clinical profile of first year college students

8/2/2019 Clinical Profile of First Year College Students

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Health Promotion is any endeavor directed at enhancing the quality of health and well-

being 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 peoples

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

persons 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).


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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 ones

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.

Penders 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


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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. Penders Health Promotion Model


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Penders 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.


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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) Dependent Variable (Y)

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?

Recommendation of

Health Promotion

Program

Clinical Profile

- History of Previous

and Present Illness

and Diseases


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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.


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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).


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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.


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CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Wellness

Health and wellness are interdependent, but theyre 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


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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 peoples 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 todays 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 ones 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 Americas 15 mill ion 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).


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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 weve 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


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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 isnt just bad moods and occasional melancholy. Depression is a serious problem

that impacts every aspect of a teens life. Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems

at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathingeven irreversible tragedy such as homicidal

violence or suicide.


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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 peoples problems have been ignored, with little understanding of the potential

impact of a generation at risk on the future. If todays 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


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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


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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)


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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.


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Related Studies

Global Statistics of Health

In the latest World Health Organizations 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 (WHO-

WHS, 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


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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.


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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.


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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 Slovins formula. Slovins formula was used in order to find a sample

size through a formula.

Slovins 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.


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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 Slovins 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 respondents clinical profile.


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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

students health problems will be addressed.


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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%


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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


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Malignancies: Nasal 2

Malignancies: Skin 1

Arthritis 291

Seizure Disorders 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.


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0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

AB

AcutePancreatitis

AllergicR

hinitis

Amoe

biasis

ATD

Be

ll'sPa

lsy

BoneDisease

Bronc

hia

lAst

hma

CA

Chemica

lIn

ha

lation

Chil

dhoo

dAst

hma

Chron

'sDisease

Coug

h

CystExcision

DengueFever

Diarr

hea

Dizziness

Dyspepsia

EyeOperation

Fever

Foo

dPoisoning

Gastritis

GermanMeasles

Hea

dac

he

HepatitisB

Ho

dg

kin

'sLymp

homa

HSPurpura

Hyperacidity

Hypog

lycemia

ITP

KneePain

LBM

Measles

NaII

NSVD

PCAP

Pleura

lE

ffusion

po

lypremova

l

PTB

RheumaticFever

S/PSuture

SkinAst

hma

Sprain

SVI

Tha

llasemiaB

Tonsi

litis

ToothIn

fection

Typ

hoidFever

Urticaria

Ve

hicu

larAccident

Previous Hospitalization


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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.

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Acute Bronchitis

Allergic Rhinitis

nemia

AUB

BFC

Bronchial Asthma

Cardiac Disease

Childhood Asthma

Cough

DM

Drug Allergy

Fatty Liver

Fever

Fracture

Gastritis

Heart EnlargementHPN

Hyperthyroidism

Migraine

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Psoriasis

Recurrent Epistaxis

Right Eardrum

Seafood Allergy

Skin Allergy

Tonsilitis

Urinary Tract Infection

Previous Illness

Previous Illness


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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.

3%

90%

7%

Vital Signs

80/60 Below

90/70-120/80

130/90 Above


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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.

Normal, 1430,

100%

Lesions, 1, 0%

Hyperpigmentation,1, 0%

Skin Tag, 1, 0%

Warm Skin, 1, 0%

Skin

Normal

Lesions

Hyperpigmentation

Skin Tag

Warm Skin


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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.

Head

Ears

Throat

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Head

Eyes

Ears

Oral

Throat

Neck


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

Eyes, Ears, Oral, Throat and Neck

Table 8 showed that 1400 students have normal chest, heart and lung findings.

Chest

Lungs

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Ch

He

Lu


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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

Abdomen

Genitalia

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Normal

Scar at median, from

Umbilicus to Hypogastric

areaIrregular Menses

Abdo

Geni


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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 lowerextremities as well as the neurological aspect of the students.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Normal

Upper Extremitie

Lower Extremitie

Neurological


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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.


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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)


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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 Slovins 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.


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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 fri ends

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.

clinical profile of first year college students

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