A COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS APPROACH TO MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH STUDY: THE CASE OF BUKIDNON PROVINCE

By Dr. Magdalena C. Cabaraban and Lita Palma-Sealza

The concern on the reduction of infant and maternal mortality as well as the aim to improve health conditions of mothers and children triggered the creation of the DOH "Strengthening of Maternal and Child Health Care". The project aims to improve and expand basic health services to mothers and children.

The study used the participative community diagnosis and 18 depressed provinces were identified as pilot sites. Bukidnon, the study area, was one of the provinces identified. It has a high rate of malnutrition, ironical of a province that provided food for other regions.

The study generated quantitative and qualitative data that determined the needs and problems related to maternal and child health.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AMONG THE YOUNG ADULTS IN CAGAYAN de ORO CITY: A FOLLOW -UP STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR

Lita Palma-Sealza

Realizing the young adults' need for accurate information about sexually transmitted diseases, the CARE-Philippines South Area Office spearheaded a project called SHINE (Sexual Health Initiatives through Networking and Education).

Various groups including schools and workplaces-being identified as places where most of young adults can be found supported the project. The program intends to increase the youth's level of knowledge about reproductive health by providing them correct information, and access to reproductive health services by establishing referral network of service providers. The actual implementation of the intervention started in February 1999 and ended in December 1999 for a total of 11 months.

The objectives of this study are; (1) to explore the probable changes in the level of awareness and behavior related to sexual health of young adults of partner schools and workplaces in Cagayan de Oro City, (2) to asses the sustainability of the project and the attainment of its goals, and (3) to document lessons learned and challenges encountered during the implementation.

RURAL MOTHERS' MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (ARI) IN REGION 10

Dr. Magdalena C. Cabaraban with the assistance of Lovenia P. Naces and Edwina D. Lagos

The study aimed to determine how mothers or attendants recognized ARI signs and symptoms and their perception of their causes; to document the mechanics of their management of ARI episodes; and to uncover practices which either deter or promote the spread of ARI.

The study identified 11 depressed barangays in Region 10, which are at a disadvantaged position when it comes to infrastructures and health services. The study presented the following: the household profile characterized by economic deprivation and poor sanitation; morbidity patterns; prevalent practice of home medication and reported effectiveness; and observed unhygienic and poor nursing practices by mothers.