Stigma towards people with mental health problems (PMHP) is known to have substantial negative impacts on their lives. More in-depth exploration of the stigma and discrimination experienced by PMHP in low- and middle-income countries is needed. Previous research suggests that negative attitudes towards PMHP are widespread among the Filipino general public. However, no study has investigated PMHP’s own experiences of being stigmatised in the Philippines. A qualitative study was conducted on the stigma experienced by PMHP (including people with epilepsy) and its related factors in the Philippines, employing the constructivist grounded theory approach. We analysed data on 39 PMHP collected through interviews with PMHP, their carers, and community health volunteers who know them well. The findings highlight the culturally and socio-economically specific contexts, consequences, and impact modifiers of experiences of stigma. Participants emphasised that PMHP face stigma because of the cultural traits such as the perception of mental health problem as a disease of the family and the tendency to be overly optimistic about the severity of the mental health problem and its impact on their life. Further, stigma was experienced under conditions where mental health care was not readily available and people in the local community could not resolve the PMHP’s mental health crisis. Stigma experiences reduced social networks and opportunities for PMHP, threatened the economic survival of their entire family, and exacerbated their mental health problems. An individual’s reaction to negative experiences can be fatalistic in nature (e.g. believing in it is God’s will). This fatalism can help PMHP to remain hopeful. In addition, traditional communal unity alleviated some of the social exclusion associated with stigma. The study indicates that existing stigma-reduction strategies might have limitations in their effectiveness across cultural settings. Therefore, we propose context-specific practical implications (e.g. emphasis on environmental factors as a cause of mental health problems, messages to increase understanding not only of the possibility of recovery but also of challenges PMHP face) for the Philippines.

We aim to clarify the behaviors toward noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) prevention focusing on lifestyle-related diseases and physical health status and examine their relationship among community-dwelling women in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study included women aged 45 years and older. Data were collected through an interview using a structured questionnaire; the following parameters were also measured: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), handgrip strength, and 10 m gait speed. This study found that the majority of women adopted one or more healthy behaviors to prevent NCDs, while few women practiced comprehensive behaviors. Age, satisfaction with house income, living alone, social support, social participation, and household decision making were the determinant factors for behaviors toward NCDs prevention. A high prevalence of underweight (26.4%), overweight (31.9%), obesity (5.6%), high systolic blood pressure (SBP) (62.5%), and low muscle strength (54.2%) were frequently observed. Eating well-balanced meals, avoiding fatty foods, and undergoing blood cholesterol testing had significant correlations with physical health status. It is concluded that the activities at Posyandu Lansia (health village posts for older adults) are necessary to help women with unhealthy eating behaviors and lower physical activity and unawareness of health checkups to maintain focus and to develop a more practical approach to NCDs prevention.

Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most important causes of maternal mortality in first trimester pregnancy. Several etiologic factors are suspected for ectopic pregnancy. Fertility-saving surgery in ectopic pregnancy is associated with recurrent ectopic pregnancy. Most common site of ectopic pregnancy is in the fallopian tube, especially in the ampullar region. Ipsilateral tube is rare site for ectopic pregnancy. Previous tubal surgery, especially partial salpingectomy, is an important factor in this disease.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between one’s physical status related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and social isolation, and to identify lifestyle behaviors for the prevention of NCDs associated with social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate lifestyle behaviors for NCD prevention associated with social isolation in Japanese adults aged 60 years and above in a community setting. Out of 57 participants, 17.5% were not socially participative, 66.7% hardly ever, 29.8% sometimes, and 3.5% often felt loneliness. Non-social participation and loneliness were negatively related to the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake. Additionally, loneliness was positively associated with one’s duration of smoking and current smoking habits, and negatively associated with the frequency of moderate-intensity activities, with marginal significance. Those with non-social participation or loneliness were less likely to eat a healthy diet and live a smoke-free lifestyle. The findings of this study suggest that a mutual health support system in the community and the development of community-based approaches for the prevention of NCDs among Japanese older adults are needed.