Articles

Background: Type 2 diabetes requires sustained self-care, yet the relationship between specific self-care behaviors and quality of life may vary across populations and care contexts. Evidence focused on Filipino men remains limited. Objective: To describe dietary, exercise, medication, and glucose-monitoring adherence and examine their relationships with quality of life among Filipino men with type 2 diabetes in Manila, Philippines. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study analyzed questionnaire data from 31 adult Filipino men with type 2 diabetes. Seven adapted diabetes self-care items assessed diet, exercise, medication use, and home glucose monitoring. Quality of life was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Descriptive statistics and two-tailed Pearson correlations were used. Results: Overall self-care adherence was moderate (M = 3.00). Dietary adherence (M = 3.11) and exercise adherence (M = 3.02) were moderate, whereas the combined medication and glucose-monitoring domain was low (M = 2.57). Mean quality of life was moderate (M = 3.11). Diet (r = -.002, p = .99), exercise (r = .31, p = .09), and medication/glucose-monitoring adherence (r = -.006, p = .97) were not significantly correlated with quality of life. Conclusion: The findings identify actionable gaps in structured exercise, medication-taking, and glucose monitoring but do not support a statistically significant relationship between measured self-care adherence and quality of life. Larger, analytically robust studies should examine clinical, psychological, social, and economic determinants alongside self-care.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant psychological challenges to frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), including anxiety, stress, and emotional strain. Aim: This study investigates the psychological impact on HCWs during the pandemic and explores coping strategies employed to manage distress. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using 24 studies published between January and December 2020. These studies were analyzed to identify common psychological outcomes and coping mechanisms among HCWs. Results: Healthcare workers experienced significant psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. Anxiety was the most commonly reported issue, particularly among women, younger healthcare workers, and frontline staff. Stress levels were heightened by high workloads, exposure to COVID-19 patients, and inadequate protective measures. Coping strategies and self-care behaviors, such as seeking social support and utilizing institutional resources, varied in effectiveness across populations. Conclusion: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health support and resilience programs for HCWs, ensuring they are better equipped to face future health crises.