This study was conducted to determine the health needs, availability, delivery and utilization of health services, and health-seeking behavioral practices of the indigent residents in Sta. Cruz Island of Zamboanga City using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Sixty-nine primary caregivers were interviewed utilizing a 24-item interviewer-administered questionnaire to determine health concern, health-seeking behavior and health service utilization. Focus group discussions with the health personnel, and interview of barangay officials and health center personnel were also conducted to determine the available health facilities/services. The most common health problems reported among children and adults were cough, cold and fever. The commonly reported health complaints in the past two weeks were also cough and colds while hypertension was the most accounted chronic condition among residents. Majority of the respondents seek medical consultation in Sta. Barbara health center whenever not feeling well because they find it less expensive. When they are sick and are unable to seek medical assistance, primarily due to financial constraint, most of them would initially rest and self medicate at home. More than half of the respondents have the inclination to use unprescribed over-the counter drugs and some medicines referred by non-medical practitioners. In terms of health programs, the health center offered prenatal, delivery, family planning, newborn care, immunization, nutrition, TB-DOTS, and environmental sanitation. Health services offered on the hand included consultations, free medicines, BP taking, and health teaching. It was claimed by the health center personnel that they also visit the people in the island three to four times a year. Consultation with free medication, immunization, prenatal, and health education were some of the services given to the community during those visits. The health programs utilized by most of the respondents were immunization and prenatal, and consultation was the most availed among the health services. Moreover, financial constraints, geographical conditions and problems with transportation, level of education, temporary residency, and previous unpleasant experiences with health care providers were found to be the reasons mainly affecting the respondents’ utilization of health services.

Keyword: Health services