HIV Knowledge, Stigma, and Care Preparedness among Barangay Health Workers in Leyte: Implications for Community-based Interventions.
- 1University of the Philippines Manila-School of Health Sciences, Palo, Leyte, Philippines.
- 2Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Agusan del Sur, Philippines.
- 3Department of Statistics, Visayas State University, Leyte, Philippines.
Abstract
Background
Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, HIV remains a critical public health concern in the Philippines, with stigma posing a major barrier to care. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) play a frontline role in delivering health services under the Universal Health Care Law, yet their preparedness for HIV-related care is unclear. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceived behaviors, and HIV-related stigma among BHWs in Leyte, a province with a high HIV incidence in Eastern Visayas.Methods
The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A total of 579 BHWs from 17 municipalities were selected using proportionate cluster sampling. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data. The instruments were translated and pilot-tested. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in RStudio.Results
Findings revealed that most BHWs had moderate to high knowledge of HIV transmission and self-protection. However, awareness of ART (mean score: 44.43%) and human rights of PLHIV (mean score: 54.46%) was low. While 58.03% of respondents reported positive attitudes toward PLHIV, 65.46% felt unprepared to care for them. Stigma persisted, with 65.11% showing varying degrees of negative perceptions. Discriminatory behaviors were low overall but present in nearly one-fifth of participants. Most BHWs (95.85%) expressed interest in attending future HIV-related workshops.Conclusion
Although BHWs possess foundational HIV knowledge, critical gaps in ART awareness, stigma, and preparedness hinder effective HIV service delivery. The findings underscore the need for targeted capacity-building programs, stigma-reduction training, and multisectoral collaboration to empower BHWs in providing inclusive, evidence-based HIV care. Strengthening community-based interventions can bridge service gaps and promote early detection and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes in grassroots settings.
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BibTeX
@article{santos2026knowledge,
title = {{HIV Knowledge, Stigma, and Care Preparedness among Barangay Health Workers in Leyte: Implications for Community-based Interventions.}},
author = {Janet Alexis A De Los Santos and Charlie C Falguera and Carmen N Firmo and Flore-Anne C Relente and Paulo G Batidor},
journal = {Acta medica Philippina},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.47895/amp.v60i15.13566},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923531},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - HIV Knowledge, Stigma, and Care Preparedness among Barangay Health Workers in Leyte: Implications for Community-based Interventions.
AU - Janet Alexis A De Los Santos
AU - Charlie C Falguera
AU - Carmen N Firmo
AU - Flore-Anne C Relente
AU - Paulo G Batidor
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/15
JO - Acta medica Philippina
DO - 10.47895/amp.v60i15.13566
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923531
AB - Background Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, HIV remains a critical public health concern in the Philippines, with stigma posing a major barrier to care. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) play a frontline role in delivering health services under the Universal Health Care Law, yet their preparedness for HIV-related care is unclear. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceived behaviors, and HIV-related stigma among BHWs in Leyte, a province with a high HIV incidence in Eastern Visayas.Methods The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A total of 579 BHWs from 17 municipalities were selected using proportionate cluster sampling. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data. The instruments were translated and pilot-tested. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in RStudio.Results Findings revealed that most BHWs had moderate to high knowledge of HIV transmission and self-protection. However, awareness of ART (mean score: 44.43%) and human rights of PLHIV (mean score: 54.46%) was low. While 58.03% of respondents reported positive attitudes toward PLHIV, 65.46% felt unprepared to care for them. Stigma persisted, with 65.11% showing varying degrees of negative perceptions. Discriminatory behaviors were low overall but present in nearly one-fifth of participants. Most BHWs (95.85%) expressed interest in attending future HIV-related workshops.Conclusion Although BHWs possess foundational HIV knowledge, critical gaps in ART awareness, stigma, and preparedness hinder effective HIV service delivery. The findings underscore the need for targeted capacity-building programs, stigma-reduction training, and multisectoral collaboration to empower BHWs in providing inclusive, evidence-based HIV care. Strengthening community-based interventions can bridge service gaps and promote early detection and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes in grassroots settings.
SN - 0001-6071
SN - 2094-9278
ER -