Bridging beliefs and care : phenomenological exploration on the use of alternative medicine as first-line treatment in Siquijor Island /
Baldebrin, Kristine U.,
Bridging beliefs and care : phenomenological exploration on the use of alternative medicine as first-line treatment in Siquijor Island / Kristine U. Baldebrin, Michelle H. Bangay, Zamier Alcel Pharez R. Egas [and others]. - Dumaguete City : Foundation University ; 2025. - vii, 215 leaves : ill. (col.) ; 28 cm. resource
Undergraduate thesis (BS in Nursing) -- Foundation University, 2025
Includes bibliographical references and appendices
Abstract
Siquijor Island, colloquially known as the "Island of Healing," is distinguíshed by its
enduring reliance on traditional and alternative healing modalities such as hilot (traditional
massage), herbal medicine, and spiritual interventions. Despite the availability of modern
healthcare services, a significant portion of the population continues to utilize these
culturally embedded practices as their first-line treatment. This study aimed to explore the
lived experiences of individuals in Siquijor who choose alternative medicine as their
primary approach to health and healing. This study used qualitative research design
grounded in Edmund Husserl's descriptive phenomenology, this study utilized Colaizzi's
seven-step method to guide data collection and analysis. Ten participants aged 18 years old
and above, all of whom had firsthand experience with alternative medicine, were purposely
selected from some barangays in Siquijor Island. Data were collected through in-depth,
semi-structured interviews and analyzed to uncover emergent themes and meanings. The
analysis yielded six emergent themes: (1) First Medical Treatment Preferences, (2)
Continuity of Practice, (3) Traditional Care Reliance, (4) Convenience of Care, (5)
Navigating Between Systems, and (6) Experiential Proof. Participants articulated a strong
sense of trust in traditional healers, citing cultural familiarity, spiritual congruence, and
economic practicality as critical determinants in choosing alternative care over biomedical
interventions. In conclusion, the findings underscore the persistent relevance and
legitimacy of alternative medicine in the sociocultural aspect of Siquijor. The study
highlights the need for culturally competent healthcare that acknowledges indigenous
healing systems and promotes integrative, patient-centered approaches. Insights from this
research may inform nursing practice, education, policy development aimed at fostering
respectful collaboration between traditional and biomedical health sectors.
Alternative medicine--Philippines.--Siquijor Island.
Traditional medicine--Philippines.
Health beliefs--Philippines
Medical anthropology--Philippines.
Nursing Research 1 (2/1) :--Public Administration, Master of ;--NUR 106
(CoN-Nur) LG 221 D35 N87 / A5 N87 2025 B34
Bridging beliefs and care : phenomenological exploration on the use of alternative medicine as first-line treatment in Siquijor Island / Kristine U. Baldebrin, Michelle H. Bangay, Zamier Alcel Pharez R. Egas [and others]. - Dumaguete City : Foundation University ; 2025. - vii, 215 leaves : ill. (col.) ; 28 cm. resource
Undergraduate thesis (BS in Nursing) -- Foundation University, 2025
Includes bibliographical references and appendices
Abstract
Siquijor Island, colloquially known as the "Island of Healing," is distinguíshed by its
enduring reliance on traditional and alternative healing modalities such as hilot (traditional
massage), herbal medicine, and spiritual interventions. Despite the availability of modern
healthcare services, a significant portion of the population continues to utilize these
culturally embedded practices as their first-line treatment. This study aimed to explore the
lived experiences of individuals in Siquijor who choose alternative medicine as their
primary approach to health and healing. This study used qualitative research design
grounded in Edmund Husserl's descriptive phenomenology, this study utilized Colaizzi's
seven-step method to guide data collection and analysis. Ten participants aged 18 years old
and above, all of whom had firsthand experience with alternative medicine, were purposely
selected from some barangays in Siquijor Island. Data were collected through in-depth,
semi-structured interviews and analyzed to uncover emergent themes and meanings. The
analysis yielded six emergent themes: (1) First Medical Treatment Preferences, (2)
Continuity of Practice, (3) Traditional Care Reliance, (4) Convenience of Care, (5)
Navigating Between Systems, and (6) Experiential Proof. Participants articulated a strong
sense of trust in traditional healers, citing cultural familiarity, spiritual congruence, and
economic practicality as critical determinants in choosing alternative care over biomedical
interventions. In conclusion, the findings underscore the persistent relevance and
legitimacy of alternative medicine in the sociocultural aspect of Siquijor. The study
highlights the need for culturally competent healthcare that acknowledges indigenous
healing systems and promotes integrative, patient-centered approaches. Insights from this
research may inform nursing practice, education, policy development aimed at fostering
respectful collaboration between traditional and biomedical health sectors.
Alternative medicine--Philippines.--Siquijor Island.
Traditional medicine--Philippines.
Health beliefs--Philippines
Medical anthropology--Philippines.
Nursing Research 1 (2/1) :--Public Administration, Master of ;--NUR 106
(CoN-Nur) LG 221 D35 N87 / A5 N87 2025 B34