Effectiveness of Health Care Services and Programs of Selected Vulnerable Communities in Zamboanga City

The Philippines' decentralized health system, established under the Local Government Code of 1991, delegates primary care to barangay health centers. However, vulnerable communities particularly in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality health services.This study assessed the availability and perceived effectiveness of health care services and programs in six vulnerable barangays in Zamboanga City, Philippines. A mixed-methods design was employed with 180 respondents (30 per barangay) from Mariki, Rio Hondo, Recodo, Arena Blanco, Lumayang, and Lumbangan. Data were collected using structured survey questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Four of six barangays reported that most health services were not available in their communities. All health service categories were rated as Moderately Effective except mental health services, which were rated Slightly Effective (mean = 2.42). Family planning received the highest rating (mean = 3.19), while maternal care (mean = 2.78) and HIV awareness (mean = 2.63) were also rated Moderately Effective, though qualitative findings revealed significant implementation gaps. Standard deviations (0.647–0.914) indicated homogeneity in respondent perceptions. Significant gaps exist in health service availability, and mental health services require urgent improvement. Multilevel interventions addressing individual, institutional, and policy barriers are needed to strengthen primary care delivery in underserved Philippine communities.

health care services, vulnerable communities, local government units, barangay health centers, Philippines

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