Thesis (BA Communication Arts) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, June 2015

In the Philippines, primary health services have been mandated to the local health government. Barangay Health Centers are community-based, patient-directed organizations that serve as the first point of contact between residents to other facility levels. Despite this, the Barangay Health Centers have suffered from a negative perception by its residents. Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in patient visits but there has also been a steady decline in the level of satisfaction. This research determined the perception of the residents on their health seeking behavior. From its perception, the researcher aimed to find out if this perception is the reason why BHC are not utilized as primary health care service providers and write recommendations on how to increase motivation to seek health care services at the BHC. The results of the study showed that the residents are knowledgeable of the programs of the Barangay Health centers and more than half have tried going to the BHC to seek health services. The respondents also reported a high presence of the BHC staff to attend their needs and that the BHC has good accessibility. However, they cited that only 2 out of the top 5 factors they seek in a health provider.