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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON KAWIT RESIDENTS’ USE OF

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

A Research Paper
Presented to
Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National
Integrated High School
Gahak Kawit Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1
(Qualitative Research)

INACLANG, MARK DANNIEL A.

DE GUZMAN, TRIA R.
BALLAT, RHIA ALAINE A.
RAMOS, GHIO RACE B.
PALABRICA, JEDRICK D.

June 2023
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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and its Setting

1.1 Background of the Study

Herbs are natural products and their chemical composition varies

depending on several factors and therefore varying from person to person, from

energetic decoctions to the use of herbal extracts following Western

methodologies of mainstream medicine. Traditional medicine use has important

historical and cultural significance in diverse settings and populations and may

provide benefit when used safely and appropriately (Hill et al., 2019). According

to the World Health Organization atlas (2002), “traditional medicine (TM)” refers

to health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant,

animal, and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, and manual

techniques applied individually or in combination to treat, diagnose, and prevent

illnesses or maintain wellbeing. The use of plant-based systems continues to

play an essential role in health care. It has been estimated that approximately

80% of the population in developing countries depend on Traditional Medicine

(TM) for their primary health care (World Health Organization, 2002). Generally

the use of herbal medicine is highly frequent in traditional medicine for the

treatment of diseases. Diffusion and the increasing use of traditional medicine

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

have created challenges in public health from the point of view of politics, safety,

efficacy, quality, access, and rational use (WHO, 2013).

Traditional medicine system is one of the wide-spread cultures known

throughout the world which is very much tied to cultural practices of the

community or ethnic group (Alemtshay, 2020). Mainly because for some ethnic

groups, traditional medicine has represented the only option for disease

prevention and cure; this is mainly due to exclusion and extreme poverty in

which they live, as well as the lack of health services.

In the Philippines, folk medicine practices such as pangalap (searching of

medical plants), hilot (traditional massage), tapal (applying folk medicine on the

affected area), remain rampant. Folk medicine is a field that falls under medical

anthropology. It refers to traditional health knowledge and healing practices

anchored on indigenous beliefs regarding body physiology and health

preservation. These practices foster a people-centered, cross cultural,

transdisciplinary, and critically reflective approach to both structural and social

models of health. These are the list of the 8 medical plants that the Philippine

Department of Health (DOH) through its “Traditional Health Program '' has

endorsed. Lagundi (Vitex negundo), Yerba (Hierba) Buena (Mentha cordifelia),

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), Niyug-

niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.), Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.), Ampalaya

(Mamordica Charantia), Bawang (Allium sativum).

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Generally, this phenomenological study seeks to explore the experiences

of the residents in using Traditional Medicine.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following question,

1. What are the different Traditional Medicine used by the residents of Kawit

Cavite?

2. What are the different procedures employed by the residents in using

Traditional Medicine?

3. Given the existence of modern/mainstream medicines, what are the

residents' reasons for resorting to Traditional Medicine? Is it because of

culture, availability, etc.

4. When using Traditional Medicine does it improve their well-being?

5. How frequently do they use Traditional Medicine for their healthcare

needs?

1.3 Significance of the Study

The study of traditional medicine from a phenomenological perspective

has the potential to benefit various groups of people, including:

Patients: This study of traditional medicine can provide insights into

patients’ experiences and perceptions of their illness and treatment. This can
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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

help healthcare practitioners to understand the patient’s cultural and social

background and provide more patient-centered care.

Healthcare Practitioners: A Phenomenological study of traditional

medicine can provide healthcare practitioners with a better understanding of

traditional medicine practices, principles, and concepts. This knowledge can

help them to integrate traditional medicine with modern medicine and provide

more holistic and effective patient care.

STEM Students: This study can be beneficial information for students

who want to pursue a medical field , particularly those interested in studying

traditional medicine. Understanding the lived experiences of individuals who use

traditional medicine can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, safety,

and cultural significance of these practices.

Future Researchers: Researchers can benefit from this study by gaining

insights into the cultural and social context of traditional medicine practices. This

can help them to design more effective research studies and identify potential

therapeutic agents.

1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will cover the phenomenon of using Traditional medicine. The

primary subjects of this research study will be the experiences of individuals who

have used traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses.The

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

respondents will be limited to ten (10) individuals who regularly use traditional

medicine in the Municipality of Kawit Cavite, selected through purposive

sampling. The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of

individuals who have used traditional medicine.

1.5 Theoretical Framework

This study is based on the health belief model (HBM) (Rosenstock et al.,

1988) which is used to explain and predict health-related behaviors. The model

suggests that an individual's beliefs and attitudes about health, as well as their

perceived susceptibility to illness and the perceived benefits of taking action to

prevent illness, influence their decision to adopt or reject health behaviors. The

HBM is composed of four key constructs: perceived susceptibility, perceived

severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers.The HBM is relevant to the

present study as it can help explain why individuals choose to use traditional

medicine. By examining the perceived susceptibility and severity of an illness, as

well as the perceived benefits and barriers to using traditional medicine, the

study can shed light on the decision-making process of individuals who choose

to use traditional medicine.

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

1.6 Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined conceptually and operationally to help

the readers to understand the study better:

Traditional Medicine- refers to a system of healing and healthcare that

is based on cultural beliefs, practices and knowledge.

Herbal Medicine- is the use of plants to treat disease and enhance

general health and wellbeing.

Animal Medicine- is the treatment of human ailments with remedies

made from animals and their products. Animals provide the raw materials for

remedies prescribed clinically.

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

CHAPTER 3

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This chapter present the research method and processes involved in

answering the statement of the venue where the study is to be conducted, the

description of who will be the participants, the data gathering instrument crafted

to be used in the study, and data gathering procedures in the collection of raw

data to be put in the analysis of data.

3.1 Research Design

The study’s research design is a phenomenological investigation that will

be based on interviews. This study focuses on the efficacy of conventional

medicine as well as the reasons why the residents of Kawit, Cavite prefer it over

prescription drugs. Exploring the lived experiences of individuals who have used

Traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. Participants should be

diverse in terms of age, gender ethnicity and cultural background.

3.2 Research Instruments

In this study, the reesearchers will be using interview questionnaires for

gathering information. Surveys can be used to collect data from many

participants. In this study a survey can be used to gather information about the
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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

experiences, beliefs and attitudes of individuals who use traditional medicine.

The survey can be designed to ask open-ended questions that allow participants

to share their experiences and perspectives on traditional medicine. However, it

is important to consider the limitations of using a survey and ensure that the

questions are designed in a way that accurately captures the participants'

experience. Surveys are limited to the questions asked, and participants may

not have the opportunity to fully express their experience and perspectives in

traditional medicine.

The research instrument will include the following questions:

1. What are the different Traditional Medicine do you use?

1.1 How do you prepare these Traditional Medicine?

1.2 What is the source of the Traditional medicine you use?

2. What are the different procedures you employ in using Traditional

Medicine?

3. How frequently do you use Traditional Medicine for your healthcare

needs?

4. When using Traditional Medicine does it improve your well-being?

4.1 How long have you been using Traditional Medicine?

4.2 Does using Traditional Medicine have negative side effects on your

body?

5. Why do you choose Traditional Medicine over Modern pharmaceuticals?

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

6. How would you recommend using Traditional Medicine to others?

6.1 What are the potential benefits of using Traditional Medicine?

3.3 Research Setting

The setting of this research will occur at Kawit, Cavite. This research

setting will explore the use of Traditional medicine from a phenomenological

perspective. It will examine how people who use traditional medicine perceive

and experience its use. By exploring the lived experiences of traditional

medicine users, researchers would gain a deeper understanding of the role that

traditional medicine plays in people's lives and the factors that influence its use.

3.4 Ethical Consideration

The researcher will apply the principles of ethical considerations developed

by Beauchamp and Childress (2019). In regard to the involvement in this study,

the protection of participants’ rights, well-being, and privacy will be prioritized.

Informed consent will be obtained, ensuring that participants have a clear

understanding of the study’s purpose, procedures, risks and benefits.

Confidentiality measures will be implemented to safeguard personal information.

The researcher will strive to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harm,

aligning with the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Additionally,

principles of justice will be considered to ensure fair treatment and equal access
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to the study. The researcher is dedicated to conducting the study of medicine in

an ethically responsible manner, with a strong emphasis on the well-being and

rights of the participants involved.

3.5 Data Analysis

The researchers used the traditional content analysis method to assess

the acquired data. This study will use semi-structured interviews where the

interviewer asks open-ended questions such as What are the different

procedures employed by the residents of Kawit, Cavite in using Traditional

Medicine. A phenomenological study on using Traditional medicine , utilizing

content analysis and semi-structured interview, would involve exploring the lived

experiences and perspectives of individuals who have used Traditional

medicine. The combination of content analysis and semi-structured interviews

allows for deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences and the

identification of common themes and patterns in the data.

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EMILIANO TRIA TIRONA MEMORIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL

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