INFORMATION SEEKING AND SHARING BEHAVIOR ON TREATMENT OF MEASLES AMONG CHILD CARETAKERS IN TIMUGAN, LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES

Jamsie Joy E. Perez, Cleofe S. Torres

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the information seeking and information sharing behavior of child caretakers in Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines and how these affect their choice of health service providers on treatment of measles among their children. Data collected from questionnaires were described and analyzed using frequency counts, mean and percentages, and relationships of variables were tested using Cramer’s V test. Findings showed that majority of the child caretakers were female, belonged to 20-40 years age bracket, married, high school or college graduate with monthly income ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 20,000. The family size was relatively small with at least 1-2 children. The child caretakers were found to be (1) knowledgeable on basic information about measles, such as its symptoms, complications, and danger signs; (2) aware of the importance of vaccination in preventing measles; and (3) sought basic information on prevention, complication, and treatment of measles from Brgy. Health Centers, and private hospital was their topmost health service provider. They sought information only if their child had been infected with measles and shared information sought to their family members through face-to-face communication. Information seeking behavior was related to their monthly income, civil status, and number of children.

 

Keywords: Information seeking, information sharing, measles treatment, seeking and sharing behavior

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