Health Practices and Socio-Demographic Correlates Among the Indigenous Peoples of Sitio Kinbilibil, Barangay Daligan, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur

Abstract

Indigenous health practices remain an essential aspect of community well-being, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Understanding these practices is vital for developing culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. This study examined the health practices of Indigenous Peoples in Sitio Kinbilibil, Barangay Daligan, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, and explored the relationship between their health behaviors and socio-demographic profile.  Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study employed total enumeration, involving 49 Indigenous Peoples aged 18 years and above. Data were gathered through a modified instrument based on Yang-ed et al. (2009). Frequency and percentages were used to describe the socio-demographic profiles, mean scores assessed the extent of health practices, and simple correlational analysis was used to determine relationships between variables.  Results showed that most respondents were aged 18-38 years old, female, married, high school graduates, affiliated with the Pentecostal church, and earning less than Php 5,000 monthly, with business as their primary source of income. In terms of health practices, respondents sometimes used traditional remedies, occasionally consulted professional health providers for common health conditions, and seldom sought medical care for self-care concerns. A significant finding was that religious affiliation, specifically Pentecostal, was correlated with respondents’ overall health practices. The study underscores the importance of recognizing the cultural context influencing indigenous health behaviors. Documenting these practices contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge and supports the development of culturally grounded health programs to improve health outcomes. This study contributes empirical, community-level evidence on indigenous health practices in Ilocos Sur, addressing the limited documentation of health behaviors among geographically isolated Indigenous Peoples.