Philippine E-Journals

Environmental Management Practices: Their Impact on Family Health of the Households at Sitio Parola, Macabalan, Cagayan De Oro City

April Ann A. Ellevera | Dafoodil O. Luzano | Jibsonjanry U. Pabelic | Joelle Christyne M. Lopez | Loui John R. Narisma | Sheila May N. Vasig | Florence Baluran

Discipline: Health, Science, Nursing

 

Abstract:

This descriptive study conducted at Sitio Parola, Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, delved into a discussion of the environmental management practices and their impact on the family health of the residents. It focused on the three major points, namely: (1) What are the environmental management practices of the households at SitioParola, Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City in the areas of waste disposal, cleaning the surroundings, maintaining the drainage, taking care of plants and trees, and caring for the domesticated animals? (2) What are the health conditions of the families and the common illnesses they have experienced? (3) Is there a significant relationship between environmental management practices and the health condition and common health problems of the families at SitioParola, Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City?

Forty households, represented by their heads, were purposively chosen as respondents of the study. A researcher-made instrument stated in the Cebuano dialect for better understanding was the main tool used in data gathering. The questions included in the research instrument were fixed alternative questions wherein the respondents were asked to indicate a check mark on the box opposite their answer to each query. The questions offered 4-point Likert scale response choices.

Data analysis yielded the following results: On the average, the households “seldom” do the following activities involved in environmental management; waste disposal, cleaning of surroundings, maintenance of drainage, taking care of trees, plants, as well as domesticated animals. In terms of health conditions, the most common complaints are headache, cough, loose bowel movement, fever, and colds. Environmental management practices with regard to “maintenance of the drainage” were very highly correlated with the perceived health conditions of the families. The rest of the environmental management practices are only slightly correlated with the residents’ health condition.

Basing on the findings, it may be concluded that doing activities in relation to environmental cleanliness may have a positive impact on disease prevention and health promotion, especially on drainage systems. Since the residents only “seldom” practice environmental management, it is recommended that the city and barangay officials plan activities to promote information and implement programs related to health and environment.