Health & Social Welfare

Knowledge & Utilization of the Department of Health Approved Herbal Plants in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City

['Rosales', 'Yboa', 'Sabio', 'Labrague']

This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of the Department of Health approved herbal plants in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City. Using a descriptive research design, the researcher utilized a self-made questionnaire which was pilot-tested and generated a reliability of 0.92. The study involved 225 respondents from the barangay. Findings revealed that majority of respondents have gardens where common herbal plants such as Guava, Ampalaya, and Lagundi are present. However, awareness of the complete list of the ten DOH approved herbal plants was limited among the participants. The results indicate the need to strengthen community awareness and education regarding the proper use and preparation of herbal medicinal plants.

Linking Social Support to Psychological Distress in Nursing Students: The Mediating Role of School-Life Interference

['Rosales', 'Artech', 'Yboa', 'Sabio', 'Quiña', 'Quiaño', 'Apacible']

Social support is a crucial factor in mitigating psychological distress among nursing students. However, the specific mechanism through which social support influences psychological distress, particularly the mediating role of school-life interference, remains less explored. This study aimed to examine whether school-life interference mediates the relationship between social support and psychological distress among nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 154 nursing students. Standardized instruments, including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the School-Life Interference Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale, were used. Findings revealed that social support significantly reduced psychological distress, while school-life interference mediated this relationship.

The State of Local Health in Samar, Philippines: A Comprehensive Analysis of Trends and Assessment

['Quilatan', 'Rosales', 'Cabaguing', 'Labrague', 'Pedraza', 'Hamo-ay']

This study analyzed the economic status and state of local health in Samar, Philippines, using secondary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and Regional Statistics Authority. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed to examine poverty incidence, underweight prevalence among children, immunization coverage, healthcare facilities, and workforce availability from 2011 to 2022. Findings revealed declining poverty rates and improvements in child nutrition and immunization, but persistent challenges in healthcare infrastructure and staffing. Disparities remained between rural and urban areas. The study emphasizes the importance of sustained public health investments, improved resource allocation, and integrated governance mechanisms. It recommends strengthening health systems, expanding primary healthcare services, and enhancing data-driven planning to promote equitable and resilient local health outcomes.

The State of Local Health in Samar, Philippines: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method Study of Healthcare Access, Service Delivery, and Health Governance

['Rosales', 'et al']

This study examined the state of local health in Samar Province under the Universal Health Care (UHC) framework using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data from 420 healthcare users assessed access, utilization, and health literacy, while qualitative interviews and focus group discussions explored governance structures and service delivery challenges. Findings revealed uneven healthcare access, gaps in continuity of care, workforce shortages, and governance-related constraints. Leadership priorities, financing mechanisms, and barangay engagement influenced service outcomes. The study emphasizes that effective health governance is central to achieving equitable, continuous, and people-centered healthcare. It recommends strengthening leadership accountability, health board functionality, community participation, and institutional capacity to improve healthcare delivery and system resilience.