Educational Attainment Research Articles

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Long-Run Impacts of School Suspensions on Adult Crime

Schools must balance student behavior management with the potential negatives of strict discipline. These policies can deter misbehavior but may stigmatize students and expose them to the criminal justice system early. We assess the impact of attending a strict discipline school on achievement, educational attainment, and adult criminal activity. Using data from a boundary change and principal switches, we find that higher suspension rates have significant negative long-term effects. Students at such schools are 15–20 percent more likely to be arrested and incarcerated as adults. Negative impacts on educational attainment are particularly pronounced for males and students of color. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J15, K42)

Association of socioeconomic status with unintended pregnancy and induced abortion in married couples: An analysis of the 2021 national survey data in Japan

BackgroundAn association of the major indicators of socioeconomic status with unintended pregnancy and induced abortion in married couples has not been investigated in Japan, and we investigated it using recent nationwide survey data in Japan. MethodsData from the National Fertility Survey in 2021 in Japan, which evaluated the outcomes and intentions of previous pregnancies in married couples, were used. Number of unintended pregnancies, induced abortions, and unintended pregnancies ending in induced abortion were used as outcomes, and the number of unintended pregnancies ending in induced abortion was analyzed among couples who experienced an unintended pregnancy. Associations with current educational attainment, employment status, and household income were investigated using Poisson regression analysis. A complete-case analysis was conducted for dealing with missing data, as well as an analysis using multiple imputation. ResultsAverage number of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion per pregnancy of junior high school graduates was the highest among educational attainments of wives and husbands. The adjusted regression analysis showed that junior high school graduate in husbands was significantly associated with higher number of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions, regardless of the missing data analysis methods. In addition, high school or training school graduate in husbands was significantly associated with higher number of induced abortions. A significant association between socioeconomic status and the unintended pregnancy ending in induced abortion was not observed. ConclusionThis study showed that a lower educational attainment in husband was associated with higher number of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions in Japan.

Fine Motor Impairment and Its Impact on Social Outcomes in Survivors of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

The impact of fine motor impairment among adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on life after treatment is unknown. This study evaluated prevalence and utilized multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for fine motor impairment among survivors of ALL, and associations with educational attainment and social independence. Latent class analysis defined social independence (independent, moderately independent, dependent), using employment, independent living, personal care assistance, routine need assistance, driver's license status, and marital status inputs. Among 875 survivors who were ≥ 25years old (age when most adults achieve independence) and ≥ 5years from diagnosis (mean = 28.97years), 33.6% had fine motor impairment, with scores at or below the 10th percentile of the scores of community controls (n = 460) on fine motor components of the physical performance test and the grooved peg-board test. Survivors exposed to cranial radiation had more fine motor impairment than those without (45.8% vs 20.2%). Male sex (exposed: odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65-3.92; unexposed: OR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.69-5.38) and lower scores on the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (exposed: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.36-0.58; unexposed: OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.31-0.58) were risk factors for neuropathy. A 1-point-higher total neuropathy score was associated with 8% (95% CI = 1%-17%) increased odds of fine motor impairment. Fine motor impairment was associated with less than a college education (less than high school: OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.20-4.14; high school diploma/general equivalency diploma: OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.65-4.30; vocational education: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.38-3.13) and less social independence (moderately independent: OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.15-2.83; dependent: OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.25-5.64). Fine motor impairment in survivors of childhood ALL may interfere with optimal educational attainment and social independence. Early identification of survivors at risk for fine motor impairment, with timely intervention, may improve long-term outcomes.

The long-term effects of cash transfer programmes on young adults' mental health: A quasi-experimental study of Colombia, Mexico and South Africa.

Poverty is associated with poorer mental health in early adulthood. Cash transfers (CTs) have been shown to improve child health and education outcomes, but it is unclear whether these effects may translate into better mental health outcomes as children reach young adulthood. Using a quasi-experimental approach that exploits variation across countries in the timing of national CT programme introduction, we examine whether longer exposure to CTs during childhood (0-17 years) reduces depressive symptoms in early adulthood (18-30 years). Based on harmonized data from Colombia, Mexico and South Africa (N= 14 431) we applied logistic regression models with country- and birth-cohort fixed effects to estimate the impact of cumulative years of CT exposure on mental health, educational attainment and employment outcomes. Our findings indicate that each additional year of CT exposure during childhood is associated with a 4% reduction in the odds of serious depressive symptoms in early adulthood (OR = 0.96, 95% CIs: 0.93 to 0.98). We find no consistent effect of years of exposure on completion of secondary school (OR = 1.01, 95% CIs: 0.99, 1.03), and a negative effect on the probability of employment in early adulthood (OR = 0.90, 95% CIs: 0.88, 0.91). These results suggest that longer exposure to CTs may contribute to modest but meaningful reductions in population level depressive symptoms during early adulthood.

Assessing the Readability of Online English and Spanish Resources for Polydactyly and Syndactyly.

Online patient education materials (PEMs) that are difficult to read disproportionately affect patients with low health literacy and educational attainment. Patients may not be fully informed or empowered to engage meaningfully with providers and advocate for their goals. We aim to assess the readability of online PEMs regarding polydactyly and syndactyly. Google was used to query "polydactyly" and "syndactyly" in English and Spanish. The first 50 results were categorized into institutional (government, medical school, teaching hospital), noninstitutional (private practice, blog), and academic (journal articles, book chapters). Readability scores were generated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook and Spanish Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scales. All polydactyly PEMs and >95% of syndactyly PEMs exceeded the National Institutes of Health recommended 6th-grade reading level. Altogether, English PEMs had an average reading level of a university freshman and Spanish PEMs had an average reading level of nearly a high school sophomore. For both diagnoses, English PEMs were harder to read than Spanish PEMs overall and when compared across the 3 categories between the 2 languages. Generally, noninstitutional PEMs were more difficult to read than their institutional counterparts. To improve patient education, health literacy, and language equity, online resources for polydactyly and syndactyly should be written at the 6th-grade level. Currently, these PEMs are too advanced, which can make accessing, understanding, and pursuing healthcare decisions more challenging. Understanding health conditions and information is crucial to empower patients, regardless of literacy.

Tracing the educational journey of Indian women across generations: A study of multigenerational education mobility in India

This study investigates intergenerational mobility and socioeconomic disparities in women's education in India, utilizing data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1. It uniquely examines three generations of women: the second generation (G2), aged 45–75, who reported on their own education, their mother's education (G1), and their daughter's education (G3). Despite India's economic growth over the past three decades, women's educational status remains poor, influenced by enduring gender discrimination. The study constructs educational transition matrices and measures two mobility indices: M1, which represents the expected proportion of daughters transitioning from their mother's educational level, and M2, which measures the extent of transitions between educational categories. M1 is further broken down into upward and downward mobility. The findings highlight significant progress in educational mobility across generations, with notable increases in upward mobility from the grandmother-mother to the mother-daughter generations, indicating a positive trend. Urban women show significantly higher levels of educational mobility compared to their rural counterparts. However, the study also identifies a decline in multigenerational educational mobility among Muslim women. Persistent caste-based disparities in education are observed, although there is a promising trend of narrowing gaps in recent years. Additionally, the study reveals substantial progress in educational attainment among the most economically disadvantaged groups compared to previous generations.

Rural-urban disparities in basic sanitation access among households: a multivariable decomposition analysis of ethiopian demographic and health survey 2019

IntroductionDisparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households pose significant challenges to public health and human development. Understanding the determinants contributing to this gap is vital for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving environmental and public health through evidence-based interventions.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze and understand the disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study analyzed a sample of 8,663 weighted households, collected using stratified sampling techniques, utilizing the data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The primary outcome was basic sanitation access, defined as access to flush or pour-flush systems, septic tanks, pit latrines, or composting toilets. A multivariable decomposition analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to rural–urban disparities. Statistically significant variables were determined at a p-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe weighted proportion of basic sanitation access in Ethiopia was 13.78% (95% CI, 12.67–14.96), with significant disparities between rural (6.02%) and urban (27.15%) residents. Endowment factors accounted for 78.9% of this disparity, while behavioral coefficients contributed 22.1%. If the characteristics of respondents in rural and urban households had been similar, significant factors that would have narrowed the gap included the age of the household head (15–35 years), the absence of under-five children, smaller family size, and the attainment of secondary education, reducing the gap by 1.83, 2.07, 5.08, and 3.25%, respectively. Conversely, illiteracy and primary education levels widened the gap between rural and urban access to basic sanitation services by 16.85 and 0.23%, respectively. Additional factors exacerbating the rural–urban disparity included poverty (which widened the gap by 58.71%), residence in pastoralist regions (which widened the gap by 10.10%) or agrarian regions (which widened the gap by 7.03%), and access to water sources located more than 30 min away (which widened the gap by 7.91%).ConclusionSignificant disparities in access to basic sanitation services exist between rural and urban households in Ethiopia. Key factors contributing to these disparities include the age of the household head, education level, family size, region of residence, and water source proximity. Addressing these factors is essential for improving sanitation access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 370 older adults with and without polypharmacy. The data were gathered via the Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale for Elderly, and Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised. A multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) was conducted to assess the impact of independent variables on the combined dependent variables. Loneliness and social isolation were found higher in older adults with polypharmacy. In addition, loneliness and social isolation are more common in women, individuals with low educational attainment, single individuals, individuals with low income, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with poor family relationships, individuals not living with their families and individuals with chronic diseases. It is thought that the findings of this study will be guiding for all health professionals working in the field of elderly health in interventions to be planned for the elderly population.

Nature-based interventions for individuals with rare skeletal disorders: evaluation of a 5-day sailing program on health-related quality of life

Individuals with rare skeletal disorders like Multiple Osteochondromas and Ollier Disease often experience physical and psychological burdens. Adventure therapy, with activities like sailing in outdoor settings, promotes personal growth and psychological well-being, potentially improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a sailing program on health-related quality of life and participant satisfaction in individuals with Multiple Osteochondromas and Ollier Disease. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-post design was employed, with HRQoL assessed using the EQ-5D® instrument and participant satisfaction measured via a feedback survey. Data were collected before and after the five-day sailing program conducted in the Mediterranean Sea in 2022 and 2023, involving participants diagnosed with Multiple Osteochondromas and Ollier Disease. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and McNemar’s test for paired data. A significance level of p < 0.05 and p < 0.10 was considered. A total of 25 participants, predominantly male (52%), with a median age of 16 years (ranking from 11 to 31), were included in the study. The sailing program had mixed impact on HRQoL. Specifically, individuals who were female (p = 0.03), aged 16 and older (p = 0.04), with higher educational attainment (p = 0.10) or stronger self-management (p = 0.09), resilience (p = 0.01) and self-engagement (p = 0.09) skills experienced enhanced HRQoL. Conversely, other participants exhibited an increase in self-care difficulties (p = 0.02) and a trend towards worsening pain/discomfort (p = 0.38). Overall satisfaction with the program was high, with 90% of participants expressing satisfaction.This is the first study which examined HRQoL in Multiple Osteochondromas and Ollier Disease patients within an outdoor adventure therapy setting. Findings suggest that adventure therapy, integrated into healthcare strategies, may offer a valuable complement to conventional treatments for rare skeletal disorders. Future research, including randomized controlled trials, are necessary to confirm these results and develop robust interventions for improving the well-being in this population.

The Role of Education and English Proficiency in Cognitive Health Among Older Refugee Populations in the United States

ABSTRACT Cognitive impairment is pronounced in forcibly displaced populations. This study examined how education and English proficiency are associated with cognitive difficulties between refugee and non-refugee older immigrants. Analyses assessed the moderating effect of refugee status on the association of education and English proficiency with cognitive difficulty. Results revealed that higher educational attainment and English proficiency were significantly associated with decreased odds of reporting cognitive difficulty. Further, refugees who had completed high school and were English proficient exhibited greater cognitive resilience. The implications emphasize the need for policies and focused interventions related to education and English language programs for resettled refugees.

Changes in the association between educational achievement, attainment and subsequent mental health: A survival analysis of 21 Swedish graduation cohorts

BackgroundLow academic achievement and low educational attainment in adolescence is associated with higher risks of internalizing disorders later in life. However, less is known regarding if these associations vary over time across cohorts. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal changes in the association between academic achievement or educational attainment and subsequent inpatient treatment for internalizing disorders among Swedish youths.MethodsRegister data on all students graduating from compulsory school in Sweden between 1990 and 2010 (N = 2 252 703) were used. Students were followed for a maximum of 8 years using discrete time proportional hazard models. Internalized disorders were measured by specialized inpatient psychiatric care for depression or anxiety disorders. Academic achievement was measured by grades at the end of compulsory school, and educational attainment by completion of upper secondary school.ResultsThe positive association between inpatient treatment for internalizing disorders and both low compulsory school achievement and non-completion of upper secondary school became stronger in more recent cohorts. The results were completely driven by girls and native-born youth.ConclusionsLow compulsory school achievements and failure to complete upper secondary school has become more important risk factors for inpatient treatment for internalizing disorders, particularly in native-born youth and girls. More research is needed to establish whether youth with internalizing disorders increasingly fail in school or whether low achievement has become more harmful for mental health.

Reassessing migration outcomes: secondary education attainment and educational reproduction among Bolivian-origin youth in Argentina, Bolivians in Bolivia, and native Argentines

ABSTRACT Research examining the socioeconomic outcomes of migrants and their children often compares them with native populations in host countries. However, there is a limited understanding of how they fare relative to non-migrants in their origin countries. This study uses large-scale census microdata (2001–2012) to address this gap. It examines the educational attainment of Bolivian-origin youth born in Argentina, comparing their outcomes with those of their peers in Bolivia and native Argentines. In doing so, this study sheds light on the often-overlooked South-South migration corridor. The analysis - which focuses on individuals aged 19 to 25 living with their parents - shows that Bolivian-origin youth in Argentina are, on average, more likely to complete secondary education than their native Argentine peers. However, they are less likely to attain this educational level than their counterparts residing in Bolivia. Further examination reveals variations by gender, parental education, and census wave.

How Do the Socio-economic Characteristics of Individual Members Influence the Business Effectiveness and Performance of Self-help Groups with Concerning Sustainable Development Goals: An SEM Approach

This study investigates how the socio-economic characteristics of individual members influence the business effectiveness and performance of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the context of sustainable development goals, with a focus on the cities of Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The research is underpinned by the sustainable development goals framework, emphasizing the role of social capital and economic empowerment in the success of SHGs. Data were gathered from 384 SHG members using a standardized questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed through SmartPLS to analyze the impact of various socio-economic factors, including income level, social capital, educational attainment, household size, and age of the respondents on SHG performance. The analysis reveals that household size and age do not significantly impact SHG performance. However, income level, social capital, and educational attainment are significant contributors to the effectiveness and performance of SHGs. The findings underscore the importance of these variables in achieving the sustainable development goals through SHG initiatives. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and SHG organizers, suggesting that targeted interventions should focus on enhancing income levels, social capital, and education among SHG members to improve group performance and support sustainable development. This research adds to the literature by offering a region-specific analysis of the socio-economic factors influencing SHG performance, with empirical evidence from key cities in Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable development.

The Economics of Production and Marketing of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Bukidnon, Philippines

Bukidnon, a province in Region X, is known for its high percentage of oyster mushrooms, accounting for 85.15 percent of total produce. This research aimed to determine production and marketing practices, yield per fruiting bag, marketing channels, and costs. We observed three marketing channels, and the average yield per bag was 0.18 grams per day. Variables affecting productivity included extension visits, educational attainment, culture house temperature, and substrate types. However, producers faced issues like spawn unavailability, poor development, and spoilage. The lack of government equipment support and lower prices led to many farmers stopping production, especially during the pandemic.

Exploring profiles of engagement in reading, numeracy, writing, and computer skills-use of U.S. adults with low literacy skills

AbstractThis study uses Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) data to examine latent profiles of engagement in reading, numeracy, writing, and computer skills-use for U.S. adults with low literacy skills. Additionally, we examine how these profiles relate to overall literacy performance and demographic heterogeneity. Results indicate five engagement profiles: High (8%), Average-High (44%), Average-Low (40%), and two generally Low profiles that are most differentiated on numeracy skills-use engagement (5.5%, 2%). High and Average-High engagement profiles had higher probabilities of adults scoring at a higher literacy level than the Average-Low profile and to a greater degree than the lowest engagement profile. Covariates of learning disability status, English speaker status, race, ethnicity, age, and educational attainment were also related to differences in literacy performance and skills-use engagement. Employment status was unrelated to differences in literacy performance and skills-use engagement. Generally, native English speakers, non-learning disabled adults, younger adults, those identifying as non-Hispanic and White, and adults with higher educational attainment (high school/some college and college degree or higher) had higher probabilities of higher literacy performance, particularly in the High and Average-High engagement profiles. Findings have implications for increasing skills-use engagement in daily life to increase literacy performance and suggest differences by demographic characteristics that may be of interest to adult foundational education programs.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Open educational resources (OER) are well-known around the world and globally it gives revenue to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It also gives benefits in various Asian countries. However, in the Philippines there is a lack of information and implementation. With the update in education and the shift in learning modality a great need for educational resources - free and open to the public increases, especially in the outrage of the pandemic. These events and phenomena also create a schism between librarians' perspectives and practices on OER. This paper examines the academic librarians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward OER in higher education institutions in the Philippines. Specifically, this paper is aimed at assessing the level of KAP toward OER among the librarians. It also investigates the relationship between KAP-OER and the profiles of academic librarians and libraries, as well as the differences between KAP-OER and sex, higher educational attainment, and years of service. The respondents of the study were the 57 academic librarians from different HEIs in the Philippines. An adapted questionnaire was used, and it was administered online through Google forms. Results show that academic librarians reinforce the trend of infrequent engagement in OER practices at the school. In terms of reuse, revise, remix, and redistribution, the respondents express a tendency to rarely engage in these practices at our school, with mean scores ranging from 5.31 to 5.75. On the general aspects of OER, the respondents exhibit a positive attitude, with a mean score of 5.27. The respondents and library profiles record no relationship to KAP. In contrast, print and nonprint resources can positively affect KAP. While sexes, highest educational attainment, and number of years of service shows no difference. This study concludes that Philippine academic librarians challenged in terms of KAP-OER. Thus, require the interventions for improvement. This study confirms that more research is needed. It suggests providing OER seminars and training, promoting OER through collaboration, funding, institutional incentives, and support for OER activities.

Mortality from type 2 diabetes mellitus across municipalities in Mexico

BackgroundOne in six Mexican adults’ lives with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is the third leading cause of death in the country. Analyzing the geographic distribution of T2DM mortality helps identify regions with higher mortality rates. This study aimed to examine the spatial patterns of mortality from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) across municipalities in Mexico and to analyze the main contextual factors linked to this cause of death in 2020.MethodsWe employed a spatial Bayesian hierarchical regression model to estimate the risk and probability of death from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) across Mexico’s municipalities.ResultsThe SMR results revealed geographic and age-specific patterns. Central Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula exhibited the highest excess mortality rates. For the population under 50 years of age, municipalities in Oaxaca had the highest T2DM mortality rates, whereas those aged 50 years old and older had the highest rates in Tlaxcala and Puebla. Socioeconomic factors such as low levels of educational attainment, lack of health services, dietary deficiency, and marginalization were positively associated with increased T2DM mortality risk. By contrast, GDP per capita showed a negative association. High-risk areas for T2DM mortality were prominent along the south of the Pacific Coast, the Bajío, Central Mexico, and southern Yucatán for those under 50, and along a central strip extending to the Yucatán Peninsula for the older population. Significant uncertainties in mortality risk were identified, with Central Mexico, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Tabasco showing high probabilities of excess risk for those under 50 years of age and extended risk areas along the Gulf of Mexico for those 50 years old and older.ConclusionsThe assessment and identification of spatial distribution patterns associated with T2DM mortality, and its main contextual factors, are crucial for informing effective public health policies aimed at reducing the impact of this chronic disease in Mexico.

Determinants of cognitive health in the elderly: a comprehensive analysis of demographics, health status, and lifestyle factors from NHANES.

This study analyzes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to identify factors influencing cognitive performance among the elderly, as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Employing multivariable linear regression, we evaluated the impact of demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors on cognitive function in U.S. adults aged 60 and older. Our findings indicate that advanced age, particularly in those aged 70-79 and 80 + years, is associated with lower DSST scores. Male gender is linked with reduced cognitive performance, while higher educational attainment appears protective. Lifestyle factors, including current smoking and higher alcohol consumption, negatively impact cognitive outcomes, and excessive sleep duration (over 9h) is also detrimental. Among health conditions, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and a history of stroke were associated with cognitive declines. Furthermore, increasing severity of depression correlates with lower cognitive function. These results underline the need for comprehensive public health strategies that integrate lifestyle modifications and chronic disease management to maintain cognitive health in older adults.

Brain health is essential for smooth economic transitions: towards socio-economic sustainability, productivity and well-being

Abstract Optimal brain health is essential to smoothing major global skill-intensive economic transitions, such as the bioeconomy, green, care economy and digital transitions. Good brain health is vital to socio-economic sustainability, productivity and well-being. The care transition focuses on recognizing and investing in care services and care work as essential for economic growth and social well-being. The green transition involves shifting towards environmentally sustainable and fairer societies to combat climate change and environmental degradation. The digital transition aims to unlock digital growth potential and deploy innovative solutions for businesses and citizens, and to improve the accessibility and efficiency of services. The bioeconomy transition refers to the shift towards an economy based on products, services and processes derived from biological resources, such as plants and microorganisms. Brain capital, which encompasses brain health and brain skills, is a critical economic asset for the success of economies of the future. The brain economy transition from a brain-negative (brain-unhealthy) economy, which depletes brain capital, to a brain-positive (brain-healthy) economy, which arrests and reverses the loss of brain capital, will be foundational to these major transitions. Increased brain capital is vital to educational attainment, upskilling and reskilling. In this paper, we provide a detailed roadmap for the brain economy transition.

Prevalence and Level of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Frontliners Using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)-21 in a Tertiary Hospital in Manila, Philippines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. It has affected millions globally and remains as a public health concern until today. Objectives: The study aims to identify the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among UST hospital frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS)-21 scale. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 272 frontliners in a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines using the DASS-21 scale. Results: Based on data gathered from the responses of participants using the DASS-21 scale, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among the frontliners were 28.68%, 35.66% and 14.71%, respectively. Being single, living alone, higher degree of educational attainment (postgraduate), trainees (residents and fellows) and those having pulmonary comorbidities were associated with increasing level of depression and stress. Respondents who had less work experience (less than 5 years) had significant depression; being single presented with higher anxiety; and those who had a previous COVID-19 infection had higher degree of stress. Conclusion: Several demographic and occupational characteristics, in accordance to the COVID-19 pandemic, yielded significant results regarding the presence of depression, anxiety and stress. The study recommends closer follow-up of participants which recorded high severity scores in the DASS-21 scale as well as regular psychological briefing and counseling to assess if there are other contributory factors to such responses. Ultimately, this may enlighten us on how to provide holistic care to our own hospital staff. Keywords: COVID-19, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, DASS-21 scale