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. 2023 Jan 30;8(2):93.
doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020093.

A Qualitative Study on the Implementation of the Workplace TB Program in the Philippines: Challenges and Way Forward

Evalyn A Roxas  1 , Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho  2 , Maria Margarita M Lota  1 , Paul Michael R Hernandez  2 , Adrian Paul M Agravante  2 , Loisse Mikaela M Loterio  1 , Micaela J Arevalo  1 , Richelle Liza F Maglalang  1 , Carlo R Lumangaya  1 , Vicente Y Belizario Jr  3   4
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A Qualitative Study on the Implementation of the Workplace TB Program in the Philippines: Challenges and Way Forward

Evalyn A Roxas et al. Trop Med Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that remains to be a primary health concern globally. The Philippines is among the top TB-burdened countries. Workplace TB prevention and control programs are essential to ensure the health and safety of workers and economic security. There remains a knowledge gap regarding the Philippine workplace TB prevention and control program implementation. This qualitative study involving key informant interviews reviewed the implementation of the workplace TB program in selected companies in a high TB burden region in Eastern Philippines. Results were presented under four themes in accordance with the components of the workplace TB policy: preventive strategies, medical management, data recording and reporting, and social policy. Various good practices, opportunities, and challenges in the implementation of the workplace TB program were identified. There is a need to strengthen the enforcement of policy across different components. Compliance with guidelines on preventive strategies and recording and reporting schemes needs to be intensified. Coordination across different levels and agencies may also be enhanced to allow more efficient implementation. Increased awareness of corporate decision-makers may improve company ownership of the program leading to improved implementation while increased awareness of employees on their rights and entitlements may likewise enhance compliance.

Keywords: Philippines; occupational health; qualitative research; tuberculosis; workplace.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Framework for assessment of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in the Workplace policy [10].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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