2 research outputs found
Community-based dengue vector control : experiences in behavior change in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
Dengue is the most important mosquito-borne disease in the Philippines, especially in Metropolitan Manila
where communities are socially and economically diverse, and city governments struggle to provide basic
services such as continuously available, piped water supply to residents. We examined responses to
introducing water container management to control dengue vectors in two diverse communities in Masagana
City: Village A (gated community) and Village B (informal settlers community). The roll out of the intervention was
carried out by the study team, dengue control personnel and local health workers (BHWs). A behavioural
change framework was used to describe the community responses to the introduction of a new vector control
intervention - household water containermanagement. Although, the desired outcome was not achieved during
the studyβs timeline, observation on processes of behaviour change underscored the importance of
understanding the social nature of the urban communities, often overlooked structures when dengue control
program and researchers introduce new dengue control interventions
Reproductive and sexual health status and problems of mothers in female-headed households in an urban poor community in Cebu City
This exploratory study examines the reproductive and sexual health status and problems as well as the health-seeking behavior of 12 single mothers in female-headed households. The study used the qualitative method, particularly in-depth interview to gather information from the single mothers aged 18-49 years old who have had at least one child but without a spouse or cohabiting partner at the time of the study. The findings of the study revealed the sad plight of these single mothers. Because of their role as sole breadwinners of the family, they are not able to take care of themselves. On top of being poor and alone to support their families, they sorely lack the proper information on certain reproductive health matters (e.g. contraception, STD transmission, etiology and management of reproductive tract infections).The data gathered showed that these women have experienced unwanted pregnancies, unmet need for contraception, abortion and some reproductive tract illnesses. They have also experienced being forced by their partners into sex, which show how powerless women are. And because they are single mothers, men in the workplace and community think they are fair game. They have also encountered sexual harassment in the form of jokes and lewd actions. The results further revealed that these mothers resort to self-medication or they approach traditional birth attendants because they either lack the time and money, or are embarrassed and do not regard the illnesses as serious. Although health care services are available, they are not socially accessible to these single mothers