A Cross-Sectional Study on the Competency in Delivering Health Services among Barangay Health Workers in Metro Vigan: Basis for the Conduct of a Competency-based Training Program

This study examined how effectively Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) deliver key health services in Metro Vigan, Philippines. BHWs play a key role in health education, disease prevention, maternal and child care, and community health monitoring. Still, their competency levels vary, often because of limited training and resources. The study assessed BHW skills in five main areas: health promotion, health education, health status monitoring, record-keeping, and maintaining health stations. It also examined how variables such as age, education, and marital status relate to their competency. The results show the need for a thorough training program to help BHWs improve and keep providing quality health services in Metro Vigan.

A descriptive-correlational study approach was utilized, employing a questionnaire derived from the TESDA Self-Assessment Guide for Barangay Health Services.

The findings show that although BHWs typically exhibit considerable proficiency, their civil status influences their performance, especially in health monitoring and record-keeping.

Training programs were deemed inadequate, exhibiting deficiencies in cultural awareness and communication abilities.

The report recommends establishing a TESDA certification program, creating targeted training initiatives, and improving feedback systems to enhance the performance of BHWs and guarantee the sustainability of primary health services. This study supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, and 16 by encouraging skill-based programs to improve how well BHWs perform their important roles.