ABSTRACT

Rapid improvements in health and nutrition in developing countries may be ascribed to specific, deliberate, health and nutrition-related interventions and to the changes in the underlying social, economic, and health environments. The maxim "health is wealth” is popular among Filipinos. Filipinos assert that for as long as a person is in good health, he or she can bravely overcome seemingly insurmountable odds (Yang et al., 2009).

The purpose of this research is to assess and identify the hygienic measures practiced by the barangay health workers in Barangay San Roque, Daraga, Albay. This study provided information on how to improve the barangay’s
hygienic and sanitary conditions which could greatly contribute to the health and well-being of the community, the residents and the barangay health workers themselves.

This study increased the awareness of the barangay health workers on the significance of hygiene and sanitation towards patients’ care and encouraged them to commits themselves to its application. Specifically, it sought answers to the following questions: IWhat is the profile of the participants in terms of age, educational attainment, years of service as BHW?; 2.What hygienic measures are being practiced by the barangay health workers in terms of personal care and patients’ care?; 3.What are the problems encountered by the participants in the practice of hygienic measures along with personal care and patients’ care, and 4.What possible nursing measures can be suggested to help improve the hygienic measures of the participants? Qualitative exploration and inductive methods were used in order to evaluate actions and seek deeper truth out of the presented reality. The researchers used methods that include one on one interview, key informant interview (Kl) and journalizing. The participants’ confidentiality was also ensured. In order to have apparent data analysis and data facilitation, the data gathered was sorted out and organized in table forms according to its concepts and categories and with that, hypothesis and conclusions were made.

Key concepts: Occupational Hygiene. Practices. Barangay Health Workers