Barriers and solutions to healthcare access in disaster-affected communities in the Philippines: a convergent parallel mixed-methods study protocol
5 affiliations
- 1Data and Implementation Sciences for Health, Metro Manila, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- 2Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
- 3Institute on Aging, University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health, Manila, Philippines
- 4Innovations for Community Health, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- 5Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Abstract
Introduction: The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries globally, with recurrent typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions significantly disrupting healthcare delivery, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Despite existing disaster risk reduction frameworks, gaps persist in ensuring equitable and continuous access to healthcare during and after disasters.
Methods and analysis: This study will employ a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to assess barriers to healthcare access and identify context-specific solutions in disaster-affected communities. The study will be conducted in three purposively selected municipalities with varying hazard profiles: Albay, Leyte and Davao del Sur. The quantitative component will involve a cross-sectional household survey of approximately 422 adult respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including logistic regression, will be performed to identify key determinants of healthcare inaccessibility and utilisation of telemedicine. The qualitative component will include key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and will be analysed using thematic analysis. A scoping review of digital health systems in the Philippines (2010–2025) will complement primary data collection. Findings from all components will be integrated through triangulation to generate policy-relevant insights.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been obtained from the De La Salle University Research Ethics Review Committee (2025–369C). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and stakeholder engagement activities to inform national and local health system strengthening and disaster preparedness efforts.
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BibTeX
@article{regencia2026barriers,
title = {{Barriers and solutions to healthcare access in disaster-affected communities in the Philippines: a convergent parallel mixed-methods study protocol}},
author = {Zypher Jude G Regencia and Janine Phoebe Liwanag and Hannah Faye Hindang and Athena Ira De Guzman and Jason Alacapa},
journal = {BMJ Open},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123698},
url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123698},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Barriers and solutions to healthcare access in disaster-affected communities in the Philippines: a convergent parallel mixed-methods study protocol
AU - Zypher Jude G Regencia
AU - Janine Phoebe Liwanag
AU - Hannah Faye Hindang
AU - Athena Ira De Guzman
AU - Jason Alacapa
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/07
JO - BMJ Open
DO - 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123698
UR - https://bmjopen.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-123698
AB - Introduction: The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries globally, with recurrent typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions significantly disrupting healthcare delivery, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Despite existing disaster risk reduction frameworks, gaps persist in ensuring equitable and continuous access to healthcare during and after disasters. Methods and analysis: This study will employ a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to assess barriers to healthcare access and identify context-specific solutions in disaster-affected communities. The study will be conducted in three purposively selected municipalities with varying hazard profiles: Albay, Leyte and Davao del Sur. The quantitative component will involve a cross-sectional household survey of approximately 422 adult respondents using structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including logistic regression, will be performed to identify key determinants of healthcare inaccessibility and utilisation of telemedicine. The qualitative component will include key informant interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and will be analysed using thematic analysis. A scoping review of digital health systems in the Philippines (2010–2025) will complement primary data collection. Findings from all components will be integrated through triangulation to generate policy-relevant insights. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been obtained from the De La Salle University Research Ethics Review Committee (2025–369C). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and stakeholder engagement activities to inform national and local health system strengthening and disaster preparedness efforts.
SN - 2044-6055
SN - 2044-6055
ER -