Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 47 no. 8 (2025)

Preventive Measures Against Communicable Diseases: A Basis for the Enhancement of Health Programs

Aljon Peter Temporal | Helen Asturias

Discipline: healthcare science (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

The Philippines continues to face persistent challenges from communicable diseases, particularly coronavirus disease (COVID-19), tuberculosis (TB), and measles, which place tremendous strain on the primary healthcare system, where Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) act as frontline providers of health promotion, disease prevention, and community surveillance. This study examined the preventive health measure practices of BHWs in selected barangays of Cainta, Rizal, during 2023–2024, focusing on their implementation across the three diseases and the control mechanisms used in prevention, detection, and response. Employing a quantitative descriptive-comparative design, the research utilized a structured questionnaire validated by experts and pilot-tested for reliability (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.80), with 218 BHWs selected through proportionate simple random sampling from San Andres, San Juan, San Isidro, and Sto. Domingo. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and nonparametric alternatives, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. The results indicated that preventive measures were practiced to varying degrees across barangays, with significant differences noted in their implementation for COVID-19, TB, and measles. Control mechanisms—including surveillance, laboratory testing, preparedness and response, evidence-based policies, and public health communication—also varied, while organizational and delivery factors such as governance, infrastructure, financing, and partnerships influenced effectiveness. The findings underscore the critical role of BHWs in grassroots-level disease prevention while revealing systemic gaps that hinder program sustainability. Strengthening training, institutional support, and intersectoral collaboration is essential to improve health program delivery and resilience. Overall, the study contributes evidence to guide policy development and community-based health interventions, reinforcing BHWs as the backbone of primary healthcare and a vital force in strengthening the Philippines' capacity to address current and future communicable disease threats.



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