BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Barangay Health Workers (BHW) are a crucial part of the local health system. Health services at the barangay level are heavily dependent on BHWs. However, despite their significant role in the local health system, support has been minimal and not commensurate with their contributions. The study aimed to identify the perceived external and internal factors that affect the performance of BHWs.

METHODS

The study identified the BHW-perceived external and internal factors affecting performance, through mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. A self-administered questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale that will assess the factors was given to 561 BHWs from five different upland municipalities of Cavite. A focus group discussion using open-ended questions was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Emerging themes were reported into narratives.

RESULTS

BHWs maintained a strong level of participation at required health activities, but more than half were often late, owing to their volunteer status and external responsibilities. They were perceived to have a high sense of duty reflected by punctual submission of reports and confidence in delivering health services. Job satisfaction emerged as a substantial motivator while burnout was not a significant demotivator. Leadership and support from local government and health program management were perceived positively by most BHWs. Service delivery confidence was high among BHWs as reflected in their capability to provide expected services. BHWs perceived that challenges were present in terms of the adequacy of medicines and supplies, and on data transmission, although half were generally satisfied with the organization of health records. Human resources were perceived to be sufficient. Financial aspects showed that while most BHWs do not contribute personally to patient care, a significant minority shell out resources for patients, reflecting financial strains within the health system. The study also revealed the varying motivations for volunteering, including community service, staff shortages, knowledge acquisition, and additional income.

CONCLUSION

External and internal factors affect the performance of BHWs at the local level. These were related to current health systems, political climate, personal household duties, and financial status. Despite facing these challenges, the BHWs showed commendable involvement in local health programs. BHWs remained motivated through training opportunities and positive community feedback but were hindered by a lack of health science knowledge and the need for supplementary income.

Human ; Local Government

Introduction: Diabetes in the Philippines is a major and growing health issue. From its prevalence of 2.8 million in 2000, it was projected by the World Health Organization to reach 7.8 million by 2030. Glimepiride has been found to be effective and well-tolerated, as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, in managing glycemic levels among type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a sustained release (SR) fixed-dose combination (FDC) preparation of glimepiride and metformin in the treatment of Filipino patients with T2DM. Methods: This open-label, observational, multicenter, post-marketing study, conducted from April 2012 to December 2013, included 20 to 75-year-old patients with T2DM, presenting with 7% to 11% HbA1c or 110-250 mg/dL fasting blood sugar, insulin-naive, and in consideration for management with a glimepiride-metformin FDC. Baseline data were collected. Patients were prescribed with glimepiride-metformin FDC SR 2/500 mg/tab for a six-month treatment period. Follow-up data were collected on the third and the sixth month of treatment. Patients who missed one follow-up were included in population for safety analysis. Patients who completed both follow-up schedules make up the per-protocol population for efficacy analysis. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in frequencies and percentages. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for efficacy analysis on HbA1c and FBG data. Results: From 1,052 enrollees, 795 patients had sufficiently filled data forms and attended at least one follow-up schedule; this is the population whose data was analyzed for this study. Fifty-nine AEs were reported; only 21 incidents of hypoglycemia were assessed to be definitely, probably, or possibly related to the study drug. Repeated measure ANOVA showed that the mean ± SD HbA1c at month three (7.15 ± 1.22%) and month six (6.80 ± 1.17%) were significantly lower than baseline (8.67 ± 1.10%). The mean ± SD FBG at month three (133.20 ± 35.46 mg/dL) and month six (122.47 ± 29.34 mg/dL) were also significantly lower than baseline (176.85 ± 41.24 mg/dL). The differences in HbA1c and FBG changes between those with concomitant OAD and those without were non-significant. Conclusion Fixed-dose combination of glimepiridemetformin is a drug with a tolerable profile and favorable benefits in treating patients with T2DM.
Metformin