Health Problems of Logan
The following are the identified health problems of Logan, as determined by our recent health assessment, which utilized both primary (house-to-house) and secondary (RHU) data.
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High Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)
High Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)
2022: 44 cases (54.14 per 1,000 population)
2022: 44 cases (54.14 per 1,000 population)
2023: 47 cases (54.91 per 1,000 population)
2023: 47 cases (54.91 per 1,000 population)
2024: 15 cases (17.52 per 1,000 population)
2024: 15 cases (17.52 per 1,000 population)
Surge in last month: 122 cases (142.52 per 1,000 population)
Surge in last month: 122 cases (142.52 per 1,000 population)
URTI remains the leading cause of morbidity across all years, with a sudden spike in cases last month, suggesting a possible seasonal outbreak, poor air quality, or low vaccination coverage. The barangay’s environmental profile notes open burning practices (48.7% of households), which may contribute to poor air quality, predisposing residents to respiratory infections. Additionally, low health-seeking behavior may lead to worsening conditions before medical intervention is sought. Strengthening hygiene education, mask-wearing, and healthcare interventions is crucial to reducing URTI incidence and preventing outbreaks.
High Incidence of Hypertension
High Incidence of Hypertension
Total Identified Hypertensive Cases: 37% of surveyed population (N=856)
Male: 19 cases (13%) | Female: 35 cases (24%)
Local incidence rate (63.08 per 1,000 population), is higher than the national incidence rate of 31.8 per 1,000 population.
Non-Hypertensive Population: 62%
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant and growing public health concern in Barangay Logan, with an incidence rate of 63.08 per 1,000 population, which is nearly double the national incidence rate of 31.8 per 1,000. This indicates that hypertension is highly prevalent in the barangay compared to the national average, warranting urgent community-based interventions. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death. Given the high incidence rate in Barangay Logan, the economic burden on affected households is significant, as hypertension requires long-term medication, lifestyle modifications, and frequent medical check-ups. Additionally, hypertensive individuals may experience reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs, further straining families with limited financial resources.
High Incidence of Wounds and Skin Infections
High Incidence of Wounds and Skin Infections
2022: 23 wound cases in children under 5 (45.10 per 1,000)
2023: No wound cases reported
2024: 2 wound cases, 5.13 per 1,000
Skin infections (boils, rashes, SSTI) consistently recorded across years
Frequent wound cases suggest poor hygiene practices, lack of wound care awareness, and environmental hazards. The barangay’s sanitation data shows that a significant portion of households (29.7%) do not practice waste segregation, which could contribute to unhygienic conditions and increase infection risks. Additionally, the use of shared or public toilets (19%) may lead to the spread of skin infections such as boils and rashes. Promoting proper wound care education, improving hygiene access, and enforcing waste management policies will help in reducing infections.
Rising Cases of Dengue Fever
Rising Cases of Dengue Fever
2022: 2 cases (2.46 per 1,000 population)
2023: 0 cases
2024: 5 cases (5.84 per 1,000 population)
The increase in dengue cases in 2024 suggests poor mosquito control and stagnant water sources. The barangay’s environmental profile states that a considerable number of households rely on unprotected water sources, which may serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, low waste segregation and improper waste disposal (48.7% open burning) create environments conducive to mosquito proliferation. Strengthening vector control, environmental cleanliness, and community education is essential to prevent outbreaks.
Teenage Pregnancy
Teenage Pregnancy
2022: 3 of 9 recorded cases of pregnancy were teenage pregnancies (33%).
2022: 3 of 9 recorded cases of pregnancy were teenage pregnancies (33%).
2023: 7 of 12 recorded cases of pregnancy were teenage pregnancies (58%).
2023: 7 of 12 recorded cases of pregnancy were teenage pregnancies (58%).
Teenage pregnancy in Barangay Logan has shown a concerning increase from 33% in 2022 to 58% in 2023, indicating a growing public health issue. This rise suggests limited access to reproductive health education, contraceptive services, and adolescent-friendly health programs. The barangay's data highlights low health-seeking behavior and a lack of health personnel, which may contribute to inadequate reproductive health counseling and family planning services for adolescents. Teenage pregnancies can lead to higher risks of maternal complications, poor neonatal outcomes, and increased financial strain on young mothers and their families. Additionally, early pregnancies are linked to lower educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities, further impacting the well-being of young mothers and their children. Addressing this issue requires strengthening sex education, expanding access to contraceptive methods, and ensuring that adolescent mothers receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care to prevent complications and promote better health outcomes.
Teenage pregnancy in Barangay Logan has shown a concerning increase from 33% in 2022 to 58% in 2023, indicating a growing public health issue. This rise suggests limited access to reproductive health education, contraceptive services, and adolescent-friendly health programs. The barangay's data highlights low health-seeking behavior and a lack of health personnel, which may contribute to inadequate reproductive health counseling and family planning services for adolescents. Teenage pregnancies can lead to higher risks of maternal complications, poor neonatal outcomes, and increased financial strain on young mothers and their families. Additionally, early pregnancies are linked to lower educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities, further impacting the well-being of young mothers and their children. Addressing this issue requires strengthening sex education, expanding access to contraceptive methods, and ensuring that adolescent mothers receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care to prevent complications and promote better health outcomes.
Lack of Access to Health Services and Resources
Lack of Access to Health Services and Resources
Only 4 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), below the DOH-recommended number of 11, in terms of Logan Standards.
No dentist is available in the barangay.
No utility workers available in the barangay.
No emergency transport driver in the barangay.
Community feedback suggesting that some needed medications are sometimes not readily available in the local health center.
A complete healthcare workforce and proper infrastructure are crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity. Adequate staffing ensures timely medical intervention, early diagnosis, and preventive care, helping to prevent the progression of diseases. Barangay Logan does not meet the DOH staffing standards for health workers, limiting access to timely medical consultations, emergency referrals, and preventive services. The absence of an ambulance or proper emergency transport system further increases the risk of delayed treatment during medical emergencies. Increasing BHW deployment, providing telemedicine options, and securing emergency transport would improve healthcare accessibility. During the primary survey, some residents exclaimed that medications have limited supply in the local health center, therefore leading to them resorting to other sources such as local pharmacies and neighboring health centers.
Limited Health-Seeking Behavior
Limited Health-Seeking Behavior
106 (60%) households mainly visit the health center only when needed.
30 (17%) of households mainly prefer seeking consultation from mananambals or traditional healers than from medical professionals.
23 (13%) of households mainly prefer using herbal medicine instead of pharmaceutical drugs.
17 (10%) of households mainly prefer self-medication as a treatment option when they are ill or sick.
Poor health-seeking behaviors refer to actions where individuals delay or avoid seeking necessary medical care for health issues, often due to factors like lack of access, financial constraints, cultural beliefs, fear of diagnosis, or simply not recognizing the need for treatment, leading to potential negative health outcomes. Delayed healthcare-seeking behavior can lead to disease complications and increased morbidity. In Barangay Logan, although the majority of interviewed households sought medical care and have good health-seeking behavior, a large number of them mainly prefer alternative medicine. As per the researchers’ primary survey, community feedback reasons out that these varied behaviors are caused by limited accessibility of healthcare services in the barangay, may it be through medicine availability or lack of healthcare professionals to seek advice from. This shows that while Catchment Health Center is a reliable option for primary and preventive care for some, a large group of people think otherwise as well.
Poor Waste Management Practices
Poor Waste Management Practices
52 (29.7%) households do not practice waste segregation
84 (48.7%) households practice open burning.
Uncollected waste and environmental hazards observed in several zones.
Proper waste management is essential for public health, environmental sustainability, and disease prevention. However, the waste disposal practices in Barangay Logan are inadequate, as evidenced by the significant percentage of households that do not segregate waste (29.7%) and those that resort to open burning (48.7%). Additionally, the presence of uncollected waste in certain areas creates environmental hazards, increases disease transmission risks, and contributes to pollution.
Limited Access to Basic Sanitation Facilities
Limited Access to Basic Sanitation Facilities
Out of 175 (3%) households, do not have access to a basic sanitation facility.
6 out of 175 (4%) households have public ownership of toilets.
34 out of 175 (19%) households share ownership of toilets with others.
Access to proper sanitation is essential for maintaining public health, preventing communicable diseases, and ensuring a dignified standard of living. However, data from Barangay Logan highlights that a significant portion of the population lacks access to individual, hygienic sanitation facilities. The lack of access to private, sanitary toilet facilities contributes to poor hygiene and higher transmission rates of gastrointestinal and parasitic infections. Open defecation or the use of improperly maintained shared facilities increases exposure to fecal-oral diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and intestinal worm infections. Furthermore, poor sanitation is closely linked to malnutrition, as frequent infections can hinder nutrient absorption in children, worsening already existing nutritional problems in the barangay.
Lack of Access to Basic Safe Water Supply
73 out of 175 households (40%) do not have access to safe water sources.
58 (33.1%) households do not practice water purification techniques and drink straight from the source.
The barangay’s limited access to safe drinking water not only affects individual health but also hinders economic productivity and school attendance among children due to recurring illnesses. Moreover, the absence of a consistent and reliable water supply forces residents to walk long distances to fetch water, leading to physical strain and time lost for economic or educational activities. Addressing this issue requires improving water infrastructure, ensuring better access to Level I, II, or III water systems, and promoting household-level water purification practices. Strengthening health education campaigns on proper water treatment methods and coordinating with local authorities to develop sustainable water supply solutions will be critical in mitigating this pressing public health concern.
High Number of Animal Bites
High Number of Animal Bites
2022: 9 cat bites, 4 dog bites
2023: No recorded cases
2024: Cases not specified, but animal presence remains a risk
Animal bites increase the risk of rabies transmission, a fatal but preventable disease. Implementing vaccination programs for pets, public awareness campaigns, and responsible pet ownership is essential.
Low Prenatal Care Coverage
2022: Only 3 out of 17 (18%) pregnant mothers had at least four prenatal visits
2023: Increased to 8 out of 18 (44%)
2024: Dropped to 2 out of 17 (12%), far below the DOH target of 95%
Prenatal care is crucial in monitoring pregnancy, detecting complications early, and ensuring the health of both mother and child. The low prenatal care coverage in Barangay Logan suggests significant barriers to healthcare access. These barriers may include transportation issues, financial constraints, lack of awareness, and cultural factors that discourage regular check-ups. The sharp decline in 2024 to just 12% is alarming, as inadequate prenatal care increases the risk of preterm birth, maternal complications, and poor neonatal outcomes.
Low Tetanus Toxoid and Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women
Low Tetanus Toxoid and Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women
2022: Only 3 out of 17 (18%) pregnant mothers received two doses of Tetanus Toxoid/Tetanus-Diphtheria (TT/TD) and Iron-Folic Acid supplements
2023: Increased to 7 out of 18 (39%)
2024: Dropped again to 3 out of 17 (18%), far below the DOH target
Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccination is essential in preventing neonatal tetanus, a highly fatal yet entirely preventable disease. The low TT coverage in Barangay Logan (only 18% in 2022 and 2024) puts newborns at risk of infection from unsafe delivery practices or poor umbilical cord care. The increase in 2023 was promising, but the subsequent decline in 2024 indicates setbacks in maternal immunization efforts. Iron-folic acid supplementation is equally crucial, as it reduces the risk of maternal anemia, neural tube defects, and preterm births. The inconsistencies in coverage suggest low awareness, supply chain issues, or gaps in antenatal care delivery.
Gaps in Infant Immunization Coverage
Gaps in Infant Immunization Coverage
Infant immunization is scheduled only once per month (on the 18th), which may limit accessibility.
2022: Fully Immunized Children Coverage was only 35%, lower than DOH standards of 95%.
2023: Fully Immunized Children Coverage was only 50%, lower than DOH standards of 95%.
Immunization is a crucial public health intervention that prevents life-threatening childhood diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and diphtheria. The low immunization coverage in Barangay Logan (only 35% in 2022 and 50% in 2023) is a serious public health concern, as it increases the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. The DOH target is 95%, meaning Barangay Logan is far from achieving herd immunity for these diseases.
As we conclude this initial report, it is important to emphasize that these health problems reflect only the surface of deeper, interconnected issues in Barangay Logan. In the coming weeks of our second community exposure, our team will be working closely with residents, barangay officials, and healthcare providers to better understand the underlying causes of these concerns. Through focused data gathering, interviews, and direct observation, we hope to uncover the factors driving these health challenges and eventually propose targeted, sustainable interventions. This is just the beginning of a broader effort to support the health and well-being of the community.
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