III.

Economic Indices

3.1 Dependency Ratio 166 + 35

DR = X 100 = 40.85
492

Interpretation

With the provided formula, results have shown that in this specific community of Barangay

23, Zone 3, the dependency ratio is at 40.85, further suggesting that 40.85 dependents corresponds

for every 100 working age individual.

Analysis

In a population, there are always the group which is categorized as “dependents.” This

category focuses on age groups that cannot live alone and relies on another individual or other

people who can provide for them financially, emotionally, and other support in different aspects.

Dependents are defined as those who belong to the age groups of 0 to 14 years and 60 and older.

On the other hand, the working age group ranges from ages 15 to 59.

The formula is used to determine the pressure of an economy when supporting a population

who is non-productive, or what we call dependents. Therefore, when the ratio is higher, it can

define that the working age group may feel greater burden.

Types of Housing of Families Surveyed

Interpretation

Based on the result of the Community Health Assessment Survey 2019, 6% of the families

residing in Barangay 23 has a house made of makeshift, which pertains to a temporary structure

using scraps or ordinary raw materials that are not supposed to be present in the house. Families

occupying housing units made of light materials (wood) constitute 11% of the total families in the
said barangay. 33% of the families are recorded to be occupying in a house made up of concrete

(strong) material. Families belonging to the 49% of the population resides in a housing unit made

of mixed materials.

Analysis

House is “a building for human habitation, especially one that is lived in by a family or

small group of people” (Google dictionary, 2019). The data gathered indicates that most of the

families can afford a mixed type of housing unit which is made of concrete and wood. It is

considered as safer option than that of wood alone, and even makeshifts that are more likely to be

prone to fire and weather damages.

As community health advocate, we are to help prevent conditions that may affect families;

coordinate to improve health; and lastly, to lead, advocate, integrate, educate, protect, promote,

care and research to inform and improve health of individual, family and community.

Excreta Disposal

Interpretation

The data demonstrated that among the types of excreta disposals, 129 families (69.35%)

use pour flush type of toilet, while 32 families (17.20%) use flush toilets. Communal or sharing of

toilets are practiced by 24 families (12.90%), and 1 family (0.53%) still use pit latrine.

Analysis

Toilets have a fundamental factor about bacterial pollution, used for the collection or

disposal of urine and feces. In the community, pour flush toilets are mostly found because it is less

expensive and each family can limit the use of water.

Garbage Disposal

Interpretation

The following data recorded above shows that the method of garbage disposal in most

families with a total frequency of 185 or 99.46% is through collection. Only 1 family (0.53%)

reported the implementation of waste segregation.

Analysis

Most of the general population in the barangay used garbage collection since it is

legitimately executed, acknowledged and monitored. It was noted that the collection of garbage

by a truck is done every day around the barangay. It is indeed a good purpose but people tend to

dispose their garbage without proper waste segregation because of its inconvenience that later on

can affect their health.

People in the barangay ought to be taught on appropriate segregation. They should know

the harmful effects of these wastes in the community and arrange their garbage in a correct and

proper way.

Food Storage

Interpretation

Only 9% of the families were able to provide a refrigerator to keep their food refrigerated.

On the other hand, 86% of the families have no refrigerator at home, and stores there food covered

in the table instead, while 9% leaves it exposed.

Analysis

Food is essential to our body; that is why it is important to have a proper food storage to

keep the food safe away and from contamination of any bacteria to keep an individual from
contracting a food-borne illness. Refrigerator is important to store meat, vegetables and leftover

foods to help good stay fresh longer and to slow down the activity of bacteria, while covered or

exposed foods are more prone to have bacteria grow rapidly that would cause illness to an

individual.

Most of them have refrigerators in their home and they have a low chance of contracting

food-borne illnesses, while some of them store their food exposed or either covered, which make

them susceptible in acquiring illnesses.

Infant Feeding Practices

Interpretation

Survey revealed that 61% of the mothers bottle-feed their infants, while only 36% do pure

breast-feeding, and 3% practice mixed feeding.

Analysis

Most of the infants in the community are fed only by bottle, which cannot give the proper

chemicals such as the antibodies that the infants need in their fragile age. The mothers need more

updates and motivation in practicing breastfeeding to their infants. Practicing breastfeeding does

not only give protection to the baby but also creates a special bond between the mother and the

child. Actually, every mother can supply a breastmilk to their babies, but because of financial

problems of the family, the mother has to go and find some means to support the whole family.

This leads to the practice in giving milk formulae to their young children.