Philippine E-Journals

Pharmaceutical Behavior in the Management of Acute Respiratory Infections: Key Issues from the Social Science Perspective

Ma. Elena Chiong-javier

Discipline: Sociology, Social Studies

 

Abstract:

This paper identifies key issues arising from a review of local literature on pharmaceutical behavior concerning the management of acute respiratory infections (ARl) that is in accordance with the program developed and promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). These issues pertain to (a) the client system's -- i.e., mothers' -- popular beliefs or indigenous perceptions concerning the taxonomy, signs and symptoms and etiology of ARl, their ability to recognize levels of illness severity, and their health-seeking behavior in response to ARl, and (b) the social science methodologies, particularly qualitative types, in studying people’s compliance or noncompliance with prescribed health advice or treatment. A background on the WHO-initiated program on ARI precedes the discussion of these issues. The paper ends with some implications for social science research on pharmaceutical behavior in the management of ARl in Filipino children.