Open AccessBeliefs and practices about reproductive tract infections: Findings from a series of Philippine FGDs
Author(s) -
Marilou Palabrica-Costello,
Marie Carmeli,
Cristianne Soares Chaves,
Chona R. Echavez,
Mariano Conaco,
P Costello,
Espiritu Lapasan,
Barangay Captain,
Teodulfo Lao,
Huberto Mayor,
Misamis Paurom Of Jasaan,
Nathanael Magsalay
Publication year - 1997
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.31899/rh1997.1012
Subject(s) - focus group , public health , reproductive tract , qualitative research , context (archaeology) , social environment , psychology , public relations , medicine , political science , geography , nursing , social science , sociology , archaeology , anthropology , endocrinology
The past decade has been characterized by increasing concern about the medical, social, and economic problems associated with reproductive tract infections (RTIs). The goal of preventing and curing RTIs is now being prioritized by public health agencies in the developing world. Very little research has been conducted on the problem of RTIs in the local context, and it would be helpful for program managers if the knowledge and beliefs now being held about RTIs were more clearly delineated. Knowing more about the way in which these illnesses are viewed by the community, about traditional practices for preventing and curing RTIs, and about the results of ongoing public health initiatives designed to deal with these conditions is also needed. The present study, as this report states, utilizes a qualitative research technique known as focus group discussions as a means of stimulating people to speak up on this subject. While the study won’t provide precise statistical profiles of study respondents, it should allow a first-hand glimpse of the ways in which RTIs are perceived and responded to by a group of "typical" Filipinos.