Awareness, Availment, and Satisfaction on various Health Services among Residents of a Rural Community in Samar, Philippines: A Mixed Methods Study

Authors

  • Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, PhD Research Center for Culture and Social Issues, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9175-5270
  • Sheriah Laine M. de Paz-Silava, MD, PhD College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5598-3951
  • Julie Ann M. Quilatan, MAE Samar Island Center for Good Local Governance, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5665-4156
  • Abigail M. Cabaguing, PhD Samar Island Center for Good Local Governance, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4525-8393
  • Jhonil C. Bajado, MAT Research for Culture and Social Issues, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8344

Keywords:

primary care, health services, availment, awareness, satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to investigate citizens' awareness, availment, satisfaction, and perceived need for action with health services offered by a rural municipality in Samar, Philippines.

Methods. This study utilized an explanatory-sequential research design, involving 150 participants selected through the Kish Grid Method via a multi-stage sampling approach within the community. The Citizen Satisfaction Index System was employed to assess the levels of awareness, utilization, and satisfaction with health services in the municipality.

Results. Among the assessed health services, the cohort had low awareness and low availment on services for
communicable diseases, basic dental/oral hygiene, and reproductive health. While high awareness was observed for childbirth services, there was low availment on these. The participants showed high awareness and availment for only two services namely, free general consultation and the free medicine program. While high satisfaction was seen among all services that were assessed, the participants also expressed a high perceived need for action to improve their delivery.

Conclusion. This study presents a comprehensive view of rural healthcare in Samar, Philippines. Despite high satisfaction rates, gaps persist in the citizen’s awareness and availment due to accessibility, costs, fear, misinformation, and cultural differences. The findings of this study can guide policymakers in identifying gaps in healthcare in rural areas.

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Published

2024-12-18

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Awareness, Availment, and Satisfaction on various Health Services among Residents of a Rural Community in Samar, Philippines: A Mixed Methods Study. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 18 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];58(23). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/8344