JMUST Vol 10 Issue 1

Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas

Editor: Raymond L. Rosales

ISSN: 2546-1621

Volume 10  Issue 1

This present issue features eight clinical and validation studies, one Q-methodology study on lived experiences, four case reports and one viewpoint article. We extend our sincere appreciation to our authors for their contributions, as well as to the JMUST editorial board members and reviewers for their dedicated efforts in evaluating the manuscripts and enabling timely publication of this issue.

Cover Artwork: "RESILIENCY, a character of a true Thomasian Physician" painted by Robert C. Ang, MD. Clinical Associate Professor in Medicine - Emeritus

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Vulnerable Yet Productive: AI influence in Scientific Publishing

The growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has coincided with more timely manuscript submissions and improved efficiency in scientific writing. While AI tools help authors produce clear and well-structured work, excessive or undisclosed reliance raises concerns about originality, authenticity, and the integrity of scholarly publications.

Profile of Inherited Neuromuscular and Movement Disorders Among Filipinos: A Referral Single-Center Retrospective Study

Neuromuscular and movement disorders comprise a heterogeneous group of acquired and inherited conditions affecting the motor unit and central movement pathways. Genetic data from underserved populations, including Filipinos, remain limited, highlighting the need for population-specific characterization. The objective of this study was to characterize inherited neuromuscular and movement disorders among Filipinos and determine the diagnostic yield and genetic spectrum using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction Among Young and Middle-Aged Male Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Hospital in Manila

This study aims to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and identify its associated risk factors among young and middle-aged Filipino male patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

The Correlation Between Quality of Life (QOL) and Medication Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications Among Middle-aged Filipino Adults

Hypertension is a serious public health issue that puts individuals at risk for various morbidity and mortality indicators. One of the most crucial factors in managing blood pressure and preventing complications is medication adherence which is linked to several determinants. This study explored the correlation between medication adherence among middle-aged hypertensive adults and the different domains of quality of life (QOL), which includes physical, psychological, social relationship and environment.

Determinants of Age at Adiposity Rebound in Filipino Pediatric Outpatients of a University Hospital

Adiposity rebound (AR), the childhood period at which body mass index (BMI) rises from its lowest point, is linked to increased risk of later obesity. The study aims to determine the average age at AR, describe baseline characteristics and analyze the correlation between these characteristics and timing of AR in a population of Filipino pediatric outpatients.

Screening and Management of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Among Toilet Trained Children in a General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital Using Standard Urotherapy: Prospective Interventional Study

Bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a prevalent yet underdiagnosed condition in toilet-trained children. Early detection and behavioral management through standard urotherapy are key to improving outcomes, but data on its effectiveness in the Filipino pediatric population are limited. This study determined the prevalence of BBD among toilet-trained children attending a tertiary hospital’s pediatric outpatient clinic, and to evaluate the effectiveness of standard urotherapy among affected children.

Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Academic Performance in Orthopaedic Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study explores the impact of perceived stress on the academic performance of orthopaedic surgery residents in the Philippines. Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, it involved 126 residents who participated in the 2024 Philippine Board of Orthopaedics In-Service Training Examination (ITE).

Translation and Validation of the Filipino Version of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Questionnaire on Personal Antibiotic Use (KAPQ-PAU-FIL): Potential Utility in Public Health Programs in the Philippines

The growing misuse of antibiotics and the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in the Philippines pose significant public health concerns. While various Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaires on personal antibiotic use have been employed in local studies, none have been fully validated and a standardized, culturally appropriate tool remains lacking. This study aims to develop a Filipino-translated and culturally adapted KAP questionnaire on personal antibiotic use (KAPQ-PAU-FIL) and evaluate its validity and reliability.

Translation and Validation of the Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients - 26 (HRQoLISP-26) Scale into Filipino for Filipino Adult Stroke Patients

Stroke is one of the top five leading causes of disability in the Philippines. It has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients, particularly in the functional and psycho-emotional aspects. Thus, it is important to understand the health-related quality of life in stroke patients (HRQoLISP), which focuses on the clinical impact of the disease and disability. The assessment of a stroke patient’s QoL is prognostically significant as it can predict a patient’s treatment success and survival. This study aims to translate the HRQoLISP-26 into Filipino and assess its content validity for Filipino adult stroke patients.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men and Women Aged 15-24 Years Old in Sampaloc, Manila

In the Philippines, the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high, and statistics show that the highest prevalence is among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. Unlike Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), other common STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and herpes are not well discussed.

Hemichorea in the Setting of Diabetic Striatopathy Uniquely Associated with Concurrent Myelofibrosis: A Case Report

Hemichorea, a hyperkinetic disorder characterized by involuntary, rapid, irregular movements on one side of the body, typically originates from cortical basal ganglia involvement, particularly the striatum. We present a 63-year-old Filipino female with poor glycemic control and known idiopathic myelofibrosis exhibiting chorea-ballism movements in the right distal and proximal extremities.

Valacyclovir-Associated Neurotoxicity Presenting as Acute Encephalopathy in an Elderly Hemodialysis Patient: A Case Report

Valacyclovir-associated neurotoxicity (VAN) is a recognized adverse effect in elderly patients with renal impairment but remains underdiagnosed due to its nonspecific presentation and overlap with acute neurologic emergencies. We report a 78-year-old Filipino female with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis who developed acute disorientation, agitation, vivid visual hallucinations and generalized weakness shortly after initiation of valacyclovir for herpes zoster.

Diffuse Cutaneous Mastocytosis and Vaccination Reactions in a Filipino Child: A Case Report

Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis (DCM) is a rare and severe form of cutaneous mastocytosis which may present in the neonatal period; thus early recognition is essential. Symptoms of mastocytosis are exacerbated by mast cell degranulating agents more commonly from heat, friction, local trauma, drugs and food. This is a case of DCM presenting with bullous eruptions after immunization.

Occupational Respiratory Allergies and Climate Change: Emerging Risks for the Modern Workplace

Occupational allergies and respiratory health issues are an increasing concern across various industries, significantly impacting worker productivity, well-being and long-term health outcomes. These health problems are primarily triggered by exposure to airborne allergens such as pollen, mold and chemical irritants commonly found in workplace environments. An emerging concern is the relationship between climate change and thunderstorm asthma, a phenomenon where allergens are dispersed during thunderstorms, leading to acute asthma events.