baited Trap. The mosquitoes were identified and pooled by 100 heads/tube. The partial envelope protein gene of Japanese Encephalitis virus was amplified and subsequently analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was done using the Neighbor-Joining method in MEGA 4.0. A total of 36,979 Culex mosquitoes were collected. The predominant JE vector species collected were Culex. vishnui (n=7,222), Cx. fuscocephala (n=4,084), Cx. tritaeniorynchus (n=2,932), Cx. gelidus (n=810). These mosquitoes were most abundant in November 2009 and January 2010 with a total collection of 7,724 and 6,526 respectively. JEV was detected from one pool of Cx tritaeniorynchus collected in the month of November 2009. This strain was belonged to the genotype 3 and closest homology of Taiwan strain. The data gathered by this study will provide useful information on temporal and spatial epidemiological study of this disease in the Philippines. Further study on the mosquito collection technique and other virus detection method is recommended.

Assessment of Health Workforce Service Capacities within a Service Delivery Network (SDN) Hilton Lam, MHA, PhD, Roberto de Vera, PhD

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the health workforceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service capacities within a Service Delivery Network (SDN). This concurrent mixed-methods study covers one barangay in Navotas and Masbate. Needs were assessed through records review, qualitative methods, and a household survey. Health facility assessment using the WHO-Service Availability and Readiness Assessment questionnaire was conducted in facilities in the identified SDN. Training data were also obtained. Results show that SDN in the two areas are different in terms of formality wherein memorandums of agreement are present between Masbate facilities but not in Navotas. Health worker-to-population ratios were 12.1 per 10,000 in Navotas and 2.7 in Masbate. The primary care facilities in the two sites met the SARA-defined recommendation for trained health workers for obstetric care, immunization, childhood nutrition and tuberculosis. However, there is a lack of post-graduate training in noncommunicable diseases in all facilities. Poverty and geography remain significant factors affecting health services.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Mapping of Mosquito-Borned Disease Vectors in the Philippines Ariza Minelle A. Aguila, Reynaldo A. Arsitio, Dominic A. Sotto, Jonar Angelo SJ Dungca, Maria Lourdes M. Monegro, Jeffrey V. de Guzman, Analiza L. Balila, John Fiel B. Porto, Majhalia M. Torno, Richard Paul B. Malijan, and Ferdinand V. Salazar

ABSTRACT Geographic vector distribution is available only for mosquito carriers of malaria and had not been updated since 1993. An updated distribution map for malaria, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis vectors will aid in the determination of mosquito species present in various provinces in the Philippines. In 2015, adult mosquito collection was done in 27 provinces through Carabao-baited Trap (CBT) technique and were identified to species level. GPS coordinates for each CBT site were recorded for mapping purposes using ArcGIS10.3ÂŽ. From the previous data, only the occurrence of malaria vectors was identified. In this study, changes in distribution and abundance of vectors for malaria, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis were also determined. Recently-generated maps will aid in (1) evaluating probable high risk areas for the different mosquito-borne diseases; (2) detecting possible seasonal fluctuation in vector populations; (3) identifying early warning signs for potential outbreak; (4) designing event specific prevention and control measures; and (5) assessing impact of implemented interventions.

Development and Implementation of Insecticide Resistance Management Plan Among Malaria Vectors in the Philippines Ferdinand V. Salazar, Jason Angeles, Richard Malijan, Ariza Aguila, Mary Ann Ammugauan, Leah Olaso, Majhalia Torno

ABSTRACT Surveillance efforts have documented insecticide resistance emergence among malaria vectors. Using modified WHO procedure (with knockdown recorded after 5 minute-intervals), buffalo-baited traps collected malaria vectors were subjected to susceptibility tests. Of the five known malaria vectors, three species (An. flavirostris An. maculatus and An. litoralis) has been documented to show resistance to pyrethroids and organochlorines (DDT). An flavirostris was reported to have the most number of documented resistance. From 2001 to 2015, permethrin resistance has been observed to be the most common, followed by lambdacyhalothrin. Resistance has been documented also towards etofenprox and deltamethrin. There is no documented resistance to An balabacensis and An mangyanus due to low numbers collected that did not allow testing. These resistance results need immediate action to develop the policy and implement insecticide resistance management plan before any control failure is reached.

Poster Presentations

Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attitude Towards Patients with HIV/ AIDS in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center Ruby Rose Bisquera, MD

ABSTRACT HIV/AIDS is a global epidemic, with the number of infected persons increasing every year. As of 2014, there are a total of 36.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, with 1.2 million deaths due to AIDS. In the Philippines, an average of 23 new cases of HIV is being diagnosed every day. With the increase in the number of HIV cases, there is also an increase in the risk of exposure among physicians and other health care workers to patients with HIV/AIDS. Adequate knowledge regarding the etiology, transmission, prevention and treatment will help physicians in providing quality care towards patient with HIV/AIDS. This research aims to study the attitudes of physicians at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center towards patients with HIV/AIDS and to describe their HIV knowledge and attitudes towards caring for patients with HIV/ AIDS. A descriptive study was conducted among resident physicians at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. The Brief HIV Knowledge questionnaire, AIDS Attitudes Scale and Caring survey were used in this study. A total of 122 resident physicians responded to this study. Majority of the respondents belonged to the 25-30 year old group (64%). Most were female (60%), single (77%), Asian (97.6%) and Catholic (88%). Knowledge of HIV/AIDS was high with a mean score of 14.8 at the HIV-KQ-18, with an average of 82.3% of respondents answering each question correctly. The respondents mostly had an empathetic attitude towards patients with HIV, however they showed neutrality to care as shown by the caring survey mean score of 19.65. In conclusion, the study shows that physicians at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center have high knowledge about HIV. Their overall attitude towards the disease is positive, however the physicians were shown to be neither willing nor unwilling to care for HIV/AIDS patients. Physicians were neutral to care for HIV patients.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Insecticide Susceptibility Status of Different Vectors and Bioassays for Wall and Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in the Philippines Mary Ann T. Ammugauan, Regie A. baga, Ursula P. Segundo, Richard M. delos Reyes, Maria Cecilia G. Pan, Gemma G. Uy, Royfrextopher Boholst, Jonathan Basadre, Majhalia Torno, Richard Paul Malijan, Mario Baquilod, and FV Salazar.

ABSTRACT The susceptibility status of different mosquito vectors from 19 provinces were evaluated last 2015 using the WHO guidelines for the Test Procedures for insecticide resistance monitoring. The team was able to test different malaria vectors like Anopheles flavirostris, An. maculatus and An. litoralis. There are some areas visited with no malaria vectors but with high number of other Anopheline species (An. tessellatus, An. ludlowae, An. vagus, An. philippinensis and An. annularis), vectors of Japanese Encephalitis (Culex vishnui, Cx. fuscocecphala and Cx. gelidus) and vectors of filariasis (Mansonia uniformis) which were also subjected to susceptibility test. Insecticides used are pyrethroid (permethrin, etofenprox, lambdacyhalothrin, deltamentrin, cyfluthrin), Organophosphate (Malathion) and Organochlorine (DDT). Wall and LLIN Bioassay were also simultaneously conducted with the susceptibility test. Three different nets were tested (DawaPlus LLIN, Olyset LLIN and Olyset Curtain). Tests were inconclusive since some of the mosquitoes used were already resistant to Deltamethrin and Permethrin. For wall bioassay, the team was able to test 3 types of wall (bamboo, concrete and wood). Mortality of the mosquitoes used after 24 hours were all below 80%.

Poster Presentations

Determinants of Rural Retention of Human Resources for Health Lourdes Marie S. Tejero, RN, PhD; Erwin William A. Leyva, RN, MPH; Peter James B. Abad, RN, MSc; Marinelli Santos, RN

ABSTRACT This study explored the initiatives, capacities, issues and challenges faced by rural municipalities (LGUs) in producing, recruiting, and retaining health workers. A sequential mixed method design was used. The qualitative phase involved key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys conducted in twenty-two (22) third to sixth class rural municipalities chosen purposively nationwide. In the quantitative phase, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 120 randomly selected third to sixth class LGUs. Results show that while LGUs engage in various initiatives to produce, recruit, and retain health workers, these are insufficient to meet the needed number of competent and highly-motivated health workers that are expected to respond to the needs of the rural municipalities. Also highlighted as a finding was the inadequacy of the number of health worker to population. It is recommended that a multi-sectoral approach be implemented to address health worker-related challenges and enhancing health worker management at the municipality level. A Health Workforce Retention Plan for rural LGUs aligned with existing national policies and frameworks was formulated based on the study results.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action

Formulating the National Policy on Telehealth for the Philippines through Stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Involvement and Partnership Portia H. Fernandez-Marcelo, MD, MPH, Gene A. Nisperos, MD

ABSTRACT The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) recognized the potentials of information and communication technology (ICT) as a valuable aid to achieve Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) or Universal Health Care for all Filipinos. In 2011, the Development of the National Telehealth Service Program (NTSP) in the DOH Project was proposed and implemented as a collaborative and developmental project of the DOH, with the University of the Philippines-Manila through the National Telehealth Center. The Project defined operational and policy issues critical in incorporating telehealth as a standard program, service delivery and information management mode in the DOH. To sustain this beyond the current Project financing and political leadership, as well as to provide a policy framework to guide the implementation of telehealth in the country, a DOH administrative order (AO) was proposed. Stakeholder feedback was sought to surface views and concerns to ensure better relevance and effective policy implementation. Four public forums were held from 2012 to 2014 participated in by 241 individuals from the national agencies and local governments, project implementers, academe, and the private sector. General comments centered on governance and ensuring representation by patient advocate groups and the local governments. Capacity building and financing of telehealth, and regulation especially with regards to ethical use and protection of patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; privacy were prominent concerns. Participants affirm the preference for the poor and marginalized, although envision that telehealth and digital health information systems should be standard components of health care in the country. Other comments were specific to telemedicine and using mobile phones to report on health services from the frontline clinics. Recommendations are presented.

Baseline Human Prevalence and Intensity of Infection of Schistosomiasis japonica and use of Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Control through Socio-Ecosystem-Based Interventions among Endemic Villages of Gonzaga, Cagayan, The Philippines Ligaya C. Picazo RMT, MSMT, DrPH, Luz Acosta DrPH, Lydia Leonardo DrPH, Veronica Tallo PhD, Daria Manalo DVM, Archie Owen C. Pablo, Louie Sunico MD, Remigio M. Olveda MD

ABSTRACT A three year multi-country research project funded by the IDRC-Canada with multi-sectoral collaboration and aims to develop innovative strategies for the sustainable control of Schistosomiasis among humans and animals in endemic barangays of Gonzaga, Cagayan. A stool survey was carried out in two villages of Gonzaga, Cagayan. All residents, 5 years old and above, were requested to submit stool samples and examined using Kato Katz technique. Animal samples were also examined by FEASD methodology. Key informant and household interviews, focus group discussions were also conducted. Environmental factors using topographic inspection, GPS/GIS for snail mapping were also done. A Filemaker software was used for data analysis. The human survey showed that the prevalence of schistosomiasis in both villages was very high, 32% for Barangay Magrafil and 11.5% for Barangay Sta.Maria. There was also a high prevalence of schistosomiasis among animals and eggs of other helminths were also detected. The knowledge on the disease prevalence and intensity of infection of Schistosomiasis japonica is essential for clinical diagnosis, disease management and monitoring of cases that will have an impact on the prevention and control of infection and disease morbidity. The outputs of this research on Schistosomiasis are very relevant at the national, regional and local levels and must be translated to policies. The Ecohealth approach which include socio-ecosystem based interventions can be an effective solution to health challenges like Schistosomiasis. This can be used as a model for control and elimination of Schistosomiasis in endemic areas in the Philippines. Animals must also be given treatment to prevent spread of infection. Health education or campaign on Schistosomiasis prevention and control must be intensified.

16th National Health Research Forum For Action