A PROACTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the health promotion strategies, enablers and barriers perceived by the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and persons with disabilities of Ilocos Norte. Methods: This study used Research and Development (R&D) design following the Input Process-Output model and was carried out in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines using a structured survey questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide during the FGD involving HCPs and PWDs. Data analyses were done using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean and simple correlation through SPSS version 21 for quantitative data while Braun and Clarke six phases of thematic analysis approach for qualitative data. Results: A total of 53 HCPs and 53 persons with disabilities participated in the survey while 8 HCPs and 8 persons with disabilities for FGD with HCPs focusing on multidisciplinary referral, teleconsultation, and information sharing to engage persons with disabilities with health promotion. Enablers are inclusive environments and positive practices. Meanwhile, negative behaviors and system inefficiencies hinder health promotion. Persons with disabilities value patient-centered care, and health literacy. Supportive environment, lifestyle habits, social support and privileges enable health promotion while physical impairments, service insufficiencies, and social constraints acts as barriers. Discussion: The study’s result led to the development of a PROACTIVE (Participation and Resource mobilization for Outreach, Accessible, and Collaborative programs, Tailored for the Inclusion, Vitality, and Empowerment) health promotion model which helps HCPs and persons with disabilities highlight the strategies, enablers, and barriers to guide relevant courses of action in health promotion.