2

measure for pandemic public health threats, such as gastrointestinal illness

(e.g. shigellosis), respiratory illness (e.g. influenza, pneumonia, asthma), a
combination of general gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms of infection
(such as diarrhea or runny nose), and skin problems such as skin rash,
eczema, psoriasis, and acne (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,
2007).
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000

Philippines

4,000

Cebu

3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Skin Disorder Punctured Wound

Pneumonia

URTI

Table 1.0 National and Cebu City Statistics of morbidity for

2011-2014
Based on table 1.0, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection has a highest
percentage in Cebu City followed by punctured wound, skin disorder, and
pneumonia. In the National area, skin disorder has the highest percentage
followed by punctured wound, pneumonia, and URTI.

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

2011
2012
2013
2014

Table 2.0 Statistical Data of Morbidity in Looc, Mandaue City

Table 2.0 reveals the top four consistent morbidity cases in Barangay
Looc Mandaue City from 2011 to 2014. From 2011-2014, URTI consistently
has the highest percentage, followed by skin disorder. In the year 2011,
2013, and 2014, pneumonia increases gradually and punctured wound
increases in the year 2011, 2012, and 2014.
The beliefs and practices of community members have a profound
effect on the health of the community. These beliefs and practices serve as
index in determining the current condition of the community (Edelman,
2006).
Base on the local setting, the researchers who were exposed during
their Community Awareness Relationship and Extension Services Activities
observed some health practices in the selected sitios of Barangay Looc.
Practices observed were improper personal hygiene such as bathing in the
seashore where garbages are thrown instead of bathing in their house,

improper waste segregation, mothers preparing non-nutritious foods to their

children (cola drinks, junk foods, and lugaw) children are seen in the
streets playing barefooted, garbage were thrown anywhere in streets and
seashore, barbeque sticks, nails, fragments of broken glass, and other sharp
objects are scattered and not properly disposed. Clients with respiratory tract
infections seek consultation but do not comply with therapeutic regimen as
verbalized by the barangay health nurse.
Hence, the researchers being students at University of Cebu LapuLapu and Mandaue, who will be future nurses, will determine the general
health practices among the residents Barangay Looc. The findings of which
will serve as bases for a proposed health teaching program.

Theoretical Background
This study is anchored on Nola J. Penders. Health Promotion Model
a complementary counterpart to models of health protection notes that

each person has unique personal characteristics and experiences that affect
subsequent actions. The set of variables for behavioral specific knowledge
and affect have important motivational significance (Parsons, Pender, &
Murdaugh, 2011).
Health promotion is defined as behavior motivated by the desire to
increase well-being and actualize human health potential. It is an approach
to wellness. On the other hand, health protection or illness prevention is
described as behavior motivated desire to actively avoid illness, detect it
early, or maintain functioning within the constraints of illness. (Kozier,
2008).
The model organizes cues into a pattern to explain the likelihood of a
clients developing health-promoting behaviors. The focus of this model is to
explain the reasons why individuals engage in health activities (Potter &
Perry, 2008).
Health promoting behavior means the endpoint outcome directed
toward attaining positive health outcomes such as optimal well-being,
personal fulfillment and productive living. Example of health-promoting
behavior are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress,
gaining adequate rest and spiritual growth, and building positive relationship
(Edelman, 2008).

Community health care setting is the best venue in promoting health

and preventing illnesses. Using Penders Health Promotion Model,
community program may be focused on activities that can improve the wellbeing of the people. Health promotion and disease prevention can more
easily be carried out in the community, as compared to programs that aim to
cure disease conditions
These variables can be modified through nursing actions. Health
promoting behavior is the desired behavioral outcome and is the end point in
the HPM. Health promoting behaviors should result in improved health,
enhanced functional ability and better quality of life at all stages of
development. The final behavioral demand is also influenced by the
immediate competing demand and preferences, which can derail an intended
health promoting actions (Pender, Hendricks, Murdaugh, 2006).
Personal biological factors which include variables such as age,
gender, body mass index. Age can affect individuals health especially
children and older adults. In children, their body is not yet fully developed
while in older adults, the function of their immune system is already
deteriorating. In general, advancing age is associated with poorer health
practices and lower perceptions of personal health. As women age they tend
to gain weight and engage in less physical activity and they are more likely

to report fair/poor health if they have experienced unhealthy weight gain

(Mosby, 2006).
Gender or social differences are also important. In daily life men and
women are systematically exposed to a range of different factors which can
profoundly affect their well-being both positively and negatively. Gender
significantly influenced information seeking. Men were not as interested as
women in diabetes, osteoporosis, eye conditions, obesity or mood disorders
such as anxiety or depression. This is of particular concern given the
growing number of diagnosed diabetes and CVD cases in the community.
Women reported taking more responsibility for their health, potentially
related to risk perception and the gender bias that women are socialized to be
more concerned about health issues than men. Targeted education,
encouraging men to be engaged and to take more responsibility for their
health will be vital to disease prevention (Davidson & Freudenburg, 2008).
Nursing interventions need to pay attention to the social context and
implement interventions within the family that take into consideration the
family demands, employment status, and educational levels to promote selfcare for healthy behaviors for partners and their children. With the personal
sociocultural factors it includes variables such as race, ethnicity,
acculturation, education, and socioeconomic status. The following

behavioural-specific cognition and affect that are considered of major

motivational significance and these variables are modifiable through nursing
action (Potter & Perry, 2006).
Education and socio-economic status is another important factor that
could affect health. In which, in education, the lower the level of knowledge
the lesser the level of understanding. People with low education have higher
rates of mortality, illness, disability, and have poorer quality of life. In socio
economic status, families with low socioeconomic status often lack the
financial, social, and educational supports that characterize families with
high socioeconomic status. Poor families also may have inadequate or
limited access to community resources thus, lead them to poor health
management practices and parents may have inadequate skills and they may
lack information about childhood immunizations, nutrition and other health
practices. Families with high socioeconomic status often have a wide range
of resources to promote and maintain healthy lifestyle and environment as
well (Beck &Polit, 2007).
Activity-related effect denotes to the subjective positive or negative
feeling that occur before, during, and following behavior based on the
stimulus properties of the behavior itself. It influences perceived selfefficacy, which means the more positive the subjective feeling, the greater

the feeling of efficacy. In turn, increased feelings of efficacy can generate

further positive affect (Black, Hawks, Keene, 2006).
An individuals standard of living (reflecting occupation, income, and
education) is related to health, morbidity, and mortality. Hygiene, food
habits, and the propensity to seek health care advice and follow health
regimens vary among high-income and low income groups Food and water
are the major sources of exposure to both chemical and biological hazards
such as petroleum solvent, kerosene, and gasoline. Inhaling vomit, irritating
fumes, and other substances contribute to the development of aspiration
pneumonia. They impose a substantial health risk to consumers and
economic burdens on individuals, communities and nations. (Johansson,
Mason, Salama, Wardlaw, 2006).
Lifestyle usually affects community health; it refers to a persons
general way of living, including living condition and individual patterns of
behaviour that are influenced by sociocultural factors and personal
characteristic. In brief, lifestyle is often considered as behaviour and
activities over which people have control. Lifestyle choices may have
positive or negative effects on health (Horkreader, 2006).
Activities of everyday life shape and influence the health of family
members. Family practices either promote or hinder the development of

10

good health habits and well-being in children. In addition, an inequality in

education between partners is associated with increased health risks,
specifically having one partner with low educational attainment. This
finding is thought to be due to material (housing quality, living conditions)
and psychosocial (social support, stress, coping) factors that in turn affect
the spouses health (Tomey&Alligood, 2006).
Annual checkups are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. A
medical check-up, otherwise known as a comprehensive physical exam, is
an

important

preventive

and

diagnostic

tool. Primary

care

physicians recommend that patients come in once a year for a medical

check-up to ensure their health is on track. This annual medical exam gives
an opportunity to closely monitor health and assist with the prevention of
disease and illness. Getting a routine medical check-up is important for
everyone, particularly those with chronic health problems, a complicated
health history or a genetic predisposition to certain conditions. There are
many benefits that come from getting a regular annual medical exam.
Prevention and the early detection of potential health problems is the most
significant benefit. Others include peace of mind and a more comprehensive
health history that can help you make informed health decisions throughout
your lifetime (Kempera, 2006).

11

Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are

active live longer and feel better. During physical activity, muscles of the
respiratory system such as the diaphragm and the intercostals muscle gets
stronger. This is so that they can make the chest cavity larger. Having a
larger chest cavity means that you can also have an increase vital capacity
this is because more air is able to be inspired. More capillaries are formed
around the alveoli so that more gaseous exchange can take place. Gas
exchange will also be able to happen more quickly, meaning that exercise
can be maintained at a higher intensity for longer (Hurley, 2006).
In addition, most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical
activity at least five days per week. Examples include walking briskly,
mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or bicycling. Stretching
and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness
level (Heit, 2006).
Sports are a kind of play. People will engage in sports to give their
body exercise and help them learn to use muscles in different ways. Playing
sports can be hard work but it can also help individual to get fit and have
fun. Sports are a good way to make friends, whether you take part or just
watch. Most sports exercise your body and your brain. To improve, you need
to practice. This makes your body fitter and healthier. Moving in the right

12

way becomes easier. Your muscles grow stronger and your brain learns how
to control them better (Evans, 2006).
The pathophysiology of pneumonia in alcoholics is primarily due to
depression of normal defense mechanisms. Alcohol is known to depress
normal mucociliary function. Furthermore, the ability of neutrophils and
macrophages to fight against infection is hampered. Other inhibited lower
respiratory tract defenses include nonspecific antibacterial activity of
surfactant,

opsonization

by

immunoglobulin

or

complement,

and

intracellular killing by alveolar macrophages. Aspiration of material from

the mixed oropharyngeal flora may be due to a diminished cough or
epiglottic reflex seen during alcoholic withdrawal seizures or a decrease in
level of consciousness associated with heavy drinking. Other contributors to
an increased risk of development of pneumonia include poor nutrition,
immunosuppression from alcohol-related liver disease, and smoking
abuse.The symptoms of pneumonia in alcoholics are similar to those with
community-acquired pneumonia but may be more severe. The organisms
most commonly isolated are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus
influenza, and K pneumonia (Ghali, Moskowitz & Saitz, 2006).
Chronic alcohol ingestion impairs multiple critical cellular functions
in the lungs. This cellular impairments lead to increase susceptibility to

13

serious complication from lung diseases. This chemical changes compound

negative mechanical and microbiological effects of alcoholism on the
respiratory system. This includes greater likelihood of colonies of
pneumococcal bacteria in the upper respiratory systems (Shryrock, 2006).
Smoking is a risk factor for a number of pulmonary infections,
probably because of its adverse effects on respiratory defenses. It is
associated with increased morbidity and mortality from pneumonia and
influenza, as well as more days lost from work from lesser respiratory
infections. Smoking is believed to exacerbate respiratory diseases by
harming respiratory defense mechanisms. Burning tobacco forms an aerosol
of vaporized chemicals and particulates (approximately 3 109 particles/mL
of cigarette smoke) that include nicotine, multiple carcinogens, oxidants, and
carbon monoxide. The physical properties of cigarette smoke promote the
deposition of particles in the lower airways, where they affect respiratory
defense mechanisms at multiple levels (McCuske, 2007).
Specifically, smoking damages mucociliary function, which impairs
clearance of inhaled substances even in smokers who have no respiratory
symptoms, promotes bacterial adherence to airway epithelial cells. Even
smokers with normal lung function have oropharyngeal flora colonizing the
lower airways, a normally sterile environment, increases alveolar vascular

14

and epithelial permeability, affects the composition, appearance, and

function of pulmonary inflammatory cells. Smokers have several times more
cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage and higher percentages of
macrophages and neutrophils than do nonsmokers. Alveolar macrophages
are important both for clearing particles through phagocytosis and for
regulating inflammation and cellular immunity. Smokers have larger
alveolar macrophages than do nonsmokers, have intracytoplasmic inclusions
not seen in the cells of nonsmokers, and may have impaired antigenpresenting function and reversibly depresses natural killer-cell function
(Matthay & Murins, 2007).
Many people who smoke cigars feel it is relaxing because they do not
inhale the cigar smoke. However, holding cigar and cigar smoke in your
mouth increases your risk for infection and cancer of the mouth, tongue,
throat, and larynx. Cigarette smoking affects not only the smokers but also
nearby non-smokers who may inhale many elements of the smoke. Such
exposure can be especially trouble to some for persons with diseases
(Kempera, 2006).
Personal hygiene refers to a set of practices performed by an
individual for the preservation of health and maintaining cleanliness and
grooming of the external body. Washing of hands with antimicrobial soap

15

and water or usage of hand sanitizers removes most of the bacteria and
viruses from your hands and prevents the transmission of microorganisms. It
also prevents the spread of bacteria to your family and other people and
places you are in contact with. Hand washing should be performed before
and after eating and even handling contaminated objects. Covering while
sneezing or coughing can decrease the chance of acquiring infective
pneumonia or other respiratory diseases (Paulete, 2006).
People must wash their hands and exposed portions of the arms after
touching bare human body parts, using the toilet room, handling animals,
coughing/sneezing, using a handkerchief, using tobacco, eating/drinking,
handling soiled equipment/utensils, as often as necessary to prevent crosscontamination, when switching between raw and ready-to-eat food, and after
engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands (Ovington, 2008).
Another concern in a community in which hygiene and environmental
cleanliness is at stake is skin problems, mainly rashes, may be due an
allergic reaction to a food, medication or other substance. Contact dermatitis
is a common cause of skin rash and can be provoked by contact with a plant,
such as poison ivy, or chemicals that are too harsh for the skin, including
laundry detergents and other kinds of pollutants. Eczema, also called atopic
dermatitis, is another allergic skin condition. People who suffer from asthma

16

or seasonal allergies are more likely to also develop eczema, viral and
bacterial infections can lead to skin problems that include rashes, sores and
blisters. Management of skin disorders are proper hygiene, healthy lifestyle
include balance rest and activity, and healthy diet according to the National
Institutes of Health 2009.
Topical corticosteroid may be beneficial as anti-inflammatory agents
to decrease itching. Topically applied agents are used to slow the overactive
epidermis without affecting the other tissues. These agents include lotions,
ointments, pastes, and creams. Topical antibacterial therapy such as
mupirocin, maybe prescribed when the disease is limited to small area; the
medication must be applied to the lesions several times daily for a week.
When topical therapy is prescribed, lesions are soaked or wash with soap
solution to remove the central site of bacterial growth, giving the topical
antibiotic an opportunity to reach the infected site. After the crusts are
removed, a topical antibiotic cream is applied. An antiseptic solution such as
povidone-iodine (betadine), may be used to clean the skin, reduce bacterial
content in the infected area, and prevent spread (Bare, Cheever, Hinkle, &
Smeltzer, 2008).
Wound dressings are used in application to minor and major wounds
that are incurred by patients. The application of a wound dressing may be

17

due to any number of reasons, including the following: to abate blood flow,
provide relief from pain, enhance the healing process, protect the wound
from infection, remove foreign particles, and to absorb any fluids discharged
from the wound (Ovington, 2008).
A number of diseases can be prevented through proper health beliefs
and practices. It then explores which diseases can be prevented through
improved personal hygiene, sanitation, water supply, proper waste disposal,
and proper food habits. Many studies have reported an association between
improvements in hand hygiene and reductions in rates of infectious illnesses
in the community. Thus, health is a worthwhile investment (Fewtrell, 2008).
Nutrition refers to the sum of the processes involved in taking in of
nutrients and their assimilation and use for the proper body functioning and
maintenance of health. A balanced diet consists of a variety of foods. Fruits
and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals to maintain a
healthy body. The three basic groups of foods are carbohydrates, proteins
and fats. These are also called macronutrients or "go, grow and glow" foods.
Each of these three types of food serves an important function in promoting
or supporting overall health. Carbohydrates are the macronutrient that we
need in the largest amounts. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes
published by the USDA, 45% - 65% of calories should come from

18

carbohydrate, 10% - 35% of calories should come from protein, and 20% 35% of calories should come from fat. A balanced diet provides all the food
substances needed by the body for healthy growth and development, as well
as to increase immune system (Prentice 2006).
According to National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion, vitamins are organic substances (made by plants or
animals), minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth; soil and
water and are absorbed by plants. Animals and humans absorb minerals from
the plants they eat. Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that the body needs
to grow and develop normally. Vitamins and minerals, have a unique role to
play in maintaining health. The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a
balanced diet with a variety of foods. Vitamins and minerals can usually get
all from the foods you eat.
Anyone who is healthy and wants to stay that way needs to drink
about 6-8 glasses of water each day. This will ensure that the 60-100 trillion
cells in the body receive their daily needed hydration of water in order to
maintain efficient digestion, metabolism and waste removal. Drinking water
helps to thin and loosen and makes it easier to cough up. Children may need

19

to drink 4-6 glasses of water per day depending on how physically active
they are (Moritz, 2009).
Sanitation refers to ways by the people in the community in relation to
their environment such as proper hand washing, proper wound care, safe
water and food consumption, environmental hygiene, and proper waste
segregation and disposal. Poor sanitation, hygiene, and water are responsible
for about 50% of the consequences of childhood and maternal underweight,
primarily through the synergy between diarrheal diseases and undernutrition,
whereby exposure to one increases vulnerability to the other (Adair, Fall
,HallalMartorell , Richter, Sachdev. Victora, 2008).
The environment conditions of poverty-stricken areas also have a
bearing on overall health. Slum neighbor hoods are overcrowded and in a
state of deterioration. Sanitation services tend to be inadequate. Many streets
are strewn with garbage, and rodents are common which can cause
contamination, skin disorders, and accidents. Housing tenure, outdoor
temperature, indoor air quality, dampness, housing design, rent subsidies,
relocation, allergens and dust mites, home accident, homelessness, fires and
crime are constant threats. Recreational facilities are almost nonexistent,
forcing children to play in street and allay. Waste has a direct and indirect
impact to health such as the transmission of agents of infectious disease

20

from human and animal excreta (sanitation, hygiene and water-related),

exposure to toxic chemicals in human and animal excreta, and in industrial
wastes discharged into the environment, environmental degradation,
exposure to radioactive wastes, exposure to health-care wastes; exposure to
solid wastes and involvement in informal waste recycling, and breeding of
disease vectors (Claborn, 2006).
Adequate sanitation, together with good hygiene and safe water, are
fundamental to good health and to social and economic development. Lack
of sanitation leads to disease, as was first noted scientifically in 1842 in
Chadwick's seminal Report on an inquiry into the sanitary condition of the
labouring population of Great Britain. A less scientifically rigorous but
nonetheless professionally significant indicator of the impact on health of
poor sanitation was provided in 2007, when readers of the BMJ (British
Medical Journal) voted sanitation the most important medical milestone
since 1840 (Ferriman, 2007).
Sanitation is a field of public health. It involves various efforts to
control the environment to prevent and control disease. It includes personal
cleanliness which helps protect against disease. Maintaining cleanliness not
only provides comfort and a position stimulus, it also impacts on infection
control. Proper disposal of garbage by segregating from biodegradable to

21

non-biodegradable will reduce the likelihood of contamination of the soil or

ground water and chemicals or microorganism (Ferriman, 2007).
The anchor theory is supported by the Health Belief Model developed
over fifty years ago by social psychologist Irwin M. Rosenstock, Victor J.
Strecher, and nursing theorist Marshall H. Becker, trying to understand lack
of participation by individuals in a free tuberculosis screening program.
Currently, the HBM is the most frequently used theory in health education,
health promotion and disease prevention (Jones & Bartlett, 2010).
The Health Belief Model has been modified in various ways over time
but the original model contains four psychological variables. The concept of
perceived susceptibility is a persons own belief of the likelihood of getting a
condition. Perceived severity is the individuals opinion of the graveness of
the condition and its sequelae. Ones thoughts concerning the effectiveness
of the recommended action to actually avoid or reduce the seriousness of the
condition are termed perceived benefits. Perceived barriers are the negative
aspects of a specific health action (Bartholomew, Parcel, Kok, & Gottlieb,
2006).
The Health Belief Model is within the scope of nursing as evidenced
by a core beliefs in nursing are health promotion and disease prevention. The
essential idea in the HBM is geared toward reducing or avoiding a disease

22

condition and aims to explain and predict health behaviors (Jones & Bartlett,
2010).
The Health Belief Model contributes nursing knowledge that can be
applied to the human-environment health relationship and as well as health
and healing processes. The main assumption in the HBM is that individuals
will act if they feel their personal health is threatened and they perceive the
benefit of the health promoting activity outweighs the detriment of following
through with the behavior. The assumption is congruent with the models
focus of health promotion and disease prevention (Pender, Murdaugh, &
Parsons, 2011).
According to World Health Organization, many factors combine
together to affect the health of individuals and communities. Whether people
are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. To
a large extent, factors such as where we live, the state of our environment,
genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends
and family all have considerable impacts on health, whereas the more
commonly considered factors such as access and use of health care services
often have less of an impact.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) health promotion
includes encouraging healthy lifestyles, creating supportive environments

23

for health, strengthening community action, reorienting health services to

place primary focus on promoting health and preventing disease, and
building healthy public policy (WHO, 2009).
Recent national reports indicate that men and women have distinctly
different lifestyles; they differ not only in whether they adopt certain healthrelated habits but also in their concerns about, or attitudes towards, health.
On the positive side, women appear to be more attuned to health issues and
thus are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices. They tend to make
healthy food choices and are much more weight conscious than men. As a
result, they are much less likely to be overweight or obese than men. Except
in the youngest age groups, fewer women than men smoke, and they are
much more likely to abstain from alcohol or to drink in moderation. Women
are also more likely to use complementary and alternative medicines (DOH,
2014).
Shooshtari (2008), suggested that there is a strong relationship
between an increase in income and education and health practices. The trend
was most apparent with respect to health-promoting practices. Findings
revealed that women with higher incomes compared to those with lower
incomes consulted an alternative health care provider. Higher-income
earners made changes to improve their health, they consumed more than five

24

servings of fruits and vegetables and were more physically active. Similarly,
evidence suggests that those who achieve a higher level of educational
attainment are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours and less likely to
adopt unhealthy habits.
Another concern in a community in which hygiene and environmental
cleanliness is at stake is skin problems, mainly rashes, may be due an
allergic reaction to a food, medication or other substance. Contact dermatitis
is a common cause of skin rash and can be provoked by contact with a plant,
such as poison ivy, or chemicals that are too harsh for the skin, including
laundry detergents and other kinds of pollutants. Eczema, also called atopic
dermatitis, is another allergic skin condition. People who suffer from asthma
or seasonal allergies are more likely to also develop eczema, viral and
bacterial infections can lead to skin problems that include rashes, sores and
blisters. Management of skin disorders are proper hygiene, healthy lifestyle
include balance rest and activity, and healthy diet according to the National
Institutes of Health 2009.
According to the Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) and Sanitation
of UNICEF and WHO, sanitation has long been regarded as a private
responsibility. In urban areas, water quality does not meet the standards set
by the national government. As a result, waterborne diseases remain a severe

25

public health concern in the country. About 4,200 people die each year due
to contaminated drinking water (World Bank, 2006).
According to the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) study
that typical diet of a young Filipino includes instant noodles, chips, grilled
street foods and carbonated drinks. Sixty eight percent (68%) reported that
they consume carbonated drinks at least once a week. Six (6) in 10 have
instant noodles and chips in their weekly fare while slightly more than half
eat grilled street food at least once a week (HEALTHbeat, 2014).
In the Philippines environmental sanitation is characterized by
achievements and challenges. The challenges include limited access to
sanitation and in particular to sewers; high pollution of water resources;
often poor drinking water quality and poor service quality (Country Paper
Philippines, Asian Water Development Outlook 2007).
According to Bering et. al. (2011), health management practices of the
adopted community of the University of Cebu-Lapulapu and Mandaue are
identified according to lifestyle and sanitation.In terms of lifestyle, mothers
or one of their family members always do smoking for the reason that they
feel relaxed, relieved their tension and it managed their stress times. They
also always drink alcoholic beverages to minimize their stressful situations
where in that way, it relived their tension. However, they never used illegal

26

drugs. On the other hand, the mothers always practice regular pattern of
eating three times daily and they include calcium in their meal such as milk
and peanuts but they always eat salty foods (e.g., junk foods and dried fish)
and preferred an intake of caffeine (e.g., coffee, soda, chocolates or sugary
foods). Moreover, they sometimes do exercise for 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity such as walking briskly and play sports activities. And
lastly, they manage their stress by performing relaxation techniques,
visualization of pleasant surroundings, spending time with pets and children
and they communicate with friends or seek professional help sometimes to
distress their selves. In terms of sanitation, the mothers always practiced
good hand hygiene, took a bath every day and make sure an aseptic
technique on wound care, they also always drink clean water and clean the
house everyday by sweeping, arranging, and dusting.
With 4.2 million deaths each year (1.6 million among children under 5
years), acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of mortality in
developing countries. Although sanitation is not directly linked to all acute
respiratory infections, a recent study reported that 26% of acute lower
respiratory infections among malnourished children may have been due to
recent episodes of diarrhoea. Thus, sanitation could be a powerful

27

intervention against acute respiratory infections (Barreto, Cairncross,

Clasen, Epidemiol, Schmidt, 2009).
According to Diaz et. al. (2007), behaviours affecting health practices
of people in Sitio Bliss Mambaling is associatiated between socioeconomic
status and health, or the influence of social networks, current or anticipated
employment status, and personal beliefs.
Jimenez. et. al, (2008) stated that the knowledge on health practices
depends on their age, level of maturity, educational attainment, and
socioeconomic status.

THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem
This study determines the general health practices among the residents
of Barangay Looc. The findings of which will serve as bases for a proposed
health teaching program.
Specifically, this study answers the following questions:
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of :
1.1 Age;

28

1.2 Gender;
1.3 Highest educational attainment; and
1.4 Combined Family Income?
2. What are the General Health Practices of the adopted community of
University of Cebu- Lapulapu and Mandaue?
3. Is there a significant relationship between respondents profile and general
health practices?
4. Based on the findings of this study, what health teaching seminar may be
proposed?
Statement of the Null-hypothesis
There is no significant relationship between the respondents profile
and general health practices.

Significance of the study

This study is essential to the following groups of people:
Residents. This study helps them achieve optimum level of
functioning through discussion on general health practices.
Barangay Health Worker. This serves as a guide for their future
programs concerning about health management practices that aims for the
promotion and maintenance of health as well as prevention of diseases.

29

Researchers. The study, enhances and expands the knowledge,

developed their skill, and will teach them positive perspective to the healthrendering experiences they would partake to others.
Future Researchers. This study provides additional resource
materials to other researcher in analyzing specific community health
phenomenon while making health-promotion actions necessary to support
scientific evidences.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design
This study utilizes descriptive correlational to determine the different
general health practices of the residents in Sitio Bohol-bohol, Paradise
Island, and Bantayan Sa Hari, Looc Mandaue City.

Research Environment

30

The research study was conducted in Sitios Bohol-Bohol, Paradise

Island and, Bantayan Sa Hari. These sitios are located beside the river,
dumpsite, and across the General Mining Company. The barangay hall and
health center are situated along the highway of Looc Mandaue City.

Research Respondents
The total population in Sitios Paradise Island, Bantayan sa Hari, and
Bohol-Bohol is 3,520. Thirty one respondents are purposively chosen using
the formula on population proportion. The respondents are ages 33-67 living
in three sitios.

Research Instrument
The researchers utilized a researcher-made questionnaire as an
instrument in gathering relevant data for the study. The tool was pre-tested to
ages 16 years old and above living in Sitio Oploc, Mandaue City. The
questionnaire is divided into 2 parts: the first part focuses on the
respondents profile, which includes the respondents age, gender, highest
educational attainment and combined monthly.

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The second part is composed of 18 items focusing on the respondents

general health practices. The respondents are instructed to place a check
mark to their corresponding answers pertaining to general health practices
with three numerical scales where 3 means Always, 2 means Sometimes, and
1 means Never.
Proper instructions were given verbally and are also written in the
checklist. The respondents will fill-up the necessary information and answer
the checklist by indicating a check mark on the space provided.

Research Procedure
Gathering of Data. A permit letter was given to the research adviser,
asking for approval to conduct a study. After the approval of the letter from
the research adviser, a letter was sent to the Dean and to the Barangay
Captain of Looc asking permission to conduct a research study. The
researcher gathered the significant data needed to complete the research
study.
Treatment of data
Simple Percentage. was utilized to determine respondents profile in
the adopted community of University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

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Weighted mean. was utilized to determine the responses of the

respondents general health practices in adoptive community to every
statement.
Chi-square. was utilized to examine whether the respondents profile
has a significant relationship with the general health practices of the
respondent.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following terms defined in this content that were used in the study
were given meaning for better understanding.

General Health Practices refers to respondents lifestyle, personal hygiene,

nutrition, and environmental sanitation.
Lifestyle refers to respondents practices in terms of annual physical
examination, regular exercise, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking
cigarettes, and eating habits.

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Nutrition refers to respondents eating habits and food preferences such as

eating of nutritious foods, drinking clean water, and taking in vitamins and
minerals.
Personal Hygiene refers to respondents practices on proper hand washing,
proper wound care, and proper coughing etiquette.
Sanitation refers to respondents practices on environmental hygiene, proper
waste segregation and disposal.