Background: Health is influenced by numerous factors that affect the health service system and health status of the people in every country. This article aims to compare the determinants of the health service system and the health status of the people in Thailand, the Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia; and to recommend policies that impact the population’s health and the country’s development. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature from a variety of online search and academic databases, and synthesis of previous study was used in this paper. Data on country indicators were taken from published online databases of the Ministry of Public Health of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam; the World Health Organization, and the World Bank. Results: In Thailand, the determinants of the health service system and health status of the people are medical information and technology because of the government initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare services through the use of modern technology. In Vietnam, the society and culture, and the strengths and weaknesses of the hospital significantly affect the health status and health service system there because of the religious beliefs of the people. However, in Cambodia, the strengths and weaknesses of the hospital are the primary determinant of the health service system and health status of the people due to the condition of the hospitals, the availability of new medical devices, and the number of healthcare professionals. In the Lao PDR, trade and investment, and medical information and technology, significantly influence the health service system and health status of the people because of the government efforts to outsource capital expenditures and medical technology. Conclusion: The strengths and weaknesses of the hospital are the key determinants of the health service system and health status of the people in all GMS countries. Understanding the determinants of health is essential in order to develop policies and programs that impact the population's health and the country's development.

A Qualitative Study of TB patients. Health care providers must educate patients about the importance of selfmanagement, use therapeutic communication with patients, and engage patients to spiritual activities that promote healing. Moreover, involving the family in the care, and ensuring accessible, available, appropriate, and acceptable services of health and care system are also important to promote self-management of patients. Lessons learned: Patient self-management is not a one-way process. It involves participation of the family, health care providers, and the different factors that interact with the patient. Limitations: The study is limited to qualitative data derived from pulmonary TB patients living in an urban community in the Philippines. Suggestions for future research: Qualitative data may be triangulated using quantitative data for future research using a large number of participants.

As individuals grow older, a gradual decline in physiological function, psychosocial interaction, and financial resources can limit their ability to live independently. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives of 32 older adults aged 60 years or older with no physical disability residing in Metro Manila and Central Luzon Island in the Philippines. The data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide from April to December 2019, and data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that Filipino older adults' perspectives of independent living encompass a range of factors: 1) Ensuring physical health, with two subcategories (maintaining good health and ability to engage in self-care); 2) Maintaining mental capacity, with three subcategories (unburdening others, gaining control over their lives, and being able to make decisions; 3) Maintaining social relationships with others, with two subcategories (forming meaningful connections, and maintaining positive relationships with others; 4) Being financially stable by having a stable source of income; and 5) Being spiritually connected by maintaining religious practices. Independent living is a multidimensional concept that reflects Filipino older adults' physical, psychosocial, economic, and spiritual needs. By understanding and utilizing these findings, nurses can develop targeted interventions to help older people meet their needs and remain independent as possible. Furthermore, policymakers can use the findings to make informed decisions in healthcare planning to promote independent living and healthy aging in the Philippines.

The Philippines has the highest HIV incidence rate in the Asia-Pacific region. Previous studies identified multilevel factors contributing to this phenomenon. This scoping review describes the extent of the literature on HIV contributory factors and identifies gaps to guide directions for HIV prevention research. The keywords HIV incidence, individual, sociocultural, environmental factors, and Philippines, were used to search for evidence on Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 1,017 peer-reviewed articles published in the English language from 2014 to 2024 were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review protocol. Thirty articles were included in this review. The majority of the available evidence was quantitative studies published between 2020 and 2024. Individual, sociocultural, economic, educational, political, and environmental factors shaped the Philippines’ HIV epidemic. Low levels of HIV knowledge, low testing rates, high-risk sex behaviors, stigma, lifestyle, location, lack of HIV education in schools, conservative society, and restrictive policies are HIV contributing factors. The Philippine HIV epidemic is multifactorial. Identifying the contributory factors is crucial in developing targeted interventions for high-risk populations. A dedicated HIV research program is needed to provide evidence-based information to guide the development of HIV preventive programs and research.

Background: Tuberculosis is one of the deadly diseases worldwide (Enarson, 2000). The WHO reported that one third (1/3) of the world's population is infected with TB. It is curable; however, if left untreated may be fatal. Non-adherence is one of the barriers in eliminating TB. Adherence declines due to lack of motivation of patients to complete their treatment (Pagulayan, 2008). Motivation affects self-efficacy of patients to adhere to their treatment (Treasure, 2004). Hence, modification on the attitude and behavior of patients may enhance treatment adherence (Dela Cruz, 2002).