A community health profiling initiative in Taguig City in the Philippines has uncovered a range of unaddressed health issues and psychological concerns among residents. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated public health services in underserved areas. The findings were published in the ISPCE Bulletin.
Researchers from Centro Escolar University carried out the study through their annual Integrated Medical Mission. The focus was on the Samahang Kapit-Bisig sa Bayside community in Lower Bicutan. Although the study involved just 58 residents, the results reflect broader health challenges common to low-income areas across the country.
Sonia Janice Pilao, PhD, an associate professor at Centro Escolar University, explained: “The study was motivated by the need to address unaddressed health and psychological concerns among residents of low-income communities in the Philippines. We at CEU aimed to gain insights into the health challenges prevalent in these areas and highlight the urgent need for integrated public health services.”
Among the most concerning results was the high rate of elevated blood pressure, which affected more than half of those assessed. While only a quarter reported taking regular medication, several showed early signs of chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory problems. The data suggest that many residents may be unaware of their health risks, with the mission providing what was likely their first formal health check in years.
Lifestyle patterns contributed significantly to these outcomes. Most participants ate three or more meals per day, but three in four reported no regular physical activity. Alcohol consumption was also notable, with over a quarter stating that they drank. Smoking rates were relatively low, but the overall lack of exercise and poor nutrition raised concern. These factors increase the likelihood of future cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses.
Oral health was another key issue. More than half of the community reported symptoms such as toothache and dental decay. But the majority only visited a dentist when experiencing pain. Preventive dental care was rare, and limited access to professional services remains a barrier. This reactive approach is common in similar communities and is often linked to financial limitations and low awareness of oral hygiene practices.
Mental health concerns also emerged clearly. Nearly 40 per cent of participants reported moderate to severe levels of mental distress. Emotional difficulties were also widespread. These findings point to a population under psychological strain due to ongoing financial stress, limited support systems, and a lack of accessible mental health care.
Pilao highlighted the proposed response to these challenges: “The implications of these findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health interventions tailored to the specific needs of underserved communities. These interventions should include regular health monitoring, dietary advice, oral health education, and community-based mental health support.”
In response, the researchers propose a comprehensive intervention that includes regular health monitoring, dietary advice, oral health education, and community-based mental health support. The project aims to build sustainable structures by involving local leaders and barangay health workers in the delivery of services.
“The project aims to build sustainable structures in collaboration with the local leaders and barangay health workers and CEU community in the delivery of services,” Pilao added.
The Integrated Medical Mission is intended not as a one-off campaign but as part of a continuing effort to support vulnerable groups. By drawing on academic expertise and community cooperation, the programme provides a replicable model for improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings.
“The Integrated Medical Mission is intended as a continuing effort to support vulnerable groups and provides a replicable model for improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings through academic expertise and community cooperation. The recommendations from this study may guide future health planning in other areas facing similar challenges,” Pilao.
While the study has limitations such as a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, it offers important insight into the urgent health needs of the SKBB community. Its recommendations may guide future health planning in other areas facing similar challenges.
