Clinical Profile of First Year College Students

1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Health Promotion is any endeavor directed at enhancing the quality of health and wellbeing of individuals, families, groups, communities, and/or nations through strategies involving supportive environments, coordination of resources, and respect for personal choice and values (Maville, J.A, 2008). Today, the leading causes of illness and death in most of the industrialized world are not due to infections, but to ―lifestyle diseases.‖ These diseases mostly result from people’s behaviours and ways in which they live (Edlin and Golanty, 2010). Several factors can affect and influence our wellness namely, our health habits, undoubtedly if people decreased their cigarette smoking, stressors, unhealthy diets, and inactivity and instead focus more on healthier habits, wellness will sure be easy to achieve. Next would be, heredity or family history, there are approximately 3500 clearly hereditary conditions, including cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia, these genetic alteration serve to increase a person’s risk, and the disease results from the interaction of the genes with other risk factors. Next is, environment, which not only includes the air you breath and the water you drink but also conditions and substances in your home, workplace and community. And lastly would be, accessibility to health care, this helps improve quality and quantity of life through preventive treatment and prompt treatment of disease. This factors all affect wellness in their own way (Insel et. Al, 2006).

2 Just recently, a student of the Ateneo de Davao University died, on campus, due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. If prompt and proper health care was given to the student, and she was properly educated on her disease, her chances of survival would have been better. As for this study, the researchers would like to know the clinical profile of a sample population of the first year college students in the Ateneo de Davao University. With the prevalence and incidence of diseases in this sample population, the researchers can recommend an appropriate and functional health promotion program to the Ateneo Integrated Health Service.

Theoretical Framework Health is a dynamic state of every individual that one has to take control of by promoting one’s efficacy and determination in pursuing health promoting behaviours. This is one of the main reasons why we anchored our clinical profile of first year students study based on Nola J. Pender’s model of Health Promotion on 1982. Health promotion model is proposed as a holistic predictive model of health promoting behaviour for use in research and practice. She is Professor Emeritus in the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan, and an advocate of health promotion. According to Pender, health promotion and disease prevention should be the focus in health care, and when health promotion and prevention fails to prevent problems, care in illness becomes the next priority (Mosby, 2005). Health promotion is defined as behaviour motivated by the desire to increase well-being and actualize human health potential. It is an approach to wellness. On the other hand, health protection or illness prevention is described as behaviour motivated desire to actively avoid illness, detect it early, or maintain functioning within the constraints of illness (Kozier, 2004). The health promotion model describes the multi dimensional nature of persons as they interact within their environment to pursue health.The model focuses on following three areas:Individual

3 characteristics and experiences,Behavior-specific cognitions and affect, Behavioral outcomes.The health promotion model notes that each person has unique personal characteristics and experiences that affect subsequent actions. The set of variables for behavioural specific knowledge and affect have important motivational significance. The boxes shown in the diagram below represents the categories of determinants of health – promoting behaviours. These variables can be modified through nursing actions. Health promoting behaviour is the desired behavioural outcome and is the end point in the HPM. Health promoting behaviours should result in improved health, enhanced functional ability and better quality of life at all stages of development. The final behavioural demand is also influenced by the immediate competing demand and preferences, which can derail an intended health promoting actions(Williams and Wilkins, 2007).

Figure 1. Pender’s Health Promotion Model

4 Pender’s model in figure 1 assumes that persons always interact with the environment transform the environment progressively, and become transformed themselves over time. It also assumes that health professionals are important part of the interpersonal environment of individuals. These health care professionals influence the individuals over time. In order for behavioural changes to occur with respect to health promotion, self-initiated reconfiguration of the person-environment interactive patterns become important. The central function of this theory is to show the individual as self-determining, but as also determined by personal history and general personal characteristics. Health, to put it differently, is a lifestyle conditioned by a number of choices made by the individual to actually live a healthy lifestyle. The medical profession itself is only a small part of this world. The individual is posited in this model as "being" health, "living" it, rather than considering health a static state. Health is a lifestyle. The main effect of Pender's model is that it puts the onus of healthcare reform on the person, not on the profession. Healthcare is a series of intelligent, rational choices that promote health concerning things like diet, exercise and positive thinking. All of these are choices and ingredients in living healthy. The real struggle of the health profession, doctors and nurses included, is to eliminate the self-destructive nature of unhealthy choices and replace them with healthy ones. Unhealthy lifestyles, in other words, are the result of distorted thinking that may derive from ignorance of lack of self-esteem. If these thoughts can be reformed, which is itself a life-long process, then rational choices can take their place, leading to a truly healthy lifestyle(Bautista, 2008).

Conceptual Framework The researchers patterned a conceptual framework based on the theory presented in the study. It is presented by different variables as illustrated in Figure 2.

5 The clinical profile of the first year students stands as the independent variable of the study as this will affect the dependent variable which is the recommendation of health promotion program. The independent variable will guide the researchers as to what specific health promotion program they should recommend the Integrated Health Services Department to develop.

Independent Variable (X) Clinical Profile - History of Previous and Present Illness and Diseases

Dependent Variable (Y)

Recommendation of Health Promotion Program

Figure 2. Conceptual Framework of the Study

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the clinical profile of all the freshmen college students in Ateneo de Davao University of the school year 2011-2012. This study specifically answered the following questions: 1. What is the health profile of the first year college students? 2. What health programs can be implemented by the school to be able to help these students improve their health statuses?

6 Scope and Delimitations

This study will profile the data gathered from the physical examination records of first year college students of the Ateneo de Davao University school year 2011-2012. These records will be taken from the college clinic as all students, prior to admission will be required to undergo a physical examination. The collected data will show what illnesses and problems first year students have in common, and a health development program will be recommended to the Integrated Health Services department of the University.

Significance of the Study

To the Ateneo de Davao Universtiy Clinic. The result of the study may increase the awareness of the University clinic regarding the health status of the freshmen student enrolled at School year 2011 – 2012. This study may aid them to give health program that will improve the health status of the students. To the First year student. The study is important for them to know their current health condition and to take proper action regarding their health status. It is also significant for them to know how important to have a healthy body in entering a college life which is totally different from high school. To the Parent. The result of the study gives information to the parents concerning the health of their child. It also enables them to provide action and proper guidance in correcting the health problem collected and identified.

7 To the Researchers: This study will open the eyes of the researchers to the reality that even at young age, students can have health problems and this can be modified through proper diet and lifestyle. This study will also give them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in their in their chosen field. To the Future Researcher: The results of the study can serve as a reference for future studies. Future researchers may gather information and develop a deeper study regarding the health status of the first year students of Ateneo de Davao University.

Definition of Terms

Ateneo de Davao University, E. Jacinto St., Davao City. It is a premiere Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University founded by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus in the year 1948 which aims to establish a standard of excellence in academic and spiritual formation in various fields (ADDU Handbook, 2008). In this study, this term refers to the place where the researchers will be conducting their study. Clinical Profile. In this study, this term refers to the clinical information of the of the first year college students of the Ateneo de Davao University. It includes their name, age sex, height, weight, and present and past health history. First Year Students. A student in the first-year class of a high school, college, or university(Oxford, 2002).

8 In this study, it refers to the bona fide first year students of the Ateneo de Davao University. They are the selected correspondents for the study. Health promotion program. Action to maintain the best possible health and quality of life of the members of the community and to stimulate their involvement in their personal health, both collectively and individually (Oxford, 2002). In this study, this refers to the possible health program that the researchers will going to suggest to the University Clinic after identifying the health problems of the first year students. Incidence. The occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or something else undesirable (Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary, 2009). In this study, this refers to the occurrence of the previous diagnosed illnesses prior to the admission of the first year student in the Ateneo de Davao University. Integrated Health Services Department. This refers to the Medico – Dental Services that serve as health care professionals for the Ateneo de Davao University student body. This will be our source of information. Prevalence. The percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time (Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary, 2009). In this study, this refers to the morbidity based on the current sickness in a population, estimated at this particular time.

9 CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature Wellness Health and wellness are interdependent, but they’re not synonymous. Health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is not only the absence of infirmity and disease but also a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Wellness expands on that definition by including varying degrees of health within six dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and occupational (Human kinetics, 2010). Physical wellness refers to the good fitness and confidence in the personal ability to take care of health problems. Mental wellness is also referred to as intellectual wellness which implies that you can apply the things you have learned, create opportunities to learn more, and engage your mind in lively interaction with the world around. Social wellness, with its accompanying positive self-image, endows persons with ease and confidence to relate to others and to reach out to other people. Similar to emotional wellness, it involves being comfortable with your emotions and thus helps you understand and accept the emotions for others. Spiritual wellness focuses on meaning and purpose in life. Occupational wellness applies to the occupational satisfaction that one gets from his/her career. The additional dimension was environmental wellness. Environmental wellness is the capability to live in a clean and safe environment that is not detrimental to health. Unfortunately, a national survey of first-year college students showed that less than 20% were concerned about the health of the environment. To enjoy environmental wellness, we are responsible for educating and protecting

10 ourselves against environmental hazards and also protecting the environment so that the children and future generations can enjoy a safe and clean environment (Hoeger, 2010). Not so many years ago, people were subject to a variety of diseases over which they had little or no control. In the early part of the twentieth century, infectious diseases caused by organisms were the leading causes of death. Today, the leading causes of illness and death in most of the industrialized world are not due to infections, but to ―lifestyle diseases.‖ These diseases mostly result from people’s behaviours and ways in which they live. The idea that lifestyle is a major cause of disease is not new. A generation ago, Lewis Thomas, an eminent physician and author, observed that our lifestyles were killing us (Edlin and Golanty, 2010). The new theory is that most of today’s human illnesses, the infections ones aside, are multicultural in nature, caused by two great arrays of causative mechanisms: the influence of things in the environment: and one’s personal lifestyle. For medicine to be effective in dealing with such disease, it has to become common belief that the environment will have to be changed, and personal ways of living also have to be transformed, and radically (Lewis Thomas,1978). Most people recognize that participating in fitness programs improves their quality of life, however, people came to realize that physical fitness alone was not always sufficient to lower risk for diseases and ensure better health. Healthy, happy people enjoy friends, work hard at something fulfilling, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy play and leisure time (Hoeger, 2010). In relation to our study, North America’s 15 million college students have been thought to have a lot of health issues and concerns as we approach the next century. College and university health educators and medical professionals think that the health issues would account to sexual health, substance abuse, mental health, food and weight, health care and being prone to accidents and injuries (Grace 1997).

11 Everyone can improve his or her health in some way by eliminating destructive habits and by increasing healthy behaviours. Often the problem with making healthy changes is that we become overwhelmed by the sheer number of changes that should be made – getting more exercises, improving our diet, giving up cigarettes, reducing amount of beer we drink after school or work, not being so stressed or tired all the time, not watching TV night after night while snacking constantly – the list goes on and on. Because the changes we could or should make seem overwhelming, we simply continue in the pattern of living to which we’ve become accustomed. As with all aspects of life – schools, jobs, relationships, and so forth – making changes in behaviours that will improve health takes effort, time, and learning new skills (McCormack Brown, 2000). Adolescent Health Teenagers go through different changes. For one thing, their body is on its way to becoming an adult size. Along with these changes, they are probably becoming more independent and making more of their own choices. Some of the biggest choices they face are about their health. According to an editorial reviewed by the medicinenet.com, ―the teen years are a time of growth that involves experimentation and risk taking. For some teens, the social pressures of trying to fit in can be too much. These years can be even more troubling for teens who are confronted with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, violence, delinquency, suicide, depression, unintentional injuries and school failure.‖ They also state that parents often walk a tightrope between allowing their teenager to gain some independence and helping them to deal with their feelings during this difficult and challenging time in their lives. Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Emerging cognitive abilities and social experiences lead teens to question adult values and experiment with health-risk behaviors. Some behaviors threaten current health, while other behaviors may

12 have long-term health consequences. The changes in cognitive abilities offer an opportunity to help teenagers develop attitudes and lifestyles that can enhance their health and well-being (Medicinenet.com, 2008). Smoking is one of the main causes of health problems of the teenagers. According to the knoetheteens.com, ―now a days, the time is such that the teenage health problems are no longer confined to the physical and mental abnormalities, but they are also invited by the external conditions such as smoking, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse‖. They also said that there are many reasons behind why a teen smokes such as depression, fashion, addiction, and bad company. Another health problem that a teenager may encounter is obesity. The percent of children and teens who are overweight also continues to increase. Among children and teens ages six to 19, 15 percent (almost 9 million) are overweight according to the 1999-2000 data, or triple what the proportion was in 1980. In addition, the data shows that another 15 percent of children and teens ages six to 19 are considered at risk of becoming overweight (pamf.org, 2009). They also said that ―although children have fewer weight-related health problems than adults, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults. Overweight people of all ages are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer‖. Depression is also another problem during adolescent stage. According to Melinda Smith in her article entitled Teen Depression: A guide to Teachers and Teachers, ―teenage depression isn’t just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem that impacts every aspect of a teen’s life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide‖.

13 Fortunately, teenage depression can be treated, and as a concerned parent, teacher, or friend, there are many things you can do to help. You can start by learning the symptoms of depression and expressing concern when you spot warning signs. Talking about the problem and offering support can go a long way toward getting your teenager back on track (Smith, 2011).

Adolescence is a period of exploration and experimentation, but young people often lack the knowledge, experience and maturity to avoid the grave risks that confront them. In both developed and developing countries adolescents can face overwhelming problems, among them early pregnancy, high school drop-out rates, substance abuse and violence, making them more vulnerable to life-threatening disease and conditions. Adolescents comprise 20% of the total world population, 85% of whom live in developing countries. Low education and high unemployment often compound the problems of developing world adolescents. Furthermore, the adolescent population in developing countries is burgeoning, with the number of urban youth growing a projected 600% between 1970 and 2025 (WHO Fact Sheet #186, 12/97). For the most part, young people’s problems have been ignored, with little understanding of the potential impact of a generation at risk on the future. If today’s young people are to realize their adult potential, new solutions must be found. These solutions will be based on understanding the complexities of adolescent cultures, how they experience risk and what factors contribute to their vulnerabilities (INCLEN Research, 2011). They also added that tobacco use is another serious health problem for adolescents. Swayed by images of adult smokers or through advertising, young people perceive smoking to be sophisticated or fun. One third to one half of young people who experiment with cigarettes become regular smokers, half of them within one year. Teens who smoke daily for a number of years develop a habit and addiction level as difficult to reverse as for adult smokers. Although many try repeatedly, very few adolescents actually stop smoking. Studies show that young people who do not use tobacco before the age

14 of 20 are unlikely to start smoking as adults. Studies around the world also show that the majority of adult smokers begin tobacco use in their teenage years, sometimes earlier, and that smoking is addictive and dangerous to their health. Therefore, preventing tobacco use in the first place among teens avoids many lifelong and life-threatening health problems (INCLEN Research, 2011).

According to Lucille Packard (Packard 2011), physical health problems occurring during adolescence can often complicate adolescent development. Illness, injury, medical treatments, hospitalization, and surgery can all intensify concerns about physical appearance, interfere with efforts to gain independence, and disrupt changing relationships with parents and friends. She also added that, adolescent developmental issues may complicate a teenager's ability to cope with illness and response to treatment. Chronic illness or disability occurs in an estimated 10 percent of individuals under the age of 17. While some of these youth have to cope with additional physical and mental disabilities as a result of their primary illness, all of them have to deal with the psychological consequences of their condition. While a large part of adolescent medicine involves addressing the medical and treatment needs of the adolescent's illness, condition, or injury, a significant component of adolescent medicine also anticipates and assesses developmental complications associated with the healthcare needs of the specific medical problem (Packard 2011). Research shows that the transition into college, including the first few months of their freshman year, is the time when students are most vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors, including experiences with alcohol (Larimer & Cronce, 2002). Due to the fact that adolescents are at a greater risk of engaging in heavy drinking, parents should attempt to communicate more frequently during this transitional time. In this study, the number of parents who spoke with their child about alcohol in high school, during the transition from high school to college, and at college were consistent in all categories, with numbers actually significantly lower for each time

15 period, respectively. This suggests that while their child is in a phase of life where they are more prone to engage in risky behaviors, communication between parent and child is actually declining (Larimer & Cronce, 2002). Eye Health in Adolescents Myopia, or near sightedness, is one of the most common problems teens have with their eyes. When this occurs, the adolescent has a hard time to focus properly on things that are far away. Myopia occurs when people have eyes that are a little longer than usual. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. The opposite of myopia is hyperopia, or far sightedness. This causes a problem in focusing on things up close since their eyes are shorter than normal which causes light to focus behind the retina. One of the most common eye injuries in teens is a scratched cornea, which is often related to wearing contact lenses or playing sports. (Slavin, 2011) Many teens want to replace their eyeglasses with contact lenses, primarily for cosmetic reasons. They believe they look better without their glasses. Most refractive errors are easily corrected with contact lenses — even astigmatism. In most cases, teens will see just as well with contact lenses as they do with glasses, or even better. Contact lenses offer clearer peripheral vision and less distortion than glasses because the contact lens sits directly on the eye, and there is no frame to block vision. Teens involved in sports especially will appreciate contact lenses. Wearing contacts for recreational sports gives teens clearer vision and allows them to wear needed protective eyewear over contact lenses. Sure, there's a chance a contact lens will be dislodged or lost during sports play, but replacing a contact lens is much less expensive than replacing an entire pair of glasses. Allowing teens to choose contact lenses over glasses for vision correction may prompt them to wear sunglasses more frequently as well. They will need to carry only a pair of sunglasses, rather than prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Protecting the eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays is important in the long run for healthy vision. (Bailey, 2010)

16 According to Dr. Gary Heiting, OD, studies show that eye strain and other bothersome visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 percent of computer workers.

These problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to minor annoyances like eye twitching. Eye strain often is caused by excessively bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting. When using a computer, ambient lighting should be about half as bright as that typically found in most offices. Eliminating exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds is important. Reducing interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes is recommended. If possible, positioning of computer monitor or screen should be so windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind it. Many computer users find their eyes feel better if they can avoid working under overhead fluorescent lights. If possible, turning off the overhead fluorescent lights in any office and using floor lamps that provide indirect incandescent or halogen lighting instead. If this is not possible, replacing the current fluorescent tubes with "full spectrum" fluorescent bulbs designed to be more similar to natural sunlight and therefore more comforting to the eyes than conventional fluorescent lighting. Another cause of computer eye strain is focusing fatigue. To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds. Some eye doctors call this the "20-20-20 rule." Looking far away relaxes the focusing muscle inside the eye to reduce fatigue. To ease eye strain, make sure you use good lighting and sit at a proper distance from the computer screen. Another exercise is to look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds, then gaze at something up close for 10-15 seconds. Then look back at the distant object. Do this 10 times. This exercise reduces the risk of your eyes' focusing ability to "lock up" (a condition called accommodative spasm) after prolonged computer work. Both of these exercises will reduce your risk of computer eye strain. Also, remember to blink frequently during the exercises to reduce your risk of computer-related dry eye.

17 Related Studies Global Statistics of Health In the latest World Health Organization’s annual report entitled, World Health Statistics, which is a compilation of health-related data for its 193 Member states, aims to display the current status of national health and health systems of each nation, regarding the certain areas of concern, especially life expectancy and mortality; cause-specific mortality and morbidity; selected infectious diseases; health service coverage; risk factors; health workforce, infrastructure and essential medicines; health expenditure; health inequities; and demographic and socioeconomic statistics (WHO-WHS, 2011). This report gathers data from 2009 and compares it to results found in previous years. Notably 1999, to mark if any significant changes have occurred in the past 10 years. This report serves as an integral part of its ongoing efforts to provide enhanced access to high-quality data on core measures of population health and national health systems (WHOWHS, 2011). The statistics gathered by the WHO are presented: -

Neglected tropical diseases: affects more than 1000 million people, mainly in poor populations in tropical and subtropical climates. Since 1985, prevalence of leprosy has decreased by more than 90%. By 2009, lymphatic filariasis was endemic in 81 countries. Out of these 81 countries, 53 were implementing mass treatment programmes, with the number of treated increasing from 10 million in 2000 to 546 million in 2007. In the 20 years between 1989 and 2009, the number of new cases of dracunuliasis fell from an estimated 892 055 in 12 disease-endemic countries to 3190 reported cases in four

18 countries; this is a decrease of almost 99%. Outbreaks of dengue, however, are increasing and spreading geographically (WHO-WHS, 2011). Non-communicable diseases: these include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain types of cancer and chronic respiratory distress. Incidence of these diseases is steadily increasing, affecting both developing and developed countries, and people in all age groups. In 2008, these diseases caused an estimated 36 million deaths worldwide; higher compared to 35 million in 2004. The cause of the main chronic diseases epidemics are well established and well known, including the following: Unhealthy Diet, Excessive Energy Intake, Physical Inactivity, Overweight, Obesity, Tobacco Use, and Harmful use of Alcohol. These statistics compiled by the World Health Organization aids in assessing whether or not health programs and missions implemented by various health organizations truly help a country or region. These serve as tools in understanding the health status of the world we live in and the overall state of all regions in the WHO. These statistics will help the researchers in understanding the incidence of diseases globally. All these literatures and studies combine to help the researchers in their study, to provide a proper and stable foundation for the researchers to build their study.

19 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The following chapter will discuss the methodology, or the process of this research. It will present the groups plan on acquiring the data needed, their treatment of the data gathered, the place where the research will take place and the overall design of the research.

Research Design

This study will employ a descriptive survey research which attempts to collect, analyze, and suggest possible interventions to suggest a program to the Integrated health Services with regards to the current clinical profile of the students with regards to their physical health of the first year students of the Ateneo de Davao University school year 2011 – 2012. This method will help the researchers in defining and pin pointing specific physical health problems encountered by the said students. This will help the researchers to identify the major problems and use it to provide basis in defining and identifying adjectives and possible solutions to the researcher. It is said that descriptive survey research is fact finding with adequate interpretation. The descriptive method is something more and beyond just data gathering because data gathering is not reflective thinking and not research. The researcher poses a series of questions to willing participants; summarises their responses with percentages, frequency counts, or more sophisticated statistical indexes; and then draws inferences about a particular population from the responses of the sample. The ultimate goal is to learn about a large population by

surveying a sample of that population.

20

Research Locale This study will be conducted at the Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Street, Davao City. It is a premier Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University founded by the Philippine province of the Society of Jesus in the year 1948 which aims to establish a standard of excellence in academic and spiritual formation in various fields.

Respondents of the Study The respondents of this study were the Freshmen students enrolled in Ateneo de Davao University. The respondents were randomly selected from the four different schools of the University namely, the College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and Architecture the School of Business and Governance and the School of Arts and Sciences. To represent the whole population of the first year students in Ateneo de Davao University, the researchers used a stratified random sampling technique. Stratified sampling involves selecting independent samples from a number of subpopulations, group or strata within the population. In order to obtain an accurate sample size, the researchers used Slovin’s formula. Slovins formula was used in order to find a sample size through a formula.

Slovin’s Formula:

n= N 1 + N (e) 2

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Where: N= is the total population of first year college students in each division in the school n= determined sample size e= margin of Error (.05)

Sampling technique

The sampling technique to be used in this study is stratified random probability sampling. In stratified probability sampling the target population is subdivided into equal subpopulations. The subpopulations being the various divisions of the University, namely the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Governance, the College of Nursing, and the College of Engineering and Architecture. After calculating the subpopulations, the group will implement a random sampling for each division.

Research Instrument The research instrument to be used in this study is questionnaire based on the clinical profile of all first year college students of Ateneo de Davao University. The clinical profile of the first year students will be requested from the medical director of the Integrated Health Services of the Ateneo de Davao University. The researchers will use the clinical profile to come up with an appropriate questionnaire that will show the incidence and prevalence of illness and diseases.

22

The collected data may include information specifically the history of previous and present illness, which will be used to determine the incidence and prevalence of illness and diseases. This pertinent information is necessary for the completion of this study.

Research Procedure Data gathering through clinical profiling is the main focus of the study. The researcher will utilize the clinical profile of all first year students ofAteneo de Davao University to get all information related to health problems they encountered. A letter of authorization will be given to the medical director of the Integrated Health Services to give us a permission to use the clinical profiles. Confidentiality will be assured to those involved in the study. Using the clinical profile, the researchers will formulate a questionnaire. The questionnaire may include questions regarding the previous and present illness of the students and other data that will help the researchers to identify the most prevalent illness and diseases the students had encountered. After formulating an appropriate questionnaire, the first year students will be randomly selected. The researchers will select a sample from each subgroup, namely the four schools in the University. The sampling technique to be used is a stratified random sampling. Moreover, the clinical profile of those selected students will be used to answer the questionnaire.

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With the help of the questionnaire, the researchers will identify the different illness or diseases present among the selected sample. The identified illness and diseases will be tallied. The result of the tally will determine which illness or disease is more prevalent. Other data will also be counted to determine the incidence rate of those illness and diseases being identified. In result, the highest incidence and the most prevalent of illness or diseasewill be used as the basis in defining a specific health program or programs that will be recommended to the Integrated Health Services Department to develop.

Statistical Treatment Statistical Treatment In order to address the following problems in this study, the researchers will be using several statistical tools which include the Frequency and Percentage Distribution Method. To answer problem number one, first, the researchers used the Frequency and Percentage Distribution Method. The process of creating a percentage frequency distribution involves first identifying the total number of observations to be represented. The researchers first obtained the complete names of the first year students enrolled from the registrar. The researchers further divided the students based on their respective course, removing the first year students from the graduate schools. After grouping the students based on their course, the researchers have identified the total number of the students. Next, by using Slovin’s fomula the researchers were able to get the number of needed respondents with a margin of error or .05% and started the manual checking of each respondent’s clinical profile.

24

For problem number two, no statistical treatment will be needed to address the problem. After problem number one will be deciphered, the researchers will only formulate recommendations about health promotion programs for the University Clinic so that the student’s health problems will be addressed.

25 Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION, AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data findings or results based on the problems that were set at the beginning of the study. This chapter presents the data gathered from the respondents including graphic representations and analyzes them to know the relevance that they hold in this study. 3. What is the health profile of the first year college students? ―CLINICAL PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS‖ The data presented here are the clinical profile of the respondents obtained from the first year students of the Ateneo de Davao University Clinic. The data obtained were tallied, tabulated and organized.

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents according to Age Age Distribution

Frequency

Percentage Distribution

15

174

12%

16

919

64%

17

243

17%

18

44

3%

19

33

2%

20

10

1%

21

7

1%

22

3

0%

23

1

0%

26 Table 1 showed that the most number of first year students belongs to 16-year old group with 64% of the total population; 17% of them came from the 17-year old group and 12% belong to the 15-year old group.

Table 2. Distribution of Respondents according to Gender Gender

Frequency

Percentage

Male

684

48%

Female

750

52%

Table 2 showed that 48% of the total first year students are females and 52% are males. Table 3. Presentation of Respondents according to Family History Hypertension

703

Diabetes

552

Coronary heart Disease

231

Malignancies: Unspecified

40

Malignancies: Colon

23

Malignancies: Breast

56

Malignancies: Liver

22

Malignancies: Intestinal

1

Malignancies: Ovary

8

Malignancies: Lungs

28

Malignancies: Pancreas

5

Malignancies: Bone

3

Malignancies: Reproductive

1

Malignancies: Prostate

9

Malignancies: Leukemia

9

Malignancies: Gastric

5

Malignancies: Lymphoma

5

Malignancies: Brain

4

Malignancies: Cervical

2

Malignancies: Renal

3

Malignancies: Throat

4

27 Malignancies: Nasal

2

Malignancies: Skin

1

Arthritis Seizure Disorders

291 17

Table 3 showed that hypertension accounts with the greatest number of familial history with 703 cases; following is diabetes with 552 cases; next is arthritis with 291 cases; and last is coronary heart disease with 231 cases. Figure 3. (on the other page) Distribution of Respondents According to Previous Hospitalization The results of Figure 3 show that the highest cause of previous hospitalizations in first year is dengue fever with an incidence of almost 90 times. Out of the 1434 respondents, 615 were hospitalized.

AB

Vehicular Accident

Urticaria

Typhoid Fever

Tooth Infection

Tonsilitis

Thallasemia B

SVI

Sprain

Skin Asthma

S/P Suture

Rheumatic Fever

PTB

polyp removal

Pleural Effusion

PCAP

NSVD

Na II

Measles

LBM

Knee Pain

ITP

Hypoglycemia

Hyperacidity

HS Purpura

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hepatitis B

Headache

German Measles

Gastritis

Food Poisoning

Fever

Eye Operation

Dyspepsia

Dizziness

Diarrhea

Dengue Fever

Cyst Excision

Cough

Chron's Disease

Childhood Asthma

Chemical Inhalation

CA

Bronchial Asthma

Bone Disease

Bell's Palsy

ATD

Amoebiasis

Allergic Rhinitis

Acute Pancreatitis

28

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30 Previous Hospitalization

20

10

0

29

Previous Illness Urinary Tract Infection Tonsilitis Skin Allergy Seafood Allergy Right Eardrum… Recurrent Epistaxis Psoriasis Peptic Ulcer Disease Migraine Hyperthyroidism HPN Heart Enlargement Gastritis Fracture Fever Fatty Liver Drug Allergy DM Cough Childhood Asthma Cardiac Disease Bronchial Asthma BFC AUB Anemia Allergic Rhinitis Acute Bronchitis 0

Previous Illness

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Figure4. Distribution of Sample Population according to Previous Illnesses Table 4.5 showed that 350 of the first year students enrolled in Ateneo have experienced childhood asthma with more or less 360 cases; 310 experienced peptic ulcer diseases; and 180 had urinary tract infections.

30

Vital Signs

7%

3%

80/60 Below 90/70-120/80 130/90 Above

90%

Figure 5. Percentage of Sample Population According to Vital Signs Table 4.6 showed that 90% of the total population of the first year students in AdDU has normal BP findings or within normal range; 7% are with above the normal levels; and 3% below normal.

31

Skin Lesions, 1, 0% Hyperpigmentation, 1, 0%

Warm Skin, 1, 0% Skin Tag, 1, 0%

Normal Lesions Hyperpigmentation Skin Tag Warm Skin Normal, 1430, 100%

Figure 6. Distribution of Sample Population According to Physical Exam Results on the Skin Figure 6 showed that 100% of the first year students have normal skin findings.

32

1600 1400 1200 1000 800

Head

600

Eyes

400

Ears

200

Oral

0

Throat Throat

Neck

Ears Head

Table 7. Distribution of Sample Population According to Physical Exam results on the Head, Eyes, Ears, Oral, Throat and Neck Table 7 showed that more than 800 students have normal eyesight; 400 students have abnormal eyesight and; 200 wear glasses. Majority of the student have normal head, ears, oral, throat and neck findings.

33 Table 8. Distribution of Sample Population According to Physical Exam results on the Head,

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200

Chest

0

Heart Lungs Chest

Eyes, Ears, Oral, Throat and Neck Table 8 showed that 1400 students have normal chest, heart and lung findings.

Lungs

34

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600

Abdomen

400

Genitalia

200

Genitalia

0 Normal

Abdomen

Scar at median, from Umbilicus to Hypogastric area

Irregular Menses

Table 9. Distribution of Sample Population According to Physical Exam results on the Abdomen and Genitalia Table 9 showed that most students have normal abdominal findings; as well with the genitalia

35

1600 1400 1200 1000

Upper Extremities Lower Extremities

800

Neurological

600 400 200 0 Normal

Table 8. Distribution of Sample Population According to Physical Exam results on the Head, Eyes, Ears, Oral, Throat and Neck Table 10 showed that 100% of the students have normal findings with their upper and lower extremities as well as the neurological aspect of the students.

36 2. What health programs can be implemented by the school to be able to help these students improve their health statuses? The study conducted on the clinical profile of the first year students in Ateneo de Davao showed 25% of the total sample population have abnormal eyesight-of which 13% wears glasses and 1% wears contact lenses. To correct the problem of deteriorating eyesight in students, many various programs may be implemented to further promote the health status of many students, it is advisable to implement, apart from yearly optical check-ups, seminars and teaching classes, as well as educational leaflets- regarding eyesight, vision and eye health, and proper sight protection. Some countries have developed programs on eye health especially for institutions like schools such as: 1) The National Eye Health Education Program, developed in the United States which aims to ―implement large-scale information, education, and applied research programs‖ to benefit and teach all people about eye health (http://www.nei.nih.gov); 2) The MyEyeHealth Program, a program by four organizations in Australia, that aims ―to educate and create awareness of eye health and prevention of vision loss, eye care services available, referral pathways, skills transfer to the allied health sector and local government, and management and rehabilitation strategies for chronic vision loss‖(www.myeyehealth.org.au). It is also important that, apart from eyesight problems, total and overall health promotion and disease prevention should be kept in sight. Apart from check-ups during admission and prior to graduation, a yearly check-up should be implemented and followed by all students, including proper laboratory examinations, such as CBCs, Chest X-rays, and the like.

37 Analysis According to the review of related literature, myopia or nearsightedness often manifests during the teenage years. This is most common in teens with a familial history of eye problems or those exposed to television and the bright lights of computer or cellphone screens. (Slavin, 2011) Apart from this, playing sports and the overuse and improper use of contact lenses can lead to serious problems with the eyes, namely the scratching of the cornea as well as the eyes increased susceptibility to infections. (Slavin, 2011) Eye strain and other bothersome visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 percent of computer workers.These problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to minor annoyances like eye twitching. Eye strain often is caused by excessively bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting, such as consistent use of computers. (Heiting, 2009)

38 CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendation for the study entitled ―Clinical Profile of First Year College Students in the Ateneo de Davao University‖.

Summary The main purpose of conducting this study was to determine the various clinical profiles of first year college students upon their admission into the Ateneo de Davao University. Its purpose is to know what health problems students in the majority experience that might hinder them from performing their best in school. By finding out what these problems are, this study enumerates and analyzes those major problems and aims to construct a possible health program that may be recommended to the university clinic for them to consider and implement. Due to the recent medical malady that stirred the Ateneo community, then the researchers found the need to focus on the health conditions of the freshmen students and find out their health status to be able to interfere and avoid future recurrences of life threatening problems. This study was conducted by reviewing the physical examination records that first year students must undergo prior to admission. The respondents were chosen using random sampling and separated by course. From Slovin’s formula, 1491 samples were determined with a ±5% margin of error where the data gathered were from 1434 samples with a -3.88% margin of error which is still inclusive in the allowable ±5% margin of error. The data gathered is divided into 21 categories but significant findings are found on the following categories: Family History, Past Hospitalization, Past Illness, Vital Signs, and Eye Assessment. Through tallying, results were obtained and then tabulated and represented graphically.

39 It has been found out that 25% of the total sample population has abnormal eyesight-of which 13% wears glasses and 1% wears contact lenses. Where those with abnormal findings or those diagnosed to not have 20/20 vision are 352, while those with abnormal findings but are corrected by eyeglasses and contact lenses are 186 and 17 respectively.

Conclusion In conclusion, out of the entire assessment of the first year students, the most significant problems can be observed in the eyesight of the freshmen, this is seen by 25% of respondents having abnormal eyesight, 13% wearing eyeglasses and 1% wearing contacts. Vision is a very important sense and eye health promotion must be implemented properly. Most eye illnesses are progressive and it is important to stress eyesight promotion and protection. Yet, apart from deteriorating eyesight, it is also important for the students to undergo yearly physical examinations, whether on campus or out, in order for them to promptly identify any sickness or illness that may arise. To end this study, it is highly important for students to take a hold on their health, to participate actively on increasing not only their own health status, but their friends’ health as well.

Recommendation As they are about to finish their first ever semester in college, it is important for them to understand that physical health is a precursor to mental health, which furthermore leads to a better understanding of all the lessons they will learn. And for those with distressing illnesses, constant vigilance must be upheld to comply with treatment and medication modalities. And they must always remember that if they ever feel ill or need consultation on certain illness, the Integrated Health Services of the Ateneo de Davao University is always there to serve them.