Smart Medical Journal
Vol 9, No 1 (2026): April

Perceived Health Impacts of Community-Based Programs and Services Among Older Adults in a Rural Municipality of Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Lyka C Are (College of Nursing, Mindanao State University – Zamboanga Sibugay, Buug, Philippines, 7009)
Emma Grace M Oliveros (College of Nursing, Mindanao State University – Zamboanga Sibugay, Buug, Philippines, 7009)
Roxanne Kay Marie A. Taray (College of Nursing, Mindanao State University – Zamboanga Sibugay, Buug, Philippines, 7009)
Tashmera D Laranjo (College of Nursing, Mindanao State University – Zamboanga Sibugay, Buug, Philippines, 7009)
Randy Ian F. Gallego (College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City, Philippines, 9700)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Community-based programs and services for older adults play a critical role in addressing their health and social needs in aging populations. This study aimed to examine the level of community support available for older adults, assess the accessibility and availability of implemented programs and services, and determine their satisfaction with government-provided benefits.Methods: A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 110 older adults selected through purposive sampling from a rural municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. Data were collected using validity- and reliability-tested questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation.Results: The majority of respondents were 65–69 years old, female, married, and relied on a pension as their primary source of income. Programs and services for older adults were generally perceived as always available. However, respondents agreed that deteriorating health, lengthy procedures for processing documents, limited initiative to approach community leaders and authorities, and difficulty remembering program dates and schedules sometimes posed barriers to accessing these services. At the 0.05 level of significance, the availability of programs and services for older adults was significantly associated with perceived health impacts (p = 0.003).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the implementation and availability of community-based programs and services for older adults are positively related to perceived health outcomes and highlight the need to sustain and further strengthen such initiatives in rural communities.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

SMedJour

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Smart Medical Journal (SmedJour) is published by Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret. SMedJour publishes original research articles or article review in the basic medical sciences, clinic medical sciences, medical education and public ...