Articles

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Vaccination as Perceived By Rural Residents in Surigao City

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This descriptive quantitative research assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on vaccination among the residents within the rurality of Barangay Rizal, Surigao City. The study used a validated researcher-made survey questionnaire that was also tested for reliability to ascertain the intended quantitative data. The respondents were selected through the purposive and quota sampling technique considering 100 maximum rural residents as respondents of the study. The frequency count and percentage revealed that most of the respondents were 18-24 years old, mostly female, mostly single, had achieved college level, and earning less than 9,100 pesos. Frequency Count, Mean, and Standard Deviation also revealed that most of the rural residents are less knowledgeable and have moderate levels of attitudes and beliefs about vaccination. The Analysis of Variance (AnOVa) and Pearson r revealed no significant associations between the residents’ profiles and the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccination. Likewise, there was also no association and relationships between knowledge and attitudes and between attitudes and beliefs. Notably, there was a relationship between the residents’ knowledge and beliefs about vaccination. The study provided a broad overview of rural residents’ sentiments towards vaccination as well. It’s crucial to educate residents about the vaccine development process to address their concerns. They are cautious by observing the side effects of the vaccines before getting vaccinated. Barangay Health Workers should conduct stronger orientations or symposiums for the rural residents. Proper health education should be disseminated among these people through seminars or symposiums. Lastly, the staff or nurses of the rural health centers must provide accurate information and strengthen any advertisements or IEC materials for the wide dissemination of information. By providing brochures to provide clear and accurate information about vaccines.

 

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.

Adherence to Hypertension Management Practices Based on International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Guidelines among Hypertensive Patients

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Hypertension is a significant global health concern with profound cardiovascular implications. The researchers used a quantitative research design employing a descriptive research survey approach and the instrument used to seek information was a researcher-made questionnaire for assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension management such as medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and blood pressure control. These tools were used in data analysis frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, and lastly analysis of variance (ANOVA). This abstract presents a study conducted in Brgy. Washington, Surigao City, focusing on adherence to hypertension management guidelines by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). Respondents generally showed high adherence to hypertension management, primarily taking medicine, with moderate adherence to monitoring blood pressure, physical activity, and diet, influenced by demographic factors. The study found no significant difference in medication adherence or adherence to a balanced diet among hypertensive individuals in Brgy. Washington, but did show differences based on age, occupation, income, and years of hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based initiatives.

Evaluation of Drinking Water Storage Practices and Point Of Use (POU) Treatments for Water Purification in Rural Area around Kolhapur City, Maharashtra

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Safe water for drinking is one of the fundamental necessities of mankind, irrespective of his origin or socio-economic status. Waterborne diseases are one of the common causes of mortality in developing nations. The potable water status is very poor in case of rural areas, where there is an immediate requirement of sufficient and secure potable water. The purpose of the present study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding water storage and purification practices as possible determinants of diseases in the rural population around Kolhapur city. Women members which are chiefly related to household water were interviewed using questionnaires in 6 villages in Karveer district. The study showed that all households stored drinking water in containers. Though many water purifying gadgets are available in market, the rural population is deprived of these treatment options, either due to unawareness or poor economic conditions. Improper storage practices at household level can aggravate the problem of drinking water contamination. It was observed that Point of Use (PoU) Treatments for water purification can be the good solution which can solve the issue of unsafe potable water.