Folk Medicine in the Philippines: A Phenomenological Study of Health-Seeking Individuals

Authors

  • Nadine Angela O. Rondilla School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Ian Christopher N. Rocha School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8775-6876
  • Shannon Jean R. Roque School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Ricardo Martin S. Lu School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Nica Lois B. Apolinar School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Alyssa A. Solaiman-Balt School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Theorell Joshua J. Abion School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Pauline Bianca P. Banatin School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines
  • Carina Viktoria M. Javier School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2021.849

Keywords:

medical anthropology, folk medicine, traditional medicine, indigenous medicine, health-seeking behavior, Philippines

Abstract

Background: Folk medicine refers to traditional healing practices anchored on cultural beliefs of body physiology and health preservation. Reflective of indigenous heritage, it fosters a better understanding of health and disease, healthcare systems, and biocultural adaptation. In the Philippines, Quiapo is a well-known site for folk medicine services, cultural diversity, religious practices, and economic activities.

Methods: This study utilized a phenomenological approach to comprehend the lived experiences of health-seeking individuals and the meaning behind their acquisition of folk medicine products. Using convenience sampling, seven participants acquiring folk medicine products in Quiapo on the day of data collection were approached and interviewed on separate instances. The collected data subsequently underwent thematic analysis.

Results: Analysis revealed three emergent themes: health-seeking behavior, sources of knowledge, and folk medicine utilization. Health-seeking behavior was linked with the participants’ purpose of going to Quiapo, reasons for utilizing folk medicine, experiences in using folk medicine, and beliefs associated with the product bought. Sources of knowledge tackled the participants’ sources of information about Quiapo and its products. Folk medicine utilization relates to the type of product bought, its perceived medicinal use, and its history of usage.

Conclusion: Folk medicine is perceived to be effective alleviating health concerns. The acquisition of such products is attributed to satisfaction from prior experience, distrust in the current healthcare system, family tradition, and intention to supplement existing medical treatment. This study provides health professionals a better understanding of patients who patronize folk medicine, subsequently aiding them in providing a holistic approach to treatment.

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Author Biographies

Nadine Angela O. Rondilla, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Nadine Angela O. Rondilla is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Santo Tomas. She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Ian Christopher N. Rocha, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Ian Christopher N. Rocha is a registered nurse and licensed professional teacher. He obtained his Master of Health Social Science degree from De La Salle University, his Master in Business Administration degree from National College of Business and Arts, and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate in Health Science Education degrees from Far Eastern University. He is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Shannon Jean R. Roque, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Shannon Jean R. Roque is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila). She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Ricardo Martin S. Lu, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Ricardo Martin S. Lu is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Santo Tomas. He is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Nica Lois B. Apolinar, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Nica Lois B. Apolinar is a registered medical technologist. She took her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree from Centro Escolar University. She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at the same university.

Alyssa A. Solaiman-Balt, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Alyssa A. Solaiman-Balt is a registered pharmacist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from the University of San Carlos. She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Theorell Joshua J. Abion, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Theorell Joshua J. Abion is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Santo Tomas. He is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Pauline Bianca P. Banatin, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Pauline Bianca P. Banatin is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology from De La Salle University. She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

Carina Viktoria M. Javier, School of Medicine, Centro Escolar University, Manila, Philippines

Carina Viktoria M. Javier is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from Trinity University of Asia. She is currently studying Doctor of Medicine at Centro Escolar University.

References

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Published

2021-04-29

How to Cite

Rondilla, N. A., Rocha, I. C. N., Roque, S. J., Lu, R. M., Apolinar, N. L. B., Solaiman-Balt, A. A., Abion, T. J., Banatin, P. B., & Javier, C. V. (2021). Folk Medicine in the Philippines: A Phenomenological Study of Health-Seeking Individuals. International Journal of Medical Students, 9(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2021.849

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Original Article

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