Researches:
Article title: Correlates of low back pain among Filipino caregivers of children with disability: A preliminary study
Authors: Maybelle Anne L.Zamora, Hernan C.Labao
Publication title: Enfermería Clínica 30:120-123, February 2020
Abstract:
The caregiver's role in rearing a child with disability requires huge physical demands which may lead to development of musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain (LBP). This study aims to determine the factors associated with low back pain among caregivers of children with disability. A quantitative, correlational research design was used. Data were gathered among caregivers of children with disabilities enrolled in a specialized educational and pediatric rehabilitation unit in Valenzuela City. A personal information sheet was used to gather relevant demographic data while Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure low back pain and disability. Pearson's correlation and Chi-square were used to determine the relationship and association among demographic factors and low back pain and disability. Majority of the respondents are mothers (59.09%) caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (31.82%), married (68.18%), and living in an extended family (36.36%). Chi-squared revealed a statistically significant association between caregivers’ gender (p = 0.003), relationship to child (p = 0.000), and marital status (p = 0.000) to low back pain and disability. Results imply that married mothers who are the primary caregivers to children with disability are prone to develop low back pain and disability. Preventive and restorative physical interventions, such as caring rotation, is recommended. Future studies should focus on other factors such as psychosocial, physical, and emotional aspects of low back pain and disability among caregivers of children with disability.
Full text available upon request to the author/s.
Article title: Awareness and Perception of the Roles and Services of Physiotherapy among Private Healthcare Practitioners in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Authors: Lydia Wong, Hernan Cortez Labao, Yughdtheswari Muniandy, Jim Brown Clements
Publication title: Inti Journal, 2020
Abstract:
Background: Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when a person is affected by injury, illness, or disability. Due to its non-invasive and cost-effective techniques, Physiotherapy is rapidly gaining popularity among the people however the awareness of Physiotherapy among various health care practitioners is questionable. This study aims to study the current level of awareness and perception of Physiotherapy roles and services among health care practitioners in the private sector working at Kota Kinabalu. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was adopted with a total of 120 participants with an age range between 20 to 60 years old who were recruited using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A self-developed questionnaire on awareness and perception of the roles of Physiotherapy was distributed to the participants. Results: The data collected revealed all 120 participants have a moderate level of awareness although 64.2 % of participants did not receive any Physiotherapy treatment before. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (86.70%), Sports Physiotherapy (86.70%), rehabilitation, and pain management (70%) were the ones that have received the highest awareness. Not only that, but 78.13% of participants also reported having no negative perception of Physiotherapy. Conclusions: There is moderate awareness regarding the level of awareness and positive perception towards the roles and services of Physiotherapy among health care practitioners in the private sector at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. These indicated that health care practitioners are open to Physiotherapy practices and they are very likely to refer patients to a Physiotherapist when necessary.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/28phr7j8
Article title: Correlates of coping among Filipino migrant workers in Malaysia with musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Hernan C. Labao
Publication title: European Journal of Physiotherapy 23(6):1-6, October 2019
Abstract:
Objective
Coping with musculoskeletal pain is associated with severe pain behavior. This study aims to determine the factors associated with coping among Filipino migrant workers in Malaysia with musculoskeletal pain.
Methods
Ninety Filipino migrant workers were purposively selected from a training school based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants were asked to answer the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to identify body regions with musculoskeletal pain. Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) - 24 was used to determine coping strategies and control over pain.
Results
Pain in shoulders (63.3%) and low back (55.6%) were common in the last 12 months. Participants use diversion (18.4 ± 9.8), cognitive coping (18.1 ± 10.1), and reinterpreting (13.7 ± 8.4) as their coping strategies, with a median control over pain of 3 (some control of pain). A statistically significant association is noted between cognitive coping, diversion, and reinterpreting coping strategies to control over pain (p value <0.05).
Conclusions
Participants who utilized diversion and cognitive coping strategies have better control over pain. Catastrophizing is significantly associated with complaints of pain on the elbow, wrist/hand, low back, and hips/ thigh in the past 12 months. Diversion is associated with pain on neck, shoulder, elbow, upper back, hips/thigh, and ankle/feet while catastrophizing is associated for pain in the elbow, wrist/hand, and low back that is present in the last 7 days. Education about positive coping such as cognitive coping, diversion, and reinterpreting as well as recognition about musculoskeletal disorders is recommended.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2zv62jjn
Article title: Elderly on the Move: Level, Barriers, and Motivation to Physical Activity
Authors: Hernan C. Labao
Publication title: Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal 13(4):180, January 2019
Abstract:
Background of Study: Physical inactivity is associated with many chronic diseases, impaired cognitive health and increased mortality rate. Therefore, understanding the level of physical activity, the underlying motivations, and barriers to physical activity among older adults is important.
Materials and Method: This quantitative, descriptive survey involved 34 older adults aged 65 and above from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Respondents were asked to complete questionnaires about levels of physical activity over the last seven days, barriers, and motivations to physical activity.
Results: Results imply that majority of elderly adults (50%) have a moderate level of physical activity. Lack of skills (90.58 + 12.04), fear of injury (90.29 + 9.36), and lack of energy (89.70 + 11.41) were the major barriers in participating to physical activity. In addition, intrinsic motivation (18.42 + 9.53) and identified regulation (18.35 + 9.48) represents the main types of motivation that encourage older adults to engage in physical activity.
Conclusion: The findings of this research provide an insight when developing interventions that promote higher level of participation and minimize barriers of physical activity among older adults.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2nppnxke
Article title: ‘Aches and Pains’ of Filipino Migrant Workers in Malaysia: A Profile of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Hernan C. Labao, Erwin M. Faller, and May Florence D. Bacayo
Publication title: Annals of Global Health 84(3):474, August 2018
Abstract:
Background and Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are alarmingly high among migrant workers in Malaysia. MSDs are the most prevalent occupational-related conditions in most parts of the world affecting function, productivity and overall health-related quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the profile of Filipino migrant workers in Malaysia and their various musculoskeletal complaints.
Method: This study utilized a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional research design. A total of 60 subjects were randomly selected after passing the study’s sampling criteria. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was to used to determine common MSDs affecting the various regions in the body. The Demographic Pofile Sheet was provided to gather a subject’s demographic characteristics.
Results: Filipino migrant workers mostly complain of pain in the low back area (60%) and shoulder pain (60%), followed by pain in the upper back (48.3%) and neck pain (45%) in the last 12 months. Household workers accounting for 73.3% of the subjects commonly complain of pain in the hips/thighs (78.9%), while workers in the service industry commonly complain of knee pain (39.1%).
Conclusions: Results imply that Filipino migrant workers have a higher prevalence of shoulder and lower back pain in the last 12 months. Household workers are more susceptible to hip/thigh pain. Interventions focusing on ergonomics policy implementation, education on posture and lifting techniques and physical function is recommended. Further studies should consider the psychological and psychosocial aspects of migrant employment, which are known risk factors for MSDs.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2p9mwf7h
Article title: The Effects of Balance Training on Risk of Falling and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Filipino Stroke Survivors
Authors: Hernan Cortez Labao and O. Justo
Publication title: Cerebrovascular Diseases 40:24-24, October 2015
Abstract:
Not available
Full text available upon request to the author/s.