Introduction: Approximately 24% of the world’s populations, mostly school-age children, are infected with soil-transmitted helminthes; with the majority in tropical and subtropical areas. The Philippine islands are endemic to soil-transmitted helminth with approximately 25 million Filipinos at risk of acquiring the infection. Despite the deworming program of the Department of Health (DOH), re-infection is very common. This study investigated the effect of integrated sanitation and hygiene program among the second grade students of a coastal town in the Philippines. Methods: Utilizing quasi-experimental study, two group pretest and posttest design, 70 participants from the elementary school of a coastal town in the Philippines were chosen randomly to join the study.  Results: Overall result showed that experimental group maintained a zero re-infection during the first and second months after the intervention; while the control had one case of re-infection. Moreover, result showed significant difference during pretest and posttest on knowledge (p = <0.05) and self-efficacy (p = <0.05) but not significant on practice (p = 0.77). Analyzing the two groups, significant difference was noted between the experimental and control group on knowledge (p = <0.05) and self-efficacy (p = <0.05), with the experimental group faring better after one and two months post intervention; but no significant difference was noted on practice, one and two months post intervention (p = 0.56, 0.43). The odds of the experimental group acquiring helminthiasis was 68% lower than the control group but is not considered significant (OR = 0.32; p = 0.49). Discussion: The program was successful in reducing the re-infection of helminthiasis and is recommended that continuous health education on hygiene and sanitation must be considered in the home and school.

The epidemic of overweight is encroaching in the world today, irrespective of economic and social status and regions. It is now seen as a public health threat and one that must be taken seriously in all aspects of public health interventions. There is a need to deeper understand the relationship of lifestyle behaviors and the epidemic of overweight and obesity. This cross-sectional study investigates the lifestyle predictors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and sleeping) of overweight as measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). A questionnaire survey was conducted among 459 samples (18 years old and above) from those who attended a health screening drive, conducted in three major regions in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as regression model, with p<0.05 considered significant. The overall Body Mass Index (BMI) of the population was overweight at 24.69 while the Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) for female was 0.86, classified as high and for male, 0.94 which was borderline. Predictor model revealed that smoking (P<0.05, R2 - 0.38) and physical activity (P=0.02, R2 - 0.11) were predictors for body mass index while smoking P<0.05, R2 - 0.50) was a predictor of Waist-to-hip ratio. Findings showed that the problem of overweight in Malaysia is real and smoking and physical activity play a strong role and need to be considered in any public health interventions.

Latest studies have shown growing concerns on the adolescents’ mental health problems specifically depression, anxiety and stress. This study utilized one group pre-test post-test descriptive design that aims to determine the prevalence of mental health problems and to determine the effect of holistic approach program to adolescents at risk. Two-phase sampling technique was applied. Initial sampling was done to determine those who have mental health problems among the population. Using modified and translated DASS-21, result revealed an over-all prevalence of 89%. Second-phase sampling included the 32 adolescents with mental health problems and underwent holistic approach intervention program. The specific prevalence showed 93.75% for depression, 84.38% for anxiety and 75% for stress. The following causes of mental health problem addressed were heavy use of social media, lack of socialization and self-esteem, peer pressure, academic difficulties, unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, low spirituality, conflict with family and friends. After the 8-sessions of the intervention program, initial over-all prevalence (100%) decreased (56.25%); depression, anxiety, and stress decreased as well (9.34%, 50% and 18.75%). Prevalence of lack of self-esteem and socialization decreased (53.12% to 18.75%), praying time increased to 62.50%. Eating junkfoods decreased (100% to 46.87%) and lack of sleep decreased as well (75% to 15.62%). Peer pressure decreased (43.75% to 18.75%), conflicts with family and friends decreased from 65.62% to 12.5% and 62.50% to 25%, respectively. Academic difficulties were resolved (62.5% to 6.25%). Therefore, the holistic approach intervention program was seen to be an effective tool in addressing depression, anxiety and stress among the adolescents.