“One for All, All for One”: A Study on the Health-Seeking Behavior of Tuberculosis Patients in Vitas Tondo, Manila

Abstract

Despite the efforts of different organizations and agencies in the Philippines, the health situation in the country is still characterized by slow progress and inequality between various sectors. One of the persevering health burdens is tuberculosis, which remains as the country’s 6th leading cause of death. Although creative and innovative campaigns have been utilized to fight the number of TB cases, there is still a high prevalence, especially in areas with expected vulnerability like urban poor communities. These lead to the realization that there is a need to explore and determine the reasons of Filipinos with tuberculosis in informal settlement areas for seeking treatment and medication in order to solve this health problem. Furthermore, with the existence of the Department of Health’s Directly-Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) program, factors that motivate TB patients to continue enrolment in the program must be taken into account. Hence, this research that will focus on the health-seeking behavior of TB patients in Vitas Tondo, Manila is formed. The study is of prime relevance particularly in the field of behavioral sciences and public health. Its inquiry towards behavioral factors on medical adherence is beneficial in the continuing efforts to enhance the program, to make its approach community-based and to formulate new techniques to alleviate the health situation. Likewise, it serves as a precursor to future healthseeking behavior studies with concern in diseases other than TB. The research problem was examined through the use of variables such as the individual, their existing social groups, the environment they live in and their culture. Factors were classified according to the social ecological model by Urie Bronfrenbrenner. Data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Key informant interviews and survey, including an adapted version of the Attitude towards Seeking Medical Scale, were the primary sources of information to satisfy the objectives of this research. Institutions like the health center and non-government organizations were keys to the execution of these. Moreover, respondents were given free and prior informed consent as the study upheld voluntary participation and confidentiality of the responses. Limitations of the study only focused on one area of health-seeking behavior. In addition, non-probability sampling was followed and the representativeness of the respondents was sacrificed. A depressed area was chosen in order to reflect the health situations of people who are most needy. At the end of the study, the results showed that the individual factor found to be significantly influential to the health-seeking behavior of tuberculosis patients in the urban poor community is the attitude towards medical care. On the other hand, the social factor influential to patients is the social support of their family and/or friends, and the environmental factors that encourage patients to continue treatment are the attitude of health workers toward them, nearness of the health center and orderliness of the health center. Factors which probably discourage them according to workers include the long lines during treatment and the persistence of stigma from community members. In terms of culture, the type of livelihood or subsistence strategy is a contributor to the adherence of patients. Lastly, lack of health workers, absence of incentives and degree of implementation can be considered as setbacks to the current provisions of the DOTS program that usually lead to a patient’s drop out. Overall, the conduct of this research is an effort to show agreement with World Vision in saying “the battle against TB in the Philippines can be won” and research is one of the primary keys to victory.