Bridging the Gap: Reducing Health Inequities in Access to Preventive Health Care Services in Rural Communities in the Philippines.

Introduction: We used an implementation science framework to investigate perceived health inequities in preventive health care initiatives in rural communities in the Philippines. We also identified health equity–focused quality improvement strategies. Methods: Three health care providers and 12 bar...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Transcultural Nursing Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 24 - 34
Autores principales: Serafica, Reimund, Reyes, Andrew T., Cacciata, Marysol C., Kawi, Jennifer, Leyva, Erwin William A., Sy, Francisco S., Evangelista, Lorraine S.
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. Jan2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Introduction: We used an implementation science framework to investigate perceived health inequities in preventive health care initiatives in rural communities in the Philippines. We also identified health equity–focused quality improvement strategies. Methods: Three health care providers and 12 barangay clinic patients were interviewed. Results: Patient interviews showed that social determinants of health, respect, and attitudes toward health care providers affected patient empowerment to engage in self-management for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Health care providers identified six challenges in managing NCDs: (a) inefficient work processes; (b) staffing shortages; (c) insufficient access to low-cost medications; (d) inadequate primary preventive health education from the schools; (e) health care not considered a priority; and (f) lack of local government support. Discussion: Inadequate preventive health care and education intensify health access and resource inequities in rural communities in the Philippines. A multi-sectoral plan may improve rural health infrastructure and education toward improving health care access and decreasing care disparities.