The Phenomenological Analysis of a Health-Seeking Behavior: the Continuous Consumption of Folk Medicine Among the Locals of Tanay, Rizal

Abstract

Folk medicine refers to traditional healing practices anchored in cultural beliefs of body physiology and health preservation (Wangkheirakpam, 2018). Its prevalent and continuous patronage among Filipinos in rural areas, despite the availability of medical facilities and services, is fascinating yet intriguing. Has the Philippine Healthcare remain inaccessible? This research determines and analyzes the social factors influencing the health-seeking behavior of selected participants in Tanay, Rizal, with regards to their choice of medical aid; consultation with folk medicine practitioners. A thematic analysis of the respondents’ interviews, had been employed to better interpret the obtained data. Results show that the majority of the participants utilize folk medicine in adherence to family tradition, and in conformance to the culture in rural areas. Furthermore, participants argued that folk medicine is more accessible and more affordable for them. This only indicates the inaccessibility of healthcare in the country; medical facilities and the number of medical workforce remain lacking; it cannot fully accommodate, in its full potential, the medical needs of Filipinos.