Perceived Health Impacts of Community-Based Programs and Services Among Older Adults in a Rural Municipality of Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Lyka C Are, Emma Grace M Oliveros, Roxanne Kay Marie A. Taray, Tashmera D Laranjo, Randy Ian F. Gallego

Abstract

Introduction: Community-based programs and services for older adults play a critical role in addressing their health and social needs in aging populations. This study aimed to examine the level of community support available for older adults, assess the accessibility and availability of implemented programs and services, and determine their satisfaction with government-provided benefits.

Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 110 older adults selected through purposive sampling from a rural municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. Data were collected using validity- and reliability-tested questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation.

Results: The majority of respondents were 65–69 years old, female, married, and relied on a pension as their primary source of income. Programs and services for older adults were generally perceived as always available. However, respondents agreed that deteriorating health, lengthy procedures for processing documents, limited initiative to approach community leaders and authorities, and difficulty remembering program dates and schedules sometimes posed barriers to accessing these services. At the 0.05 level of significance, the availability of programs and services for older adults was significantly associated with perceived health impacts (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the implementation and availability of community-based programs and services for older adults are positively related to perceived health outcomes and highlight the need to sustain and further strengthen such initiatives in rural communities.

Keywords

community-based programs; health services utilization; older adults; perceived health impacts; Philippines

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/smj.v9i1.115784

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