Background: Reports would say that the health needs of Overseas Filipino Workers are not adequately addressed due to the lack of adequate funds. However, maintaining good health may be less costly and more beneficial in the long run. Objective: This study looks into health priorities and health risk profile of Overseas Filipino Workers to identify specific behaviors to target in promotion of wellness and prevention of disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study of Filipino temporary migrant workers with data collected by means of convenience at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Results: One hundred seventy-five (60%) were in the unattached young adult stage. Two hundred four (76%) deemed their overall health status as fair with only 1 (0.3%) evaluated their overall health status as poor. The BMI of 48% were within normal range. One hundred twenty-eight (46%) ranked physical health their top priority while social health was deemed least (31%). Eating habits and exercise patterns put the majority (605 each respectively) at moderate health risk. Conclusion: While the participants may feel that they are in good health, they may still have behaviors that may put them at significant health risk. To address this problem, certain information such as the stage in the family life cycle may help in developing a more directed health program. This study hopes to be a springboard for future studies and for innovations in practices. Hopefully primary and secondary measures may be implemented and studied according to their efficacy and efficiency.
HEALTH PRIORITIES