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Author(s):
John Derrick Chan, Reynaldo D. Bundalian Jr.
Page No : 1-12
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Evaluating the Association of Maternal Anthropometrics and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Levels for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) at 24–28 Weeks: A Multivariable Analysis
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder of pregnancy associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet early risk stratification remains limited in many clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive utility of maternal anthropometric measures and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels for GDM diagnosed at 24–28 weeks of gestation using a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) threshold of greater than 140 mg/dL. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation recruited through purposive sampling in a city in Bulacan, Philippines. Maternal age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and serum ALP levels were collected, and multiple logistic regression was used to examine their association with GDM status defined by 2-hour OGTT results. Among the participants, 26.5% (n = 53) were diagnosed with GDM. The multivariable model was statistically significant (χ²(5) = 80.52, p < .001), with ALP emerging as the only significant predictor of GDM (B = 0.083, p < .001; OR = 1.09; 95% CI [1.06, 1.11]), while maternal age, gestational age, BMI, and WHR were not significantly associated with GDM. These findings suggest that higher maternal ALP levels at 24–28 weeks of gestation are independently associated with increased odds of GDM, whereas conventional anthropometric and demographic factors did not significantly predict GDM in this cohort due to a possible effect on the changes in the placenta of a pregnant woman. Incorporating ALP into screening strategies may enhance early stratification for a better prognosis of women at elevated risk, particularly in resource-limited settings, and supports further research on liver-related biomarkers in GDM risk prediction. Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus; maternal anthropometrics; alkaline phosphatase; logistic
regression; enzyme biomarkers
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Author(s):
Angel Megumi S. Quiamco, Raymond B. Esperida, Kube Jyzom E. Umbal, Xam G. Buenavista, Sarah Abigail O. Felipe, Eurika G. Ibero, Melody Mae H. Luzano.
Page No : 13-39
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Challenges of Physical Therapists in Utilizing Low Back Pain Telerehabilitation among Work-From-Home Employees towards a Proposed Telerehabilitation Model
Abstract
Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telerehabilitation as an alternative to traditional, face-to-face physical therapy, addressing limitations such as travel barriers and patient isolation. This study aimed to examine the challenges encountered by physical therapists (PTs) in delivering telerehabilitation for low back pain (LBP) and to propose a model to enhance its effectiveness.
Methods. This non-experimental quantitative study utilized a cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling to recruit licensed PTs who treated work-from-home employees with LBP via telerehabilitation between March 2020 and April 2023 in select centers across Region VII, Philippines (Dumaguete, Bohol, and Cebu). Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire based on existing literature and the Blueprint for Telerehabilitation Guidelines, employing a five-point Likert scale to quantify challenge frequency and severity. Of 18 prospective respondents, 12 completed the survey.
Results. Technical challenges—such as unstable internet connections, hardware limitations, and troubleshooting—were most frequently encountered, followed by clinical, ethical, and administrative challenges. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences across demographic groups, indicating consistent barriers regardless of age, sex, years of experience, specialization, or work setting. Findings informed a structured telerehabilitation model prioritizing technical, clinical, ethical, and administrative aspects to guide PTs.
Conclusion. The study underscores the importance of developing standardized protocols, professional training, and resource allocation to optimize telerehabilitation delivery, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care for patients with LBP in the Philippines.
Keywords: rehabilitative science, telerehabilitation, low back pain, work-from-home employees
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Author(s):
Mary Clarice D. Dajay, Blanche Marie S. Bacolod, Karla C. Balaga, Jaomi Ruth P. Balaoing, Chisti Lohani S. Dela Rama, Freinz Loise L. Dingcong, Shainaleen I. Diya, Gabrielle Erika P. Palugod.
Page No : 40-65
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Health Workers (CHW) Toward Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in Selected Barangays in Consolacion, Cebu
Abstract
Background. Despite the Universal Health Care (UHC) law enacted in 2019, Philippine healthcare service delivery remains challenge, especially in underserved and rural areas. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline health workers essential in executing the UHC law at the community level. However, limited evidence exists on whether they are prepared and capable of carrying out what this law requires. This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of CHWs regarding the UHC law and examines variations across demographic characteristics in identifying gaps relevant to implementation.
Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study used a study population of 36 CHWs. Data were gathered using a validated researcher-made KAP questionnaire with KR-20 = 0.624 for the knowledge domain, KR-20 = 0.857 for the attitude domain, and KR-20 = 0.927 for the practice domain. The knowledge scale is interpreted with caution.
Results. Most participants demonstrated moderate knowledge (n=20, 55.6%) implying a strong understanding of fundamental UHC goals, but with notable deficiencies in the structural and financial aspects. Positive attitudes (n=21, 58.3%) were observed suggesting support for the UHC’s goals and acknowledging its ability to improve community health. Most participants were compliant (n=21, 58.3%) and followed UHC regulations, but inconsistencies were noted, particularly among senior healthcare workers.
Conclusions. The results indicate limited knowledge, despite positive attitudes, potentially affects UHC implementation. Capacity-building efforts, educational support, and incentive mechanisms are key areas for further consideration in strengthening CHW preparedness for UHC-related roles. Furthermore, strengthening CHW capacity may be relevant to broader discussions on improving health outcomes and promoting equitable healthcare access in the Philippines.
Keywords: Community Health Workers (CHWs), Health Care Delivery, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP), Universal Health Care (UHC), Philippines
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Author(s):
Christian Allen Sibala, Raymond Esperida, Maria Sophia Abarco, John Francis Retes, Roina Rica Reyes, Lou Jynny Bustillo, Geovannie Shane Dacuya.
Page No : 66-77
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Workload and Lower Limb Pain among Physical Therapy Interns in a Private University in the Philippines
Abstract
Background. Research on lower limb pain and its risk factors among physical therapists is limited. Physical Therapy interns may be particularly vulnerable due to the clinical training demands. This study determined whether internship workload contributes to lower limb pain among Physical Therapy Interns at Silliman University during Academic Year 2022–2023.
Methods. A descriptive-correlational design was employed to examine the association between internship workload and lower limb pain among 53 Level IV Physical Therapy interns. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire distributed online. The instrument underwent content validation using Lawshe’s method and reliability testing through Cronbach’s alpha. Google Forms data were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results. Findings revealed a significant relationship between the level of lower limb pain and workload in local affiliation centers (p < .05). No significant association was found between lower limb pain and either physical demands or types of interventions performed. This suggests that increased patient load is associated with a higher risk of developing lower limb pain among interns, while the nature of interventions or physical intensity appears less influential which highlight the need for internship programs to consider patient assignment and workload management to prevent musculoskeletal strain. The findings indicate that increased patient load, rather than the type or physical intensity of interventions, is associated with lower limb pain among Physical Therapy interns. This suggests that cumulative workload and prolonged exposure may contribute more to musculoskeletal strain than specific clinical tasks. Internship programs should therefore consider balanced patient assignments and preventive strategies to reduce the risk of pain and support interns’ occupational health.
Conclusion. Higher patient load is significantly associated with increased lower limb pain among Physical Therapy interns, whereas physical demands and types of interventions are not. These findings emphasize the importance of workload management during clinical training and highlight the need to explore other contributing factors to lower limb pain in healthcare trainees.
Keywords: Lower limb pain, physical therapy interns, internship workload, musculoskeletal risk, descriptive–correlational study, Philippines
