Primary Health Care Services of Urban Villages
Objectives: The study determined the awareness on Primary Health Care (PHC) services as perceived by the residents and the level of implementation of PHC services as perceived by the Volunteer Health Workers in Bulacao and Pardo, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. The findings served as basis for a series of re-orientation seminars on PHC programs. Specifically, the study answered the following questions:1.What is the level of awareness on PHC services as perceived by the residents in terms of:1.1.health education;1.2.locally endemic disease control;1.3.expanded program on immunization;1.4.maternal health, child health and family planning; 1.5.provision of essential drugs;1.6.adequate food and proper nutrition;1.7.control of communicable diseases;1.8.environmental sanitation; and1.9.provision of medical care and emergency treatment?2.What is the level of implementation on PHC services as perceived by Volunteer Health Workers in the same areas?3.Is there a significant difference in the level of awareness and the level of implementation of the PHC programs as perceived by the respondents?4.What problems were encountered by health care providers on the implementation of the PHC programs?5.Based on the findings of the study, what appropriate series of re-orientation seminars can be proposed?Methods:This study utilized the descriptive-evaluative design. The study was conducted in two villages in Cebu City, namely, Bulacao and Pardo. The study includes 379 community residents and 26 volunteer health workers. A researcher-made tool composed of 45 items on the nine components of PHC was used. An interview guide was prepared to gather more information and confirm responses from the tool. Findings and Conclusion:The study revealed that the residents were aware of the PHC services. It also showed that the level of implementation of the volunteer health workers on PHC services was high. There was a significant difference in the perceptions of the residents on the level of awareness and the volunteer health workers’ level of implementation of PHC services. The top three problems encountered by the health care providers were inadequate medicines, inadequate clinic space for consultation, and availability of medical doctors. In conclusion, when the targeted beneficiaries are aware of the primary health care services, the volunteer health workers will feel more determined to perform their roles to render improved primary health care services. Recommended citation:Sencio, Ramonita J. & Amparado, M. A. P. (2010, March). PrimaryHealth Care Services of Urban Villages. 2010 Southwestern University Research Congress, 2(1), 22-24.