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Factors influencing health-seeking behavior among overseas Filipino workers

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the various predictors of health-seeking behavior among overseas Filipino workers. More specifically, this determines the influence of sociodemographic factors, perceived health status, and knowledge on PhilHealth insurance to health-seeking behavior. It is based on a study that involved 3001 survey respondents. Findings reveal that the respondents in general perceived themselves to be healthy. Their knowledge about PhilHealth, however, is limited. The respondents preferred to seek medical care from a physician. Results also indicate that when illnesses are manageable, the respondents resort to self-medication instead. This paper concludes that perceived health status, sickness in the past two years, level of education, age, and no. of children predict health-seeking behavior particularly seeking medical care from a doctor. Moreover, income and sickness in the past two years were significant predictors to seeking care from a traditional health provider. Sickness in the past two years, sex, perceived health status, and age influence self-medication. Lastly, sickness in the past two years, perceived health status, age, and income were significant predictors to a hospital visit. Summarily, the findings suggest that to increase health seeking, health promotion should consider the various sociodemographic and personal characteristics of individuals.