Langkit : Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Parental Intention in Getting Children Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Virus: A Case in Iligan City, Philippines

2024-05-21T08:47:51+08:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals, health systems, and economies globally. Despite the administration of 13.3 billion vaccine doses worldwide, which has mitigated the devastating effects of the COVID-19 virus, children under five years of age in the Philippines remain vulnerable, as vaccination for this age group has not yet been authorized. This study explores the variables that influence the intent of parents to vaccinate their six-month-old to four-year-old children against the COVID-19 virus. A face-to-face survey was conducted on 200 parents with children aged six-month-old to four-year-old in Iligan City, Philippines from August to October 2022. The findings revealed that 47% of the respondents expressed vaccination intent for their children. Regression analysis showed that intention differed by sex, educational attainment, religious affiliation, and vaccination status, in which male, Catholic, college-degree holders, and vaccinated parents stated higher intention to vaccinate children. Under the Health Belief Model, perceived barriers (p<0.01), self-efficacy (p<0.01), and cues-to-action (p<0.01) were predictors of children's vaccination intention, while no significant relationship existed between parental intent and the perceptions of susceptibility and severity of contracting the virus and benefits of vaccines. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Firstly, government and health institutions should implement strategies to increase vaccine uptake among parents. Secondly, future programs should be designed to address barriers and empower parents to make informed decisions regarding their children's health. Finally, Special attention should be given to mothers, individuals without a college degree, non-Catholic parents, and unvaccinated parents to enhance trust and compliance with COVID-19 vaccination programs targeting this age group.

E-Waste Literacy: The Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of MSU-IIT Students Towards E-Waste Management

2024-06-06T17:07:49+08:00

E-waste management has been a challenge globally and has become a serious problem among developing nations. During the pandemic, the Philippines and other countries experienced a rise in information and communication technology usage, leading to an increased amount of obsolete electronic equipment. The absence of proper management of this waste therefore threatens the environment and human health. Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is likewise dealing with the issues that call for immediate attention within the university. Thus, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and perception (KAP) of e-waste management of students on campus. KAP surveys for the students, and key informant (KI) interviews of faculty and staff were the instruments for data collection. KAP data was collected using physical and online surveys. While KI interviews were conducted in-person. The results showed that the students across various colleges had a high level of knowledge (overall mean range of 3.58-4.16) specifically about the components of e-waste and its negative effects on human health and the environment. They also demonstrated a positive attitude (overall mean range of 3.88-4.40) toward learning and participating in any e-waste recycling and handling initiatives, and a positive perception (overall mean range of 3.73-3.95), emphasizing that institution has a responsibility to raise awareness and educate its constituents on proper e-waste management. Further, the study revealed that, although e-waste is condemned at the campus Supply Office, the process was deemed time-consuming, which ends up storing in different departments or offices. Hence, the institution should focus on improving its e-waste management system, wider dissemination of information, and implementation of further environmental education and initiatives such as e-waste recycling seminars, programs, and activities to achieve a safe educational environment.

Addressing Stigma: Exploring The Experiences of Mëranao LGBT

2024-06-25T11:58:08+08:00

The study investigates the challenges faced by Mëranao Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals by exploring their narratives. It interrogates the stigma they encountered and evaluates societal acceptance. Drawing from Erving Goffman's definition, stigma is portrayed as a deeply derogatory characteristic. Through in-depth interviews, the experiences of the participants reveal four main types of stigma: associative stigma linked to their religious and cultural identity, perceived stigma limiting their thoughts and actions, internalized stigma leading to feelings of isolation, and public stigma stemming from societal acceptance. Moreover, this study examines social acceptance among two distinct groups, revealing that while LGB individuals are deemed unacceptable within homogeneous communities, they are accepted within heterogeneous ones. However, within the homogeneous community, negative perceptions persist, particularly towards LGBT individuals in military and government roles. The study also underscores the strong disapproval within the context of behavior and religion.

Blue Economy for Small-Scale Fisheries: Challenges from A Coastal Community in the Southern Philippines

2024-06-27T09:12:45+08:00

This research describes the experiences of small-scale fisheries (SSF) concerning the coastal development project in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. This initiative aims to enhance the municipality’s fisheries sector to reinvigorate fishing activities through the development of a boulevard, enhancement of existing fish landings, and development of a commercial building for the agri-aqua industry in the municipality. Despite the promising prospects of such an initiative, various literature revealed that there have been concerns regarding the sustainability of small-scale fisheries within the context of the blue economy. Utilizing a descriptive research design, this study uses surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to analyze the SSF's awareness, perception, knowledge, and participation in the proposed coastal development. Salient findings reveal that SSF in Poblacion are predominantly middle-aged, married men, with moderate involvement and positive insights in coastal development. However, they face numerous challenges encompassing inadequate socio- economic support, shifting weather patterns, and a lack of institutional assistance being the most prominent. These challenges exacerbate the difficulties encountered by the coastal SSF community, compounded by evolving market conditions and changes in livelihoods, which further strain their resilience. These emphasize the critical need for community engagement and the establishment of sustained support and monitoring mechanisms to advocate for sustainable coastal development. Recommendations include the rigorous implementation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, as well as the establishment of a barangay coastal resource management plan to promote participatory planning practices. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early and frequent stakeholder interaction to comprehend various stakeholders’ perspectives.