Search

Being part of the seismically active "Pacific Ring of Fire," earthquakes in the Philippines have ever been occurring. Many studies have been conducted assessing the earthquake preparedness of the people, yet there needs to be more studies among rural communities. This research study aims to fill in the gaps as it assesses the earthquake preparedness of people living in rural communities, particularly in Ipil-Cuneg, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The study utilized a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative methodology. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the earthquake preparedness of the respondents in terms of awareness and practices among the 187 sample size. With the use of inferential and statistical treatments, it was found that the respondents are very aware and prepared about the necessities regarding earthquake preparedness. However, it is analyzed that earthquake preparedness has very low to no relationship to the residents’ demographic profiles. The respondents’ awareness and practices are also found to have a very high positive correlation. The respondents’ actions are based on what they know and are aware of. Moreover, the respondents deem that awareness and practices are essential in preparation for earthquake occurrences to know what they should do during the event. These findings can be used to establish disaster risk mitigation interventions for the barangay in order for the people to strengthen their knowledge and practices about earthquake preparedness. It is recommended that authorities should initiate programs that would shape the community to be efficient in times of disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents, despite the lack of research on their long-term health effects. While general studies on adolescent e-cigarette use exist, research specifically focused on senior high school students' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes is limited. This study aimed to address this gap by determining the prevalence of e-cigarette use, knowledge, risk awareness, and attitudes among senior high school students at Saint Mary's University. A descriptive- comparative-correlational approach was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire adapted from previous studies. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, prevalence of use, knowledge, awareness, and attitude, along with an open-ended question on perceived positive and negative effects of e-cigarette use. Data was collected from 400 students using a quota sampling method, ensuring representation from all academic strands. The study found a 51.5% e-cigarette use rate. While students demonstrated good overall knowledge of health risks, awareness of societal implications was moderate. Interestingly, students generally held negative attitudes towards e-cigarettes. However, awareness levels varied by grade level, and both sex and grade level influenced student attitudes. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between awareness and e-cigarette use. Students' perceptions were diverse, with some acknowledging positive effects like stress relief and others expressing concerns about addiction and health risks. These findings suggest a need for educational campaigns and curriculum integration that address knowledge gaps and combat misperceptions about e-cigarettes to deter adolescents from using them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when germs develop the ability to resist the drugs designed to kill them. It is regarded as a threat to global health; however, few people are aware of it. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of tenants of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya toward antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Using purposive quota sampling, two hundred respondents aged 18 and above were selected to answer a two-part survey questionnaire. The results showed that 92 respondents have a good knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance, while 81 have moderate knowledge, and 27 have poor knowledge. The overall attitudes of the respondents were found to be positive, but their practices were considered poor. A significant difference in the level of knowledge was found according to age and educational attainment; however, no significant difference was found in terms of socioeconomic status. In terms of attitude, a significant difference in age, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status has been found. Also, the level of knowledge was reported not to be significantly related in terms of practices. However, a moderately low positive correlation was significant between the respondents' attitudes and practices. In a nutshell, the data and the results suggest that it is essential to improve the knowledge and attitudes of individuals on the use of antibiotics and the resistance thereof through an online campaign, and raising the issue to the government agencies in order to reduce the possibility of misuse and to lessen antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global spheres across transborder adapted to internationalizing higher education in aligning with international competencies in learning and teaching. Institutions implement student-exchange programs as step-approach opportunities in clinching global partnerships. The study phenomenologically measures the extent of international education. Internationalization as a theoretical undertaking serves as an implication of the interdisciplinarity of learning methods. With purposive sampling, a focus group semi-structured interview gathered the experiences of six (6) student-teachers from Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. These are interdependent with the quality of international education. Responses are based on the subjects' cultural stint under Southeast Asian Teachers Exchange Program Pilot Batch 2. Data were thematically analyzed. Positive themes were observed despite the struggles. Academic freedom, and culture shock, played as some of the instrumentals and challenges, respectively. Student-teachers deem the program and internationalizing education as crucial to furthering quality education. Key findings reveal that while participants faced challenges such as culture shock and language barriers, they also experienced significant academic freedom and personal growth. The student-teachers highlighted the importance of international education in enhancing teaching competencies and fostering global awareness. The study underscores the need for sustainable internationalization efforts to ensure quality education. While internationalization resolves issues in learning, sustainability remains key as education is the backbone of any globalized arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is a persistent and complex global health issue that affects millions of children. While existing studies have explored various factors related to child nutrition, limited research has comprehensively investigated the multifaceted relationships between infant, neonatal, and current feeding practices, and children's nutritional status within the specific context of a rural community. This research aims to determine the association and relationships between the feeding practices of children in San Placido, Roxas, Isabela with their nutritional status. Employing a community-based case study design which combines both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach utilizes descriptive-correlational methods to assess neonatal, infant, and current feeding practices, as well as their relationship with children's nutritional status. While the qualitative aspect delves into the government's efforts to combat malnutrition. Key findings reveal that the timing of introducing complementary foods to infants exhibits a significant correlation with children's nutritional status on Weight-for-Age Z-Score, Height-for-Age Z-Score, and Weight-for-Height Z-Score. Furthermore, current feeding practices, although significant in Weight-for-Age Z-Score in emotion regulation and Height-for-Age Z-Score in pressure and modeling, they do not significantly affect Weightfor-Height Z-Score. Moreover, the study shows no association between neonatal feeding practices and children's nutritional status except for Weight-for-Age Z-Score in feeding practices and the delivery of colostrum in the first three days. As part of the government's efforts to combat malnutrition, school feeding emerges as a recognized nutrition intervention within the San Placido community. The multifaceted relationship between feeding practices in the context of child nutrition serves as a foundation for future research, policy initiatives, and potential interventions, aiming for effective and sustainable improvements in child health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health has become a controversial topic worldwide. The social media, pandemic, and societal trends are found to have strong link to the rise of mental health conditions. Mental health shows a paramount importance to the overall well-being of an individual and significantly affected by the mindset, anxiety, and psychological well-being. This study aims to determine the relationship among mindset, anxiety, and psychological well-being of senior high school students atSaint Mary’s University. The descriptive, comparative, and correlational research designs and thematic analysis were utilized in analyzing the quantitative and qualitative data gathered from the 508 senior high school students. Findings reveal that students predominantly have growth mindset with some fixed ideas and experienced moderate levels of anxiety but they have high psychological well-being. Moreover, it is found that there is a significant difference in the type of mindset based on academic standing (p=.005), the level of anxiety based on sex (p=.001) and strands (p=.007), and the level of psychological well-being based on socioeconomic status (p=.026). Furthermore, results shows that there is a significant relationship between mindset and psychological well-being (r=.366, p=.000). However, it is found that there is no significant relationship between mindset and anxiety and anxiety and psychological well-being. Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between mindset, anxiety, and psychological well-being, as well as to develop effective interventions to support students' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine college students' perceived learning experiences, challenges, and coping strategies in the blended learning modality. A descriptive research design was used in this study. The investigation was conducted in Notre Dame of Midsayap College to one hundred (100) college students enrolled in blended learning modality for the academic year 2022-2023. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to gather data. Frequency and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA, and Pearson-r correlation were used in treating data. With unprecedented events and rapid development, higher education institutions focus on providing and improving blended learning services practically. The study found that the experiences encountered by college students in blended learning had low active participation in online and onsite activities. The respondents needed help to handle various tasks and activities. However, respondents have different coping strategies to manage with difficulties, such as having time for relaxation and breaks during blended learning. The study also revealed a significant difference in the overall learning experiences of the respondents in terms of sex, age, and course. Hence, respondents shared the same experiences and struggles during the blended modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the sudden shift of colleges and universities to online distance learning from face-to-face learning, digital platforms have become more prominent in the academic life of college students. However, while these digital platforms served as an aid to learning, they could also contribute to their digital distraction. This study aimed to determine the relationship between digital distraction and learning motivation of college students at a Higher Educational Institution as they engage in online distance learning. Furthermore, the study intended to assess the students' level of digital distraction as indicated by social media usage, playing of video games, video streaming, reading/sending of text messages, and Internet addiction factors namely, emotional/psychological conflict and mood modification. It also assessed their level of learning motivation as indicated by value components, expectancy components, and an affective component. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation analysis were utilized to analyze the survey data. This study comprised 225 respondents who are college students aged 18 and above. Findings from a survey of these students revealed a significant positive correlation between students' digital distraction and their learning motivation in online classes, but only to a weak degree. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the students' overall level of digital distraction was moderate, whereas their overall level of learning motivation was relatively high. The researchers discussed evaluations of these results and recommendations for educators and future research. Considering that learning nowadays already revolves around the internet and various digital platforms, this study extends its significance to students around the world as they may be informed about the implications of digital distraction and its relationship with learning motivation. In addition, knowledge about this phenomenon might urge administrators of academic institutions and the public in general to cultivate self-regulation and responsible use of digital platforms in their learning pursuits to make digital learning sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In sub-tropical countries, poor menstrual hygiene management has been reported. One cause of poor menstrual hygiene management can be poor quality toilets. However, associations between poor quality toilets and menstrual-related behaviors have been poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess the association between the quality of school toilets and the frequency of changing sanitary napkins in school toilet among Filipino students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six secondary schools of the City of Manila, Philippines, in 2017. A self-administered survey questionnaire with female students collected data on the outcome variable, self-reported daily frequency of changing sanitary napkins in school toilet, and other predictor variables. An observational survey collected data on the main predictor variable, surveyor-rated toilet quality variables. A total of 526 students were included in the analyses. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equation model was used to assess the association between the outcome and predictor variables. Results No significant association was found both between toilet quality and the outcome. Although the association was not significant, the odds ratio (OR) of “sanitary bin is available in toilet” was 2.54 compared to “sanitary bin is not available in toilet.” The results of multivariate analysis showed that participants who reported stronger perceived behavioral control or stronger subjective norm were significantly more likely to change sanitary napkins, compared to those with lower perceived control score or lower subjective norm score, respectively (adjusted OR 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 4.25; adjusted OR 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.45 to 4.76). Conclusions The present study showed that the quality of school toilets was not associated with the frequency of changing sanitary napkins among the studied population. However, it does not mean that the cause-effect relationship was rejected. Further studies involving more schools are necessary to confirm this relationship. Improving subjective norm and perceived behavior control might improve menstrual hygiene behavior.