Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108739

Angela G. Acosta¹, Elizabeth A. Conlisk, PhD¹, and Kay Johnson, PhD². (1) School of Natural Science, Hampshire College, 893 West St, Amherst, MA 01002, 413-549-4600, acostaAG@gmail.com, (2) School of Social Science, Hampshire College, 893 West St., Amherst, MA 01002

Purpose: Although a large part of the women's health literature in poorer nations focuses on urban slums, street residents have been largely ignored. Street residence, however, implies a different degree of poverty and socio-political structures that may have considerable impacts on women's access to care and health-seeking behaviors. This is the first study that addresses issues in health care access faced by street-dwelling women in the Philippines.

Methods: A comprehensive survey was administered to a convenience sample of 109 women meeting the following criteria: 16-45 years old, minimum 3 months current residence on the streets of Manila (capital of the Philippines), and having at least one child under the age of 18 within her street household.

Preliminary findings: 29% of respondents were unable to see a doctor in the past 12 months primarily for financial reasons. 86% had no lifetime history of health insurance or health care coverage. 62% of mothers with children under 36 months did not receive prenatal care, although 54% had lived on the street during pregnancy. 35% did not have a certified birth attendant at delivery.

Discussion: Street-dwelling women in the Philippines encounter significant barriers to care. There needs to be increased dialogue between health planners and street women on ways to improve their access to health care. This study can be used to take that step.

Learning Objectives: