Awareness and Practices of Barangay Health Workers to Waterborne Diseases: Basis for a Proposed Capability Training Plan

Abstract

Barangay health workers (BHWs) play an important role in every community health care delivery system. They act as frontliners under the primary health care approach. They render primary care services such as first aid and maternal, neonatal, and community-based interventions in the community. This study generally aimed to determine the awareness and practices of barangay health workers regarding waterborne diseases: basis for a proposed capability-training plan. Survey questionnaires were used as the primary tool. A total citation was attempted among the BHWs, whereas systematic random sampling was done for the BHWs, resulting in 60 barangay health worker respondents. The findings of the study showed that BHWs serve more than 15-20 households. The motivator factor is more important to BHWs' work performance than hygienic issues. The majority of the barangay health stations must have the essential equipment, instruments, and supplies to provide health care services. However, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities need to be enhanced. The BHWs are not fully equipped personally with the paraphernalia needed for delivering community services. The schedule of health services is dependent on the midwife. Local policies relative to BHWs are limited. The work environment can be more favorable if BHWs are equipped personally with the resources necessary to provide quality services and if the inadequacy of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is addressed. Moreover, the functionality of the barangay health station must be maintained. The BHWs Benefit and Incentive Act (RA 7883) must be properly implemented to sustain BHWs' motivation for better work performance.