Communication Needs of Barangay Health Workers Situated at the City Landfill of Davao, Philippines, in Delivering Health Care Services

Abstract

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are the lead health advocates who provide essential health care services at the grassroots level. Hence, it requires them to have adequate skills and training. The study aimed at identifying the communication needs of barangay health workers (BHWs) situated at the dumpsite of Davao City, Philippines, gravitating towards designing a communication plan tailor-fitted to their needs. It employed a qualitative research design, particularly an in-depth interview of the health workers. Several communication problems were identified, including the lack of participation of BHWs in the barangay development plan, limited access to communication technology, lack of a continuous skills enhancement program, the lack of contextualised communication materials resulting in insufficient knowledge of proper personal hygiene, and the inactive participation of community members in health services. Based on these communication problems, the following activities and training were suggested: capacitating BHWs on writing proposals and plans; establishing a strategic communication manual; and basic communication and ICT skills training.