Profile, Problems and Needs of Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, Northern Samar

Profile, Problems and Needs of Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, Northern Samar

Leogem B. Longcop¹, Helen C. Fuentes, PhD²

¹Teacher III, Potong National High School, Lapinig District, Northern Samar, Philippines, 6423

¹Graduate School, Eastern Samar State University, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines, 6800

²Associate Professor, Graduate School, Eastern Samar State University-Main Campus, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines, 6800

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8110022

Received: 12 October 2024; Accepted: 28 October 2024; Published: 28 November 2024

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the profile, problems, and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar. Pure descriptive method of research was used to explain and determine the profile, problems, and needs of the BHERT in Gamay, Northern Samar.  Using the self-formulated survey questionnaire, the researcher conducted a survey among BHERT members such as the barangay captain, barangay health worker and the barangay patrolman in their respective barangays as the respondents of this study. All in all, a total of 102 BHERT members became the target participants for this study among the eight (8) población barangays, to wit: Baybay, Burabud, Central, Libertad, Occidental I, Occidental II, Oriental I and Oriental II. The data gathered were analyzed using the different statistical procedures such as tally, frequency, percentage computation, and the mean. The following are the findings of the study: Majority of the BHERTS in Gamay, Northern Samar have ages 31-40 years old age bracket (49 respondents or 48 percent), 67 respondents or 66 percent are males; 61 respondents or 60 percent attained secondary level of education; 49 respondents or 48% are barangay officials; and, are 46 respondents or 45 percent already attended and were trained twice or more about the COVID-19; Personal protective equipment is the highest need of 100 respondents; while food allowance is the least need as perceived by 78 respondents which ranked 8^th among the needs of the BHERTs; All the problems encountered and its degree of seriousness in terms of technical aspect (α=3.08); financial aspect (α=3.16); logistic aspect (α=2.82); health service (α=2.76); and emergency response aspect (α=2.73) is “serious”. Finally, the leading recommendation of the BHERTs is that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should have enough knowledge and training in the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic; while the least recommendation is that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should mobilize the campaign on the prevention on COVID-19 in their responsibility areas.

Keywords: BHERTS, COVID-19, Needs, Problems, Profile, Descriptive

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a very remarkable health disaster to ever happen in the world. It has changed the outlook for survival of all people. It even impacted on almost all aspects of our lives. It has affected the economic and social well-being of the people. In the Philippines, the emergence of this novel pandemic has the government resort to implement various forms of preventive measures just to contain the spread of the virus, thus, limiting the infections and securing the lives to its populace.  According to T. Villarin (2020), the COVID-19 global pandemic is much more than a health crisis. It has created devastating social, economic and political crises that will leave deep scars in societies and people. Countries are facing unprecedented challenges and the strain on governments is extreme. Millions of people are losing jobs and income, even facing uncertainty on what a new normal will look like. The glaring and immediate lesson from this pandemic is about the need to reassert the central role of an effective, responsive and capable public sector in responding to society’s needs, building resilience and dealing with crises. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) to strengthen the role of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) in helping Filipinos navigate the public healthcare system. BHERTs, initially tasked to provide immediate and appropriate emergency assistance during the pandemic, work closely with the national and local governments to implement necessary health programs and standards in, as well as disseminate protocols and updates to, their assigned households. In February, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año ordered all barangay chairpersons to form BHERT teams composed of an executive officer, a barangay tanod, and two barangay health workers- either a nurse or a midwife as first-line respondents in the community to help manage all COVID-related healthcare issues. As of August, this year (2020) the DOH noted 39,347 BHERTs nationwide. All the barangays in the following regions have 100 percent activated BHERTS: Region I (3,267), Region II (2,311), Region V (3,471), Region IX (1,904), Region XI (1,162), Region XII (1,195), Cordillera Administrative Region (1,176), and National Capital Region (1,709). Meanwhile Region III’s 3,084 barangays have 99.42 percent activated BHERTs; Region X’s 2,014 barangays, 99.60 percent; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) 2,581 barangays, 99 percent; Region VIII’s 4,121 barangays, 93.87 percent; Region XIII’s 1,186 barangays, 90.47 percent; and MIMAROPA’s 770 barangays, 53 percent activation. Furthermore, the ones that had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are the frontliners such as the BHERTs assigned in every barangay. It is the purpose of this study to find out the health risks and the extent to which the BHERT performs their duties and responsibilities as frontline respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study may be used to define what specific support mechanisms may be addressed to these concerned individuals so that they could be prevented from any harm.

Statement of the Problem

This study assessed the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar.

Specifically, this study answered the following questions:

1. Identify the profile of the barangay health emergency response team in terms of:
   • age;
   • sex;
   • educational attainment;
   • position; and
   • numbers of COVID-19 seminars attended
2. Determine the needs of the BHERT in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic
3. Identify the problems encountered of the BHERTs and the degree of seriousness during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of:
   • technical
   • financial
   • logistic
   • health service; and
   • emergency response
4. Find out the recommendations of the BHERTs to improve their performance in minimizing the risk of COVID-19 pandemic in the municipality.

Significance of the Study

The study assessed the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar. Pure descriptive method of research was used to explain and determine the profile, problems and needs of the BHERT in Gamay, Northern Samar. The study is deemed significant to the following sectors:

• Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT). The result of this study would benefit them as the barangay frontliners for the prevention and spread of COVID-19 as a disease. The findings of this study would also serve as basis for understanding and awareness on the importance of BHERTS in the barangay and that their existence could be given much priority.
• Local Government Units (LGU). The result of this study could provide insights and awareness among the local government authorities the importance and the role played by the BHERTs in the community. Thus, institutionalizing BHERTs would allow more opportunities for technical and financial support that would help this entity enhance better performance today and in the future.
• The result of this study could serve as a research-based data for the legislature to create policies that would ensure the tenurial security of its members.
• The result of this study would serve as an insight for the community to appreciate the BHERTs as an important entity in their area.
• Criminology students. The findings of this study would serve as insights for the Criminology students to understand the tasks of the BHERTs.
• Future researchers. The result of this study would add to the literature pertaining to the performance of the BHERTs and the problems and needs they encountered while discharging their duties and responsibilities.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study was designed to assess the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar. Using the self-formulated survey questionnaire, the researchers conducted survey among BHERT members such as the Barangay Captain, Barangay Health Worker and the Barangay Patrolman in their respective barangays as the respondents of this study.

This study was conducted during the School Year 2020-2021. The First Semester was devoted to making the research proposal; while the Second Semester was devoted to the data collection, analysis and interpretation and for the final oral defense.

Theoretical Framework of the Study

This study is founded on Social Capital Theory developed by Bourdieu and Coleman. The whole notion of social capital is centered on social relationships and its major elements include social networks, civic engagement, norms of reciprocity, and generalized trust. Broadly speaking, it is defined as a collective asset in the form of shared norms, values, beliefs, trust, networks, social relations, and institutions that facilitate cooperation and collective action for mutual benefits. This theory is very much related with the present study because the foundation of Barangay Health Emergency Response Team had been built on the premise of social network, social relations, and civic engagement wherein they are lined with other concerned agencies in the enforcement and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic activities.

According to Ostrom in 2010, trust, reciprocity, and reputation are key factors in cooperation. Having the trust and trustworthy reputations make possible opportunities for cooperation among individuals that come from school analysis in school-based management (Anabo, 2024).  Communication enables people to solve social dilemmas through cooperation. In a public good setting, the first move is cooperation and not deflection. Relationships that are mutually beneficial emanate from a facilitator who improves trust between individuals. In a crisis, the first thing that should be developed is effective communication on what people should expect and do. Public health is a public good that should be managed as a common resource pool.

Another theory which has underpinnings with the present study is the Social Exchange Theory developed by George Homans. This theory explains that social behavior often involves social exchanges where people are motivated to attain some valued reward for which they must forfeit something of value (cost). We seek profits in our exchanges such that rewards are greater than the costs. We are disturbed when there is not equity in an exchange or where others are rewarded more for the same costs we incurred. This theory is closely connected with the present study because of its nature and characteristics wherein the government impose laws and preventive measures to contain the spreads of COVID-19. Such imposition of laws and preventive measures including the creation of BHERTs in the barangay is one of the government’s investments to reduce the cost of spending of infected individuals in the hospital. The reward is that when people are being regulated, less people will be infected by the virus, thus reducing the cost and vulnerability of the people.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework on the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar. With that, the study is trying to assessed and identify on the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT).

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework on the profile, problems and needs of barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

In this research, pure descriptive method of research was used to explain and determine the profile, problems and needs of the BHERTs in Gamay, Northern Samar.

Locale of the Study

Gamay is a fourth-class municipality in the Province of Northern Samar. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 23,511 people.  In the east, it is bounded by the Pacific Ocean, in the south by Lapinig, in the north-west by Mapanas and Catubig. The municipality has 26 barangays. This study covered only the eight (8) población barangays, to wit: Baybay, Burabud, Central, Libertad, Occidental I, Occidental II, Oriental I and Oriental II.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were the members of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) of the eight (8) barangays in Gamay, Northern Samar. They were chosen as the respondents because they played an important role in the prevention and mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 disease in their area of responsibility.

Sampling Procedure

In this research study, purposive sampling will be used, this study purposively chose for a total of 102 BHERT members became the target participants for this study among the eight (8) población barangays, to wit: Baybay, Burabud, Central, Libertad, Occidental I, Occidental II, Oriental I and Oriental II.

Research Instrument

This study made use of a self-formulated survey questionnaire. The research instrument consisted of four parts. Part I investigated into the profile of the respondents such as age, sex, educational attainment, position and trainings attended. Part II delved on the needs of the BHRTs. Part III asked into the problems encountered by the respondents as BHERTs in their barangay and its degree of seriousness. And, Part IV solicited recommendations from the respondents.

Validation of Instrument

For purposes of testing the validity and reliability of the research instrument, it was checked and reviewed for correctness and accurateness by the research adviser.  The research instrument was pre-tested in one of the barangays in Gamay, Northern Samar which was not covered in the actual conduct of study.  The instrument was further validated by administering it to 30 respondents. Their responses were tabulated and statistically analyzed. The result of the Cronbach’s analysis showed an overall mean of 3.036. These figures suggest that the responses vary along the 5-point scale which is a good indication for good or valid items. The reliability test showed Cronbach’s alphas of α=.913. This value suggested valid and high reliability of the items.

Gathering Procedure

In the process of the research work, this study utilized various forms of data gathering procedures.

In identifying the target respondents, this study secured a list of certified BHERT members on the eight barangays of Gamay, Northern Samar.

In collecting the primary source of data which was the self-formulated survey questionnaire, the researchers personally administered to ensure that all the instruments are answered. Likewise, retrieval of the research instrument took place the day after all the survey questionnaires were answered by the respondents. However, prior to the actual administration of the research instrument, an attached letter of intent to the survey questionnaire seeking approval in the conduct of the research to avoid misconception and misinterpretation among its respondents.

However, the researchers strictly observed the necessary health protocols during the collection to avoid acquiring COVID-19 infection.

Measurement of Variables

The following variables were measured accordingly:

            Age was classified into:

                        20-30 years old

                        31-40 years old

                        41-60 years old

            Sex was classified into:

                        Male                 1

                        Female             2

            Educational attainment was classified into:

                        Elementary                   1

                        Secondary                     2

                        Tertiary                        3

                        Post graduate             4

            Position was classified into:

                        Barangay official                                   4

                        Barangay health worker                         3

                        Barangay tanod                                     2

                        Volunteer                                             1

            Number of COVID-related seminars attended

                        None                            1

                        Once                            2

                        Two or more                 3

            Problems and Needs was categorized into:

            Point    Rating Scale                             Interpretation

                        5          4.20 – 5.00                    Very serious

                        4          3.40 – 4.19                    Moderately serious

                        3          2.60 – 3.39                    Serious

                        2          1.80 – 2.59                    Less serious

                        1          1.00 – 1.79                    Not serious

Data Analysis

This study made use of different types of statistical tools to analyze and interpret the data gathered such as the following:

The data gathered through the survey questionnaire were analyzed using the following statistical procedures:

a. Responses for the questions or items in the survey questionnaire were counted.

b. The respective tallies for the questions or items were totaled to arrive at descriptive responses.

c. Percent Computation. The frequencies were further analyzed using percentage computation to reveal the size of responses in relation to the total number of cases involved in the study. The formula for computation is presented below:

Where:

P represents the percentage of responses in relation to the total number of cases or respondent;

f represents the frequency of responses for each question or item in the survey questionnaire

n represents the total number of respondents in the study; 100 is a constant multiplier.

d. Mean Formula. This will be used to arrive at a grand mean and an interpretation of data.

Where:

∑n summation of all score

N total number of respondents

Ethical Consideration

Before the conduct of the study, the researcher will adhere to utmost ethical considerations. Consent from the participant will be asked before administering the questionnaires. The researcher will assure data confidentiality to the respondents to avoid leakage of their responses. The researcher will not ask for the names of the respondents to ensure privacy and security.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Profile of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team: Age

Table 1 presents data on the distribution of respondents according to age category. Based on the data, 49 or 48 percent of the BHERTs have ages within 31-40 years old; 29 respondents or 28 percent have ages 41-50 years old; 19 or 19 percent have within ages 20-30 years old; and, only 5 respondents or 5 percent have ages within 51 years old and above. The data tells that majority of the BHERTs in Gamay, Northern Samar have ages within 31-40 years old age bracket.

Table 1.1. Distribution of Respondents according to Age

Profile of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team: Sex

Table 1.2 presents data on the distribution of respondents according to sex. It could be observed that 67 respondents or 66 percent are males; while, only 35 respondents or 34 percent are females.

The findings showed that BHERTs in Gamay, Northern Samar is male-dominated.

Table 1.2. Distribution of Respondents according to Sex

Profile of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team: Educational Attainment

Table 1.3 presents data on the distribution of respondents according to educational attainment. It could be observed that 61 respondents or 60 percent attained secondary level of education; 25 respondents or 25 percent elementary level; 13 respondents or 12 percent tertiary level; and, only 3 respondents or 3 percent reached post-graduate level.

The findings tell that majority of the BHERTS in Gamay, Northern Samar reached the secondary level of education.

Table 1.3. Distribution of Respondents according to Educational Attainment

Profile of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team: Position

Table 1.4 illustrates the distribution of respondents according to position. The data reveals that 49 respondents or 48% are barangay officials; 30 respondents or 29 percent are barangay health workers; 21 respondents or 21 percent are barangay tanod; and, only 2 respondents or 2 percent are volunteers.

The result showed that majority of the BHERTs are barangay officials.

Table 1.4. Distribution of Respondents according to Position

Number of COVID-19 seminars attended

Table 1.5 presents data on the distribution of respondents according to the number of seminars and trainings attended related to COVID-19. The result revealed that majority of the respondents, 46 or 45 percent attended once and twice or more, respectively; while, only 10 respondents or 10 percent did not attend trainings at all.

The findings suggest that majority of the BHERTs are already trained about the COVID-19.

Table 1.5. Distribution of Respondents according to Number of Seminars and Trainings Attended

Needs of the BHERTs

Table 2 presents data on the needs of the BHERTs in Gamay, Northern Samar. Based on the data, personal protective equipment is the highest need of 100 respondents. It is followed by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test, and Mental Health Trainings as needed by 98 respondents, respectively. Communication equipment is needed by 97 respondents. And, incentives for the BHERTs is needed by 95 respondents; while food allowance is a less need as perceived by 78 respondents which ranked 8^th among the needs of the BHERTs.

This finding confirms the study of Nyarashu, et.al, that protective personal equipment (PPE) is one of the needs of the frontliners.

Table 2. Needs of the BHERTs in Gamay, Northern Samar

*Multiple response

Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness

Table 3.1 presents data on the problems encountered and their degree of seriousness in terms of technical aspect to the respondents. Generally, the total weighted mean score of α=3.08 is interpreted as “serious”. BHERTs scored moderately serious (α=3.53) on the statement,” Lack of Trainings on COVID-related Seminars”; serious on the statements: “Limited knowledge on the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic” (α=3.25) and “Lack of knowledge on handling duties” (α=2.82), respectively; and less serious on the statement: “Lack of coordination between BHERTs and the other frontliners” (α=2.55).

The result confirms the study of Lau, et.al, that there is a need for targeted health education as a response strategy to COVID-19 in low-income settings, and it is important that strategies are contextually relevant.

Table 3.1. Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness to the Respondents as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, N. Samar as to Technical Aspect

Table 3.2 presents data on the problems encountered and this degree of seriousness in terms of financial aspect to the respondents. Generally, the total weighted mean score of α=3.16 is interpreted as “serious”. BHERTs had serious (α=3.26) problem on the statements: “No rewards are given for the BHERTs” and “No meal allowances clothing and other incentives or hazard incentives” (α=3.06), respectively.

This confirms the study of Bianna and Joaquin that frontliners are underpaid. The study of Torrentira also stressed on the lack of food supplies among the frontliners which has also similar findings with this study.

Table 3.2. Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness to the Respondents as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, N. Samar as to Financial Aspect

Table 3.3 presents data on the problems encountered and their degree of seriousness in terms of logistic aspect to the respondents. Generally, the total weighted mean score of α=2.82 is interpreted as “serious”. BHERTs had serious) problems on the statements, “Overload tasks” (α=3.34); “Lack of personal protective equipment” (α=2.94); “Lack of support staff for duty” (α=2.86); “Lack of communication facilities” (α=2.51); and, “Confusion on schedule of duties” (α=2.44), respectively.

This finding confirms the study of Thobaity and Shamari that frontliners are facing shortage of staff and employees including personal protective equipment.

Table 3.3. Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness to the Respondents as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, N. Samar as to Logistic Aspect

Table 3.4 presents data on the problems encountered and their degree of seriousness in terms of health service aspect to the respondents. Generally, the total weighted mean score of α=2.76 is interpreted as “serious”. BHERTs had serious problems on the statements, “slow response when BHERTs member seeks medical attention” (α=2.81); “lack of trainings on mental health” (α=2.78); “non-observance of health protocols such as facemask and physical distancing” (α=2.70); and, “experience stress and burnout” (α=2.67), respectively.

This confirms the study of Crimia and Carlucci that frontliners like the BHERTS are exposed to excessive stress, burnout and even mental disorder.

Table 3.4. Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness to the Respondents as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, N. Samar as to Health Service Aspect

Table 3.5 presents data on the problems encountered and their degree of seriousness in terms of emergency response aspect to the respondents. Generally, the total weighted mean score of α=2.73 is interpreted as “serious”. BHERTs had serious problems on the statements, “lack of transport facilities like the ambulance” (α=2.74); “less information on the health protocol (α=2.73); and lack of medical supplies and other emergency equipment (α=2.72), respectively.

This confirms to the study of Thobaity and Alshamari that there is lack of medical supplies in the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Table 3.5. Problems Encountered and Its Degree of Seriousness to the Respondents as the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team in Gamay, N. Samar as to Emergency Response Aspect

Table 3.6. Summary Table of the problems encountered of the BHRTs in Gamay, Northern Samar

Recommendations of the BHERTs

Table 4 presents data on the recommendations of the BHERTs to improve their performance as local frontliners in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. The data reveals that the leading recommendation perceived by 31 respondents is that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should have enough knowledge and trainings in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic; while, the least recommendation perceived by only 2 respondents is that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should mobilize the campaign on the prevention on COVID-19 in their responsibility areas.

The findings imply that there is still a need for the respondents to attend advance trainings and seminars to assist them in improving their performance, however, it starts at home to school providing knowledge in the prevention of the pandemic (Anabo,2023), thus, prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their area of responsibility.

Table 4. Recommendations of the BHERTs

*Multiple response

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) in Gamay, Northern Samar is composed of barangay officials with ages ranging from 31-40 years old who attained secondary level of education. Majority of them attended twice or more on COVID-19 related trainings. As Barangay Health Emergency Response Team, they need personal protective equipment (PPE) in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This implies that using these PPEs will enable them to perform their tasks as local frontliners. Furthermore, the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team also encountered problems in terms of technical, financial, logistic, health service, and emergency response aspects. The degree of seriousness of the problems encountered had been perceived as serious which means that they still could manage their tasks as frontliners. In terms of technical aspect, there is still a need for them to attend trainings despite their two attendances on COVID-19 related trainings. On financial aspect, no rewards or incentives are allotted to them. In terms of logistics aspect, they encountered more problems on task overload which implies that there is lack of personnel who man in their operation.

In terms of health service aspect, BHERTs perceived that there is less response when they need medical assistance. And, on the emergency response aspect, they mostly encountered problems on transportation facilities like the ambulance. Finally, most of the BHERTs recommends that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team should have enough knowledge and trainings in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following are the recommendations:

1. The local government unit should encourage volunteer participation to form part of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team and add personnel who can tackle COVID-19 related problems;
2. The local government unit should initiate and encourage local manufacturers in tailoring and designing the personal protective equipment under the WHO standards to supply the BHERTs. Production of PPEs can be a source of income for the local industries. This would not only help the BHERTs in the performance of their duties but it would also contribute in the local economy development.
3. Provision of barangay transport service can be an alternative in the absence of an ambulance in the delivery of COVID-19 health services to the community.
4. Intensive trainings on the prevention of COVID-19 related issues should be done to provide advance knowledge and skills for the BHERTs in the performance of their duties.
5. Another study of wider scope should be conducted which will prove the credibility of this study.

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