Articles

Personal Hygiene Practices of Badjaos in Surigao City, Philippines

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This descriptive-quantitative study assessed the personal hygiene practices among the Sama Badjaos in Surigao City. The main instruments used to gather the data were researcher-made questionnaires. The study respondents were 68 Badjao respondents of P-1, Barangay Canlanipa, Surigao City, whose ages are 16 years old and above. This research utilized a descriptive quantitative research design, employing survey techniques and researcher-made questionnaires as the primary methodological approach. The design aimed to gather data through surveys in order to explore and analyze the phenomenon under investigation. The findings showed that there were significant differences in different categories of personal hygiene practices when the respondents were grouped according to their age, sex, and educational attainment. The study’s findings highlighted a significant degree of variance in the respondents’ hygiene practices with respect to the profile variables including bathing, oral and hand hygiene, clothing, and more. The study recommended sharing these findings with health organizations to disseminate information within the Badjao community via health education programs. Furthermore, presenting the findings to local officials and parents was suggested to improve hygiene practices. Lastly, based on the findings, future researchers were advised to address gaps by using visual aids and achieving a balanced respondent distribution.

Vaccination and Immunization as Perceived by Badjao Parents in Surigao City, Philippines

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Health authorities in the Philippines are tackling emerging infectious diseases among Filipino children by implementing precautionary measures, with a focus on strengthening immune systems. The cornerstone of their efforts is the 40-year-old Expanded Immunization Program (EPI), a key initiative by the Department of Health. This descriptive quantitative study aimed to inspire provision for Filipino children with safe vaccinations, addressing diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. The EPI has significantly reduced death and morbidity rates associated with preventable diseases. This study delves into the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and confidence among Badjao parents in Barangay Canlanipa, Surigao City, regarding children’s vaccination and immunization. The methodology included the utilization of researcher-made questionnaires and statistical tools such as the Frequency Count and Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation, and Chi-Square Test. The study highlighted that despite challenges such as limited education and socioeconomic factors, many Badjao parents prioritized their children’s vaccination and immunization. However, the study revealed disparities in knowledge and confidence levels, emphasizing the need for targeted information campaigns. The study recommends targeted programs to promote the EPI’s benefits among the Badjao community and urges health authorities to conduct information drives. It also suggests exploring how personal experiences, like family illnesses, affect vaccination decisions. The study ultimately provides valuable insights for local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and future researchers, highlighting the importance of vaccination and immunization for children’s health.

Sociocultural Perspectives on Badjao Life Captured from the Lived Experiences of Badjao Teens in Surigao City: A Phenomenology

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This Husserlian phenomenological study explored the sociocultural perspectives on Badjao life of teens in Surigao City. Employing Van Kaam’s phenomenology modified by Moustakas (1994), six key informants from the Badjao community (aged 15 to 19) in Canlanipa, Surigao City, were interviewed on their sociocultural experiences, yielding nine themes. Purposive sampling identified informants. Applying Van Kaam’s modified by Moustakas for data analysis revealed significant findings: Cultural Transition and Urban Challenges, Social Stereotypes and Bullying, Judgement and Discrimination, Language and Communication Challenges, Community and Social Exclusion, Government Support for Education and Community, Community Resilience and Support, Badjao Community Dynamics, and Traditional Cultural Practices. The Badjao community’s resilience relies on governmental support, education, and navigating cultural transitions. Facing discrimination and economic disparities, they strengthen social bonds, preserving cultural identity. Tradition meeting progress creates a harmonious future. The research amplifies Badjao teens’ voices, aids Surigao City leaders in understanding their needs, boosts community pride, contributes to cultural understanding, enriches academic knowledge, refines cultural theories, empowers individuals, informs policies, and strengthens community well-being.