BACKGROUND: Underutilization of PhilHealth benefits undermines the effective distribution of public resources. To formulate effective strategies, the factors affecting the utilization of members must be studied.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) assess the rate of underutilization of inpatient benefits and (2) determine the association of chosen factors with PhilHealth underutilization of selected member groups in three barangays in Manila.

METHODS: The study was done in selected Barangays in Manila. Using the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) method of sampling, a sample size of 147 households were obtained and interviewed  for the study. An interview guide was used to gather the data needed for analysis. Chi-square test was then used to determine existing associations between underutilization and the chosen factors.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The chi-square test of association revealed that gender (p-value=0.034), income (p-value=0.026), and type of membership (p-value=0.027) are significantly associated with underutilization. Females and paying members were found to be more frequent users. Gap between the utilization and underutilization rates was found to be greatest in the lowest income groups. 'Lack of knowledge on filing claims' (p-value<0.001) and on benefits (p-value<0.001) were also identified as significant predictors of underutilization. Results showing a significant proportion of household experiencing insurance underutilization highlight the need for NHIC to create new and/or improved mechanisms that will enable it to extend its reach to the people.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Chi-square Distribution ; Filing ; Sample Size ; Inpatients ; Poverty ; Income ; Family Characteristics ; Insurance ; Immunization

This article describes the partnership between the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and the province of Laguna in the context of implementation of the field practice course. This partnership paved the way for the development and implementation of projects in seven field practice sites. Projects concentrated mainly on improving quality of data and health information system, development of educational materials, and addressing health problems such as tuberculosis, hypertension and rabies. After the implementation of the various activities, there is a need for both parties (the College of Public Health and the Provincial Health Office of Laguna) to monitor and evaluate if projects have been sustained. Moreover, successful projects must also be fully documented which can serve as models for other areas in the province of Laguna.

Human ; Rabies ; Health Information Systems ; Public Health ; Tuberculosis ; Quality Improvement ; Universities ; Teaching Materials ; Hypertension