EMERGENCE OF PREVALENT DISEASES IN METRO CEBU, PHILIPPINES: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

Abstract

This study aims to determine the most prevalent diseases existing in Metro Cebu based on the 11-year most widespread diseases. This study will help to alert the community as well as the health care provider regarding the results in order to render early/anticipatory managements to prevent its widespread. This study was conducted in Metro Cebu which comprises seven cities and six municipalities. The cities include Carcar City, Cebu City, Danao, Lapu-lapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay City and Municipalities consist of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla and San Fernando. This study utilized a descriptive-normative design. Universal population was included. This study utilized percentages and correlation statistics. The proponent hired a field researcher/ research assistant to collect the necessary data. Transmittal letters to the Department of Health (DOH), City Health Office, Public Health Office, Municipal Health officer /Rural Health Officer and other concerned personnel were distributed and permission to conduct the said study was sought. Highly urbanized areas have higher income, more prone to suffer from communicable and infectious diseases and more densely populated compared to that of rural areas. Despite the opposing characteristics, the identified variables are not significantly related to prevalent diseases in Metro Cebu. Noticeably, urban areas are more prone to contagious and communicable diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis and diarrhea.