Common Thread: A Study on the Health Seeking Behavior of Garment Factory Workers in Taytay, Rizal

Abstract

A phenomenological study was conducted to explore the current health conditions and health-seeking behavior of garment factory workers in Taytay, Rizal. Using purposive random sampling, a total of 6 participants from two garment factories in Taytay were interviewed. It revolves around the common diseases that they acquire, the factors that affect their health-seeking behavior and the barriers and issues that they experience when accessing health care. The data from the conducted interviews were analyzed by grouping significant statements from the participants into meaning units that lead to six themes namely: Personal Health, Self Treatment as Primary Responde, Self Perceived Severity, Public versus Private, Money Matters, and Aside from Expenses. Results showed that garment workers experience different health issues such as heart diseases, respiratory diseases, hyperglycemia, and hypertension especially in their middle ages. It was found that the nature of their job increases their risk for different diseases. Workers experience heavy occupational dust exposure from their physical work environment. In addition, occupational stress also affects the health of garment workers. It was found that workers prefer self treatment methods when faced with a health crisis. This is either by self medicating using over-the-counter drugs or with alternative medicine. This is strengthened by the self perceived severity of the worker towards their condition. When the perceived severity is low, then workers are more likely to refuse to seek formal treatment. Lack of finances is a major barrier that prevents workers from being able to afford medical services. If any, public services are deemed to be inefficient and tiring. The study will be relevant in strengthening the policies protecting garment factory workers, as well give a clearer understanding in effective and strategic policy making in the local health care system. Standard ethical practice in the conduct of research was closely observed and followed throughout the study.