Article ID: HRP2025-011
Aim: This study aimed to determine the number and profile of traditional and alternative health care (TAHC) practitioners catering to women's need in Basilan, Philippines.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, using cluster sampling to select half of Basilan's municipalities, including Lamitan City. All barangays in the selected areas were surveyed, and community health workers assisted in identifying and locating practitioners. Data collectors interviewed those who met the inclusion criteria, with this publication focusing specifically on TAHC practitioners who served women.
Results: In the province of Basilan, 861 TAHC practitioners were profiled, of whom 160 (19.1%) provided services to pregnant women. They used oils, balms, and plant-based remedies to address mild conditions and positioned the fetus inside the womb. Most practitioners were females aged 50–59 years, with limited formal education and an average of 22 years of practice, primarily receiving voluntary donations for their services.
Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the significant role of TAHC practitioners in Basilan and emphasize the need for comprehensive data collection to effectively integrate their services into the public health system and address health workforce gaps.
