Assessment of a community-based health program for the elderly: implications for future initiatives

Date of Publication

1998

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Social Science

Subject Categories

Social and Behavioral Sciences

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Adviser

Dr. Rene D. Somera

Defense Panel Chair

Dr. Robert Anthony C. Salazar

Defense Panel Member

Dr. Pilar Ramos Jimenez
Dr. Exaltacion E. Lamberte

Abstract/Summary

The study is an assessment of the viability, effectiveness, and sustainability of the community-based program for the elderly established by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. in Pasadena, San Juan, Metro Manila. Using document review and key informant interview, the study examined the basis for the formulation of the program, the services provided, the extent to which these services have met the needs of the target beneficiaries, as well as the program's sustainability. Fifty-six randomly selected older persons in Pasadena were interviewed to determine their knowledge, attitude, and behavior with regard to the health program. The effects of the program on their health and well-being were determined as well. Results showed that the health program was conceptualized based on the elderly's need for readily available health care. Findings also indicated that the respondents had poor knowledge of what the health program and its services are. Respondents were in favor of the program's services because of their economic accessibility. Physical accessibility of health services was found to be a significant factor in the respondent's health care access. The study revealed that the health program was answering the health needs of its target beneficiaries fairly well. Program users found the program's services available, accessible, affordable, and satisfactory. It also appeared that the program did not only impact on health it also helped develop the older person's self-confidence through the socialization activities the program provided. Yet, data indicated that the health program failed to pursue health promotion and disease prevention.

The study results pointed out the program's potential for sustainability in terms of the elderly's participation. However, mechanisms have to be devised and implemented to ensure that the program gets sustained funding as well as supply of service providers for more frequent outreach services and specialized medical services.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG02763

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

165 leaves

Keywords

Medical care -- Needs assessment; Health planning; Aged; Social service

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