Lecture on Degenerative Disease Programs

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, students should be able to:

1. Define degenerative diseases and understand their impact on public health.

2. Identify the goals, objectives, and strategies of the Department of Health (DOH) in
addressing degenerative diseases.
3. Recognize the significance of Philippine data on degenerative diseases and their burden
on the healthcare system.
4. Understand the critical role of midwives in managing and preventing degenerative
diseases at the community level.
5. Design and manage programs aimed at preventing degenerative diseases through health
promotion, early detection, and lifestyle modification.

I. Introduction to Degenerative Diseases

1. What are Degenerative Diseases?

Definition:
Degenerative diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are diseases that
progress over time and typically result in the gradual decline of function of the affected organs or
systems. These diseases are not caused by infectious agents but are linked to lifestyle factors,
genetics, and environmental influences.

Examples:

 Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

 Cancer
 Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD)
 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
 Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use)
 Musculoskeletal diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis)

Key Features:

 Slow progression, often over years or decades.

 Long-term effects on the quality of life.
 May result in permanent disability or death.

2. Global and Local Impact of Degenerative Diseases

 Global Burden: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are the
leading causes of death globally, responsible for 71% of all deaths.
 Philippine Context:
 o NCDs, particularly CVD, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders, are
increasingly common in the Philippines, contributing to a growing public health
burden.
o Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol
consumption contribute to the rise of degenerative diseases.

II. Department of Health (DOH) Goals, Objectives, and Strategies (60 minutes)

1. DOH Goals for Degenerative Disease Programs

 Goal 1: To reduce the burden of NCDs in the Philippines through prevention, early
detection, and management.
 Goal 2: To improve the quality of life for those living with NCDs by enhancing access
to health services and promoting healthy lifestyles.
 Goal 3: To integrate NCD prevention and control into public health initiatives at the
national and local levels, particularly focusing on the vulnerable populations.

2. DOH Objectives

 Objective 1: To reduce mortality rates due to leading NCDs like CVD, cancer, and
diabetes by 25% by 2030.
 Objective 2: To promote healthy lifestyle choices and early screening for major
diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and breast cancer.
 Objective 3: To improve access to primary health care and preventive services for
communities, particularly in underserved areas.

3. DOH Strategies

 Health Promotion:
o Promote health education campaigns on smoking cessation, physical activity,
balanced diets, and mental health awareness.
o Use mass media, community outreach, and local events to spread health
messages.
 Early Detection and Screening:
o Implement regular screening programs for breast cancer, cervical cancer,
hypertension, diabetes, and mental health issues.
o Focus on high-risk populations, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those
with family histories of NCDs.
 Access to Care and Treatment:
o Strengthen the healthcare infrastructure to provide effective and timely
treatment for NCDs, including medication, rehabilitation, and mental health
support.
o Encourage community-based health services and the integration of NCD
management into maternal and child health services.
 Health Policy and Legislation:
 o Advocate for policies that promote healthier environments, such as taxes on
tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
o Support smoke-free public spaces and encourage safe physical activity
environments.

III. Philippine Data on Degenerative Diseases

1. Prevalence and Burden of Degenerative Diseases in the Philippines

 Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): The leading cause of death, responsible for 32% of all
deaths.
 Cancer: The second leading cause of death, with lung, breast, and cervical cancers
being the most common.
 Diabetes: The Philippines has one of the highest diabetes rates in Southeast Asia,
affecting 6.3 million Filipinos.
 Mental Health: Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent, with 1 in 5 Filipinos
affected at some point in their lives.
 Chronic Respiratory Diseases: COPD and asthma are common, with a growing
number of cases related to smoking and air pollution.

2. The Impact of Lifestyle on Disease Burden

 The rise in NCDs in the Philippines is linked to changing lifestyles:

o Poor nutrition (e.g., high-fat, high-sugar diets)
o Physical inactivity
o Smoking and alcohol use
 Obesity rates are increasing, particularly among children and adolescents, leading to an
increase in diabetes and CVD.

IV. The Role of Midwives in Managing Degenerative Diseases

1. Health Promotion and Education

 Midwives are crucial in promoting healthier lifestyles within communities.

 Educate pregnant women and families about the importance of:
o Balanced nutrition (e.g., breastfeeding, healthy eating habits).
o Physical activity during and after pregnancy.
o Mental health (e.g., stress management, coping strategies).
o Tobacco cessation programs.

2. Early Detection and Screening

 Midwives can play a role in the early detection of:

o Hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum.
 o Gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
o Mental health issues, such as postpartum depression.
o Breast cancer through self-examination and referrals for screening.

3. Health Advocacy

 Advocacy for healthy living in the community:

o Support community-wide initiatives to combat smoking, poor diet, and
sedentary behavior.
o Encourage support groups for individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes or
cancer.
o Organize health talks and workshops on preventing chronic diseases.
o Support access to care, particularly for women in underserved communities.

4. Referral and Coordinating Care

 Midwives are often the first point of contact for many women and families:
o Referral to appropriate healthcare professionals for advanced screenings,
treatments, and management of chronic diseases.
o Coordinate care for pregnant women with hypertension, diabetes, or mental
health disorders.

5. Community Support and Outreach

 Implement outreach programs to raise awareness about the prevention and management
of degenerative diseases in the community.
 Promote supportive environments where people are encouraged to adopt healthier
lifestyles (e.g., safe walking areas, accessible health education materials).

V. Case Studies and Interactive Discussion

 Case Studies: Review real-life scenarios where midwives contributed to the prevention
and management of degenerative diseases.
 Interactive Discussion:
o How can midwives improve health outcomes in their communities?
o Discuss challenges faced in promoting healthy lifestyles in rural areas.
o Identify barriers to early detection of NCDs in the community.

Conclusion and Summary

 Recap of the key points discussed in the lecture:

o Importance of degenerative diseases and their impact on public health.
 o The DOH’s goals and strategies for tackling NCDs.
o The role of midwives in health promotion, education, and early detection of
these diseases.
 Encourage students to integrate the learnings into their future practice and contribute to
community health programs.

References:

1. Department of Health (DOH), Philippines. (2022

 Lecture on Programs for Smoking, Blindness Prevention, Organ Donation,
PWD, Accidents, and Mental Health

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, students should be able to:

1. Understand the goals and strategies of the Department of Health (DOH) in managing smoking,
blindness prevention, organ donation, persons with disabilities (PWD), accidents and injuries
prevention, and mental health.
2. Identify the key interventions and health programs aimed at smoking cessation, blindness
prevention, organ donation, and mental health.
3. Recognize the role of midwives in promoting health education, prevention, and early
detection in these areas.
4. Develop skills as health program managers to implement and manage community health
programs focused on these issues.
5. Analyze and apply Philippine data and evidence-based practices to develop effective health
strategies.

I. Introduction to Public Health Issues

1. Overview of Public Health Issues

 Smoking, blindness, organ donation, PWD, accidents, and mental health are critical public
health issues in the Philippines.
 These issues contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates and affect the quality of life
for individuals and communities.
 The Department of Health (DOH) has implemented various programs to reduce the burden of
these health concerns, aiming for long-term prevention and intervention.

2. Philippine Data Overview

 Smoking: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2015), the prevalence of
smoking among Filipino adults is 23.8%, with higher rates among men (47.1%) compared to
women (2.1%).
 Blindness: The Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) estimates that over 2 million
Filipinos suffer from visual impairment, with cataracts being the leading cause of blindness
(around 50% of cases).
 Organ Donation: According to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth),
approximately 5,000 kidney transplants are needed annually, but the actual number of donors is
far below the demand.
 PWD: The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) reports that there are over 1 million
persons with disabilities in the Philippines, with mobility impairments and visual impairments
being the most common.
  Accidents: According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), road traffic accidents are
one of the leading causes of mortality and injury in the country, with over 12,000 deaths annually
due to accidents.
 Mental Health: A survey by the DOH in 2021 found that 1 in 5 Filipinos experience mental
health problems, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most prevalent.

II. Smoking Prevention and Cessation Programs (45 minutes)

1. What is Smoking?

 Definition: Smoking, particularly tobacco use, is a leading cause of preventable death globally. It
is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and
mental health disorders.
 Impact on Public Health:
o Smoking-related diseases cause millions of deaths every year, with tobacco use being
the leading cause of lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases.
o In the Philippines, the rate of smoking among adults and adolescents remains high.

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To reduce the prevalence of smoking in the Philippines and promote tobacco-free
lifestyles.
 Strategies:
o Tobacco-Free Philippines Campaign: Increasing public awareness about the risks of
smoking.
o Smoke-Free Environment Laws: Strengthening policies that restrict smoking in public
areas.
o Tobacco Taxes: Increasing taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable.
o Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Providing support for smoking cessation
through accessible NRT programs.

3. Midwife’s Role in Smoking Prevention

 Educate pregnant women and families about the risks of smoking, particularly during pregnancy
and breastfeeding.
 Promote tobacco cessation programs and referrals to quitting resources.
 Support community-based smoking cessation workshops and advocacy for smoke-free
environments.

III. Blindness Prevention Programs

1. Causes of Blindness
  Definition: Blindness refers to the inability to see, or significant loss of vision, which can be
caused by a variety of factors, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular
degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
 Impact on Public Health:
o The leading causes of preventable blindness in the Philippines are cataracts, refractive
errors, and diabetic retinopathy.

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To reduce the incidence of preventable blindness and improve access to eye care services.
 Strategies:
o National Blindness Prevention Program: Aiming to reduce cataract blindness through
early detection and treatment.
o Eye Health Education: Raising awareness about the importance of regular eye exams.
o Access to Eye Care: Increasing access to affordable eye care, including free cataract
surgery and refractive error correction.

3. Midwife’s Role in Blindness Prevention

 Promote eye health education to pregnant women and new mothers, particularly about vision
screening and healthy eye habits.
 Encourage regular vision check-ups for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and diabetic
patients.
 Identify early signs of vision impairment and refer individuals to eye care professionals.

IV. Organ Donation Programs

1. What is Organ Donation?

 Definition: Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to someone in need of a
transplant. It can save lives and improve the quality of life for those with organ failure.
 Types:
o Living donation (e.g., kidney or liver donation).
o Deceased donation (e.g., heart, lung, kidney, liver).

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To increase the number of organ donors and ensure that donated organs are distributed
equitably.
 Strategies:
o Organ Donation Awareness Campaign: Educating the public on the importance of
organ donation.
o Donor Registration: Implementing a national organ donor registry to identify potential
donors.
o Legal Framework: Strengthening the Philippine Organ Donation Act to protect donor
rights and ensure ethical practices.
3. Midwife’s Role in Organ Donation

 Educate families about the importance of organ donation, especially culturally sensitive
approaches in the context of end-of-life care.
 Encourage community discussions about organ donation and support the donor registration
process.
 Support families in making informed decisions about organ donation.

V. Programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

1. What is Disability?

 Definition: Disability refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s ability to
perform certain activities.
 Types:
o Physical (e.g., mobility impairments, visual/hearing impairments).
o Mental (e.g., developmental disabilities, mental health disorders).
o Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis).

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To promote the rights and improve the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
 Strategies:
o Inclusive Health Programs: Ensuring PWD have equal access to healthcare services.
o Early Detection and Intervention: Implementing screening programs for early
detection of disabilities in children and adults.
o Support Services: Providing access to rehabilitation, assistive devices, and
employment opportunities.

3. Midwife’s Role in Supporting PWD

 Early identification of children with disabilities through screening and referrals for
appropriate interventions.
 Educate families about disability rights, early intervention programs, and support services.
 Promote inclusive health education and encourage physical activity for PWD.

VI. Accidents and Injury Prevention

1. Types of Accidents and Injuries

 Definition: Accidents are unexpected incidents that cause injury or harm, including road traffic
accidents, falls, burns, drowning, and workplace injuries.
 Impact on Public Health:
 o Accidents are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among children,
the elderly, and working-age adults.

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries in the Philippines.

 Strategies:
o Public Safety Campaigns: Promoting safe driving, helmet use, child-proofing homes,
and water safety.
o Road Safety Programs: Implementing traffic safety laws and public education
campaigns.

3. Midwife’s Role in Accident Prevention

 Educate pregnant women about home safety (e.g., fall prevention, fire safety).
 Promote road safety and helmet use during pregnancy and beyond.
 Encourage safe water practices and childproofing of the home.

VII. Mental Health (45 minutes)

1. What is Mental Health?

 Definition: Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting
how we think, feel, and act.
 Prevalence: Mental health disorders are among the leading causes of disability in the Philippines,
with depression and anxiety being the most common.

2. DOH Goals and Strategies

 Goal: To reduce the stigma around mental health and provide adequate mental health services.
 Strategies:
o Mental Health Policy: Enacting laws like the Mental Health Act to ensure access to
services.
o Awareness Campaign: Educating communities about mental health issues and
promoting early intervention.
o Integrating Mental Health into primary health care.

3. Midwife’s Role in Mental Health

 Screen for postpartum depression and provide referrals for counseling and treatment.
 Educate pregnant women about mental health and promote self-care and stress management
strategies.
 Advocate for mental health support and provide psychosocial support to families.
Conclusion

 Recap of the key points discussed:

o Smoking, blindness prevention, organ donation, PWD, accidents, and mental health
programs by the DOH.
o The role of midwives in promoting education, prevention, early detection, and
referral services.
 Closing Remarks: Encourage students to integrate the learnings into their future roles as health
program managers and midwifery professionals.

References:

1. Department of Health (DOH), Philippines. (2023). National Tobacco Control Program.

2. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global Status Report on Road Safety.
3. Republic Act No. 11223 (2019). Universal Health Care Act of the Philippines.
4. National Commission on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Philippines. (2022). Annual Report on
PWD Programs.
5. Department of Health (DOH), Philippines. (2023). National Mental Health Program.