Impact Study on Health Beyond Bar Extension Services of the Bataan Peninsula State University College of Nursing and Midwifery

Abstract

Health Beyond Bar (HBB) is 4-year project aimed to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at Bataan District Jail in Balanga to improve health conditions and situations through provision of health service and health education. A medical clinic was established in 2015 under the auspices of the College of Nursing and Midwifery and financial assistance from Bataan Governor and Department of Health. To assess the impact and determine objectives attainment, the study delved on: What is the level of increment of trained and educated PDLs in the HBB program? What are the health problems managed from the period of 2019 to 2020? What is the prevalence rate of communicable diseases managed from the period of 2017 to 2020? Are there significant differences in the prevalence rate of communicable diseases managed in the facility? Records review and data scrutiny were used. A consistent percentage increment of trained PDLs creating an impact in their health conditions was observed. Number of trainings conducted in 2018 compared to other years also have increased. Eight common health problems were managed by the clinic and a considerable increase in the number of these were managed in the clinic. Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases have considerably declined. An erratic prevalence in skin disease was observed. Likewise, it’s prevalence was noted to be significant, while the rest of the health conditions were not significantly different. A new strategy of implementation of Health Education Session and Training may be adopted where offerings may be done on a two-week cycle per quarterly. A more innovative delivery of training programs may improve the numbers and retention of information shared. A robust approach to health education related to skin disease may be devised. Lastly, the Medical Clinic may use creative information drive in compliance and monitoring of prevalent health conditions.