Health Care and Health Seeking Behaviors Among Adults in Barangay San Miguel, Majayjay, Laguna

Abstract

Health care received by rural areas is different from urban ones. There are limited studies that seek to understand the health care system and health seeking behavior (HSB) in rural areas, and this may be essential in implementing health programs in the area. Majayjay is a fourth class municipality in Laguna that has a maximum budget of P3.75 per individual per day. There is only one government hospital that is shared by 40 barangays, and this includes Barangay San Miguel. This study aimed to determine the current situation of health care and the health seeking behaviors of adults in Barangay San Miguel, Majayjay, Laguna. Using a survey questionnaire with 63 individuals, the top reasons affecting HSB were availability of type of ailment, money, severity of disease, age and faith in God. The common types of health care sought were: self-medication (69.8%), visiting a hospital or clinic (22.2%), and visiting an herbolaryo or albularyo (7.9%). The HSB score of the participants is 3.12, which means they have a moderate HSB. There were no significant differences when the HSB scores were compared between sexes, age bracket, level of educational attainment and income. During all the (10) one-on-one in-depth interviews, participants described their health care experiences and health seeking behavior. Themes identified were: (1) poverty and deciding to forego professional treatment, (2) importance to elderly and young’s health, and (3) inadequacy and inefficiency of health care services. Common types of illness were cough, colds, fever, and gastro-intestinal problems. There are only five doctors in the whole municipality and five hospital beds in Majayjay Medicare Hospital. There is a health center near the barangay, but medicines are insufficient to supply for all.