Volume 8
Issue 2,
February 2025
Current Articles
PJAHS- the Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences is a peer-reviewed Open Access journal publishing original research, systematic reviews and meta-synthesis, short reports, and letters to the editor.
Editorial
Ivan Neil Gomez
The Crossroads of Journal Indexing and Health Science Research
Article 1 | Sustainable Occupational Therapy: Glocalizing our Knowledge, Praxis and Professionalization
Michael Sy
Article 3 | Musculoskeletal Discomfort During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown among the Faculty Members in Selected Schools in Mega Manila and Metro Cebu: A Cross-sectional Study
Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez, Ivan Neil Gomez, Ken Erbvin Sosa, Maria Lourdes Corazon Tapang, Cristina Castro-Cabral, John Christopher Mesana, Elda Grace Anota, Cherie-Lee Apiag, Jacqueline Calaycay
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought insurmountable changes, leading to work demands and resource limitations that placed additional physical and occupational stress. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the change in the occurrence and intensity of musculoskeletal discomfort among selected university faculty members. It also determined the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, workplace conditions, and involvement in physical activity with musculoskeletal pain. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 that surveyed university faculty members from Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Outcome measures include sociodemographic data, anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, workplace conditions, exercise participation, and musculoskeletal discomfort using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Results: Data from 120 participants, mostly female, with an average BMI of 27.78 ± 12.09 kg/m2 and 11.82 ± 10.39 years of teaching experience revealed increased computer usage and reduced teaching hours during the Pandemic lockdown. There was also prevalent musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), particularly in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Factors associated with increased MSD were female gender, longer computer use, and pre-pandemic MSD history. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of addressing ergonomic factors and work conditions to mitigate MSD risks among educators during challenging situations.
Article 4 | A Qualitative Exploration of Stress and Occupational Engagement Among Family Caregivers of Patients with Stroke in Cebu, Philippines
Chloe Maxine Menina, Mary Louise Abellanosa, Meg Niña Carlyle Balamon, Alyssa Nicole Bontia, Friendlee Zoe Gacutno, Isabella Louise Intalan, Paolo Miguel Bulan
Background: Caregiving for survivors of stroke often leads to significant stress, impacting caregivers’ health and well-being. This study aims to explore the occupational engagement and coping strategies of family caregivers in a community rehabilitation setting, focusing on the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used, employing in-depth interviews with eight family caregivers of stroke survivors. Participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center in a central urban area in Cebu, Philippines. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns and key themes in the caregivers’ experiences. Findings: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Navigating Caregiving and Life: Impact on Occupational Engagement, (2) Ripple Effect: The Strain of Emotional and Physical Demands, and (3) Navigating New Normals: Coping Strategies to Manage Caregiving Stress. Caregivers reported disruptions in daily routines, significant emotional and physical strain, and financial burdens. Coping strategies varied from adaptive techniques, such as seeking social support, to maladaptive behaviors like smoking. Conclusions: Caregivers experience significant challenges in maintaining their occupational engagement due to the demands of caregiving. This highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as pre-discharge education, financial support, and access to community-based programs, to improve caregiver well-being and enhance their ability to manage caregiving stress.
Article 5 | The Effectiveness of Health Education Strategies on Knowledge and Behavior Scores of Individuals with Type Two Diabetes in Preventing Foot Ulcers in Binangonan, Rizal: A Study Protocol
Jocel Regino, Christian Rey Rimando, Frances Kyla Mendoza, Alec Daniel Abaya, Mariel Ria Cawaling, Winter Sebastian David, Francine Ashley Ysabel Mamauag, Anjuwel Melad, Carla Aleeyah Zabala
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a long-term metabolic disease distinguished by persistently elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream. It affects 7.5% of adults in the Philippines, translating to 4,303,899 adults with diabetes in 2021. Type 2 DM (T2DM), which results from a combination of genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices, is the most prevalent form of diabetes in the Philippines. Foot ulcers are a common and highly comorbid complication of diabetes. By improving the knowledge and behavior regarding foot care using health education strategies, preventing diabetic foot ulcers is achievable. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of health education strategies in improving the knowledge and behavior of participants diagnosed with T2DM regarding foot ulcer prevention in Binangonan, Rizal. Methods: This study uses a quantitative quasi-experimental design. A 2-day workshop will be held by the researchers, including a screening, pretest, orientation on the health education material (HEM), and demonstration of the HEM content, followed by 2-weeks of self-intervention and post- test. The study will include males and females from Binangonan, Rizal, aged 20-79, who are medically diagnosed with T2DM by a physician. The effectiveness of the strategies will be evaluated using paired t-tests based on the mean of the pre-test and post-test scores obtained from the Diabetic Foot Knowledge Subscale (DFKS) and Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale (FSCBS) questionnaire. Expected Results: The researchers expect an increase in the post-test scores of the participants in the DFKS and FSCBS questionnaires. This would mean increased behavior and knowledge of foot care practices to prevent diabetic foot ulcers after 2 weeks of self-intervention guided by the HEM and strategies.
Article 6 | Experiences and Perspectives of Filipino Rehabilitation Professionals and Patients on Telerehabilitation or On-site Rehabilitation for Managing Low Back Pain: A Phenomenological Study Protocol
Jordan Barbra Nava, Maria Eliza Dela Cruz, Raoul Daniel Andaya, Georgine Barrientos, Mikael Angelo Cristobal, Karl Sydrick King, Fiona Alexis Lim
Background: Low back pain is a major global cause of disability, typically treated through traditional onsite rehabilitation. However, the advancement of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to examine its effectiveness as a treatment option for low back pain. This study aims to seek and explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals about onsite or online management of LBP. Methods: The study will employ a phenomenological qualitative study design that will use quota sampling to recruit a total of 16 participants, equally distributed among rehabilitation doctors, physical therapists, barangay healthworkers, and patients with low back pain, coming from hospitals and centers affiliated with the University of Santo Tomas in Metro Manila. Key informant interviews that follow a semi-structured interview format will be conducted either on-site or online, depending on the preference of the invited informant. The NVivo data analysis software will be utilized to produce codes and outline themes from the gathered data. Expected Results: The research is expected to highlight the nuanced interplay between individual viewpoints and contextual factors that influence decision-making in rehabilitation settings, besides identifying these themes. Findings will be instrumental in informing best practices for managing low back pain, thereby helping physical therapists determine the most effective treatment approach—whether through telerehabilitation or traditional on-site care. The study can provide actionable recommendations through grounding the implications of the analysis to the anticipated findings that might affect the rehabilitation practices and patient outcomes in the Philippines.
Article 7 | Time-limited Occupational Therapy Model: A Guide to Optimizing the Occupational Therapy Process within a Specific Time Frame
Nadine Frances Reyes, Alexandra Nicole Diño, Patrizia Anne Miranda, Krista Abbygaile Nulud, Kimberly Punla, Rod Charlie Delos Reyes
This paper presents the development of a Time-limited Occupational Therapy (OT) Model designed to address the significant challenge of organizing the OT process within the constraints of a time-limited protocol while maintaining a client-centered approach and promoting systematic interdisciplinary care. Rooted in the authors’ clinical experiences and supported by existing literature, this challenge is compounded by multifactorial and contextual barriers within the Philippine healthcare system, including financial and resource limitations, institutional policies, and the uneven distribution of occupational therapists. Integrating the Dose-Effect (DE) and Good-Enough Level (GEL) models, this framework balances efficient treatment delivery with flexibility to meet client-specific goals. The DE Model emphasizes early improvement, while the GEL Model allows therapy to adapt dynamically to client progress. Key safeguards, such as Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and Post-Intervention Review and Feedback based on the 5 A’s Model (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange), enable precise tracking of incremental progress and foster self-management through actionable feedback and goal-setting. The model comprises three main phases: evaluation, intervention, and re-evaluation, each structured by standardized measures, collaborative goal setting, and personalized intervention strategies. Interdisciplinary collaboration, informed by frameworks like the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), further enhances its adaptability across diverse clinical contexts. Demonstrating its practical application, a sample case of an 80-year-old inpatient highlights effective outcome measures and transition planning. While preliminary, this model provides a structured yet adaptable framework for delivering high-quality, outcome-driven care despite systemic constraints. Future research should prioritize empirical validation to refine the model and evaluate its long-term effectiveness in addressing the complexities of therapy delivery under resource-constrained conditions.
Article 8 | Remote Home Environment Assessment (RHEA) Framework
Daniella Antonia Rivera, Princess Madarang, Jehieli Pamintuan, Elleene Marcel Tiamson, Charis Honeylet Lim, Abelardo Apollo David Jr.
The Remote Home Environment Assessment (RHEA) Framework is a guide designed to help therapists conduct structured home environment assessments remotely using tools and technology. It offers an efficient and practical approach to overcoming the limitations of facility-based home assessments. The framework offers step-by-step procedures for remote home environment assessment for adult clients with physical dysfunction. It involves four major steps that focus on assessing the client’s physical environment: a) screening for selecting the most appropriate remote home environment assessment modality/ies; b) a preparatory phase that includes signing consent forms, explaining the assessment process, and previewing preliminary information; c) administration of the remote assessment; and d) consolidation of the home information. Furthermore, supplementary materials such as screening form, client and health facility consent forms, home evaluation questionnaire and checklist, and client instructions were developed to facilitate and guide the implementing therapist through the aforementioned steps. Pilot testing is recommended to gain accurate and practical insights into the RHEA Framework’s usability and effectiveness.
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The Philippine Journal of Allied health Sciences [ISSN: 1908-5044 (Print); 2984-9667 (Online] is an Open Access, peer reviewed journal published by the University of Santo Tomas-College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Manila, Philippines.
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