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Water Quality as a Priority Area of Community Needs Assessment: Community Extension Service with the Indigenous Tribe of Hanunuo Mangyan in the Philippines

Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences,2020,9,2,220-226.
Published:September 2020
Type:Research Article
Authors:
Author(s) affiliations:

Frederick R Masangkay1,3,*, Giovanni D Milanez1,3, Luzelle Anne GL Ormita2,3, Abel V Alvarez Jr.3, Myrna P Quinto4, Ferdianand F Lanestosa5, Lynda Christine V Diaz6, Paul Johnson6, Panagiotis Karanis7,8

1Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University-Manila, PHILIPPINES.

2Department of Psychology, Far Eastern University-Manila, PHILIPPINES.

3Community Extension Services, Far Eastern University-Manila, PHILIPPINES.

4Academic Development Office, Far Eastern University-Manila, PHILIPPINES.

5Teacher Education Department, Divine Word College of San Jose-Occidental, Mindoro, PHILIPPINES.

6Research and Quality Assurance Department, Divine Word College of San Jose-Occidental, Mindoro, PHILIPPINES.

7University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Nicosia, CYPRUS. 8University of Cologne, Faculty of Medical and University Hospital Cologne, GERMANY.

Abstract:

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and diarrhoea are markers of intake of contaminated food and water. The present study aimed to establish water quality as a priority area in community needs assessment at the onset of Community Extension Service for indigenous communities. Dry and wet season water samples from six sampling sites were subjected to physico-chemical and microbiological analysis along with a one-year population survey (n=546) on GI symptoms and diarrhoea cases. All water sample results were non-potable based on national standards which collates with the high frequency of GI symptoms and diarrhoea in the indigenous community. Diarrhoea cases decreased after implementing a community raising-awareness program on Water Quality and Safety. The results of the present study demonstrated that water quality is a priority area in the community needs assessment of an indigenous community. Community awarenessraising programs proved effective in mitigating GI symptoms and diarrhoea through the boiling of water before consumption.