Coastal Barangays’ Access and Utilization of Universal Health Care Services Towards Program Enhancement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijphn.v2i2.7769Keywords:
Access, Coastal Barangays, Health Care, Program Enhancement, UtilizationAbstract
Health care access in remote and disadvantaged areas remains a critical challenge due to systemic inequities and behavioral barriers. In the coastal barangays of Panay, structural limitations and individual health perceptions create a complex environment that often results in reactive, symptom-driven utilization rather than preventive care. This study identified the factors influencing the residents of coastal barangays in the Municipality of Panay, which are considered geographically isolated and disadvantaged in accessing and utilizing health care services, with insights to enhance program implementation. This employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey research design. Data were collected from residents across eight barangays to evaluate service availability and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, including perceived susceptibility, severity, and barriers. The hypothesis of a significant link between engagement and perception was supported, as health care utilization was a statistically significant positive predictor of perceived access. While basic medical equipment was widely available, critical human resource disparities were noted, with doctor and nurse availability falling below in some barangays, like Butacal. HBM findings revealed low perceived susceptibility and high perceived barriers related to transportation and costs, leading to a “symptom-driven” utilization model. The findings highlight a “resource-rich but functionally poor” health system where hardware is available but clinical personnel and emergency transport are lacking. Increased utilization reinforces positive perceptions of access, suggesting that improving service frequency can improve systemic trust. Interventions must move beyond hardware provision to address structural barriers and shift community mindsets through proactive programs like Barangay Health Workers’ Education, Service and Telemedicine, and “GIDA Emergency and Logistics Network”.
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