Assessment of Workplace of Barangay Health Workers in Selected Municipalities in the Province of Albay, Philippines

The barangay health workers (BHWs) play a significant role in the Philippine health care delivery system. They act as frontliners under the primary health care approach. They render primary care services such as first aid, maternal, neonatal, and child- and community-based interventions in the community. Individual work performance can be affected by individual motivation, work environment, and existing regulatory requirements. This study generally aimed to determine the working environment of BHWs in the province of Albay. Specifically, it identified the motivations of the BHWs, conducted inventory of barangay health stations, and determined the existing policies relative to BHWs. Questionnaires were used as the primary tool. Total enumeration was attempted among the midwives, whereas systematic random sampling was done for BHWs resulting to 88 midwives and 324 BHW respondents. The findings of the study showed that BHWs serve more than 20 households. The motivator factor is the primary motivation of BHWs in their work performance rather than the hygienic factor. It is evident that majority of the barangay health stations have necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies to provide health care services. However, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities need to be enhanced. The BHWs are not fully equipped personally with paraphernalia needed for delivering services. The schedule of health services is dependent on the midwife. Local policies relative to BHWs are limited. The work environment can be more favourable if BHWs are equipped personally with resources necessary to provide quality services and if inadequacy in water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities will be addressed. More so, functionality of the barangay health station should be maintained. The BHWs’ Benefit and Incentive Act (RA 7883) should be properly implemented to sustain BHWs’ motivation to better work performance.