The Status of Child Health Care in an Indigenous People’s Community of a Mindanaon Province

Abstract

Limited research has focused on child health care within indigenous communities, particularly in Mindanao. This study aimed to assess the state of child health care in the Indigenous People's (IPs) community of Barangay Cablalan, Glan, Sarangani Province, and to explore the associated problems and challenges. Using a convergent mixed methods research design, a survey questionnaire was administered to fifty households for the quantitative data and key informants such as health workers, LGU officials, and POs/NGOs representatives were interviewed for the qualitative data. Documents obtained from concerned offices further enriched the data. The findings of the study show that in children's health care, the respondent families who belong to low-income families have a growing practice of using modern medicine, especially over-the-counter medicines for ordinary illnesses, and at the same time, they also avail of the services of the traditional healers and herbal medications. Likewise, the barangay health centers are currently providing frontline services for children. Problems and challenges are identified, such as the lack and/or delay of medications and facilities, incapacity to pay, and far distance from the barangay health center.