This study was conducted to determine the effect of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Algorithm for Identifying Skin Conditions on the knowledge and skills of Barangay Health Workers (BHW) on the identification of common skin conditions in Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur. The study was composed of one group of 36 respondents. The respondents were selected through a convenience sampling method. The research instruments used for data gathering included a questionnaire and a skill evaluation checklist which was utilized at pre-intervention and post-interventions. Means scores, frequencies and percentages were utilized for both knowledge and skill evaluation.The trend in the outcome for knowledge showed an increase in the mean scores from pre-test with 19.75 to post-test I with 21.42 to post-test II with 23.36. While in skills for the case of measles, from 12.25 in the post-test I to14.64 in the post-test II and for scabies, from 12 in the post-test I to14.14 in the post-test II. The use of the IMCI algorithm effectively guides the BHWs, when using and conforming to the assessment approach of the IMCI Algorithm, in the assessment, diagnosis and determining urgency of referrals of skin conditions, especially those included in the algorithm. In conclusion, BHWs showed a trend in the increase of scores in both knowledge and skills when exposed to the full course of the IMCI, which includes both interventions – the Phase 1 lecture on common skin conditions and the Phase 2 training intervention on the use of the IMCI Algorithm.

Keyword: childhood illness skin condition intervention BHWs Mahayag zamboanga del sur