"Lusog-Linang": Utilizing Community-engaged Research towards Capacity Building in Health of an Underserved Community

Area of Science:

• Community Health Nursing
• Public Health Research
• Community-Engaged Interventions

Background:

• Underserved communities in the Philippines face significant health disparities due to socioeconomic factors, geographic isolation, and limited service access.
• Nurses play a crucial role in enhancing individual, family, and community health capacities.
• Project "Lusog-Linang" was initiated to address these challenges in Central Luzon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe community resident engagement in identifying current health situations and priority problems.
• To explore appropriate initiatives for managing identified health issues within the community.
• To foster community participation in health capacity building.

Main Methods:

• Community-engaged research methodology was employed in Barangay San Vicente, Bamban, Tarlac.
• Data collection involved records review and focus group discussions to assess health needs and perceived problems.
• Findings were validated and discussed in a community assembly; quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data via content analysis.

Main Results:

• Key community health problems identified include healthcare inaccessibility, food insecurity, water supply limitations, and environmental sanitation issues.
• Residents demonstrated inadequate knowledge and skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management.
• A strong sense of community was recognized as a vital resource for health empowerment, despite limited socioeconomic resources.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a foundation for developing targeted health programs for Barangay San Vicente.
• Future steps involve training core members for community mobilization and establishing sustainable partnerships.
• The project aims to guide public health workers in promoting active community involvement in health management.