Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in the life cycle of Ikachakran women migrants in Baguio City

• Main Author: Batani, Ruth Sidchogan
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Subjects: Generative organs; Female > Diseases; Infection; Women > Diseases; Minority women; Life cycle; Human; Women > Health and hygiene; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1888
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study looks into the knowledge, perceptions and practices associated with Reproductive Tract Infection (RTIs) by the migrant Ikachakran women in Kadaclan Village, Loakan, Baguio City. Using key informant interviews, focus group discussion, and individual in-depth interviews, the study explores RTIs in relation to the woman's life cycle, obstetrics-gynecological history, preventive and health care management, practices predisposing women to RTIs and the roles assumed by the spouses in the management and prevention of RTIs. Twelve respondents selected on the basis of age and work categories and residence in Kadaclan Village for at least the last two years, were interviewed to determine their knowledge, perceptions and practices with regard to reproductive health and reproductive tract infections. Results of the study showed that the women migrants are suffering, or have suffered and manifested symptoms of RTIs at one time or another. Findings revealed that women suffered episodes of RTIs twice or more. They do not, however associate these symptoms with RTIs but with urinary tract infections (UTI). Hence, the women are not inclined to seek health care services. The women respondents have adequate traditional post natal care practices. However, they have practices that could predispose them to RTIs and other reproductive health problems. One of these is uterine prolapse commonly suffered by one third of the respondents. On top of this, they continue to employ home remedies mostly traditional in character, combining them inappropriately with modern health care treatments. Almost all women respondents belittle physical discomforts that result from RTIs. This is consistent with their assessment of their own health and well being, that is, they are healthy for as long as they can stand up and are capable of social interaction. The study pointed out the need for a deeper understanding of the complexities of RTIs contextualized in particular settings and in specific population like ethnic groups migrating to the cities. Once again, the thesis which holds that migrant population moving into the cities face new risks in reproductive and sexual health was illustrated in the study. However, mechanisms to complement researches on this field as well as to maximize existing institutions and structures providing health care services have to be devised. Information-education is the heart of all of these mechanisms and processes, both at the level of the health care givers as well as end users.