Barriers and solutions to healthcare access in disaster-affected communities in the Philippines: a convergent...

The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries globally, with recurrent typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions significantly disrupting healthcare delivery, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Despite existing disaster risk reduction frameworks, gaps persist in ensuring equitable and continuous access to healthcare during and after disasters.

This study will employ a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to assess barriers to healthcare access and identify context-specific solutions in disaster-affected communities. The study will be conducted in three purposively selected municipalities with varying hazard profiles: Albay, Leyte and Davao del Sur. The quantitative component will involve a cross-sectional household survey of approximately 422 adult respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including logistic regression, will be performed to identify key determinants of healthcare inaccessibility and utilisation of telemedicine. The qualitative component will include key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and will be analysed using thematic analysis. A scoping review of digital health systems in the Philippines (2010-2025) will complement primary data collection. Findings from all components will be integrated through triangulation to generate policy-relevant insights.

Ethical approval has been obtained from the De La Salle University Research Ethics Review Committee (2025-369C). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and stakeholder engagement activities to inform national and local health system strengthening and disaster preparedness efforts.