INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2025  
Financial Constraints and Coping Mechanisms of Barangay Health  
Workers: A Correlational Study on Savings and Credit Utilization  
Nepomuceno C. Par III, Glaidys Ghail P. Sajul, Ruth Dianne R. Salazar, Associate Professor Dr.  
Merryrose Red Palma  
College of Business and Accountancy, Marinduque State University  
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1412000045  
Received: 13 December 2025; Accepted: 20 December 2025; Published: 02 January 2026  
ABSTRACT:  
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) play a vital role in delivering primary healthcare services at the community  
level; however, many continue to experience persistent financial challenges that affect their well-being and  
capacity to perform their functions effectively. This study examined the financial constraints and coping  
mechanisms of BHWs in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, with particular emphasis on savings behavior and  
credit utilization. Employing a quantitative descriptive–correlational research design, data were collected from  
38 BHWs selected through stratified random sampling across five barangays. A researcher-developed  
questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and the  
Kruskal–Wallis H test, guided by Financial Strain Theory and Goal Setting Theory. Results revealed that low  
and irregular honoraria, high out-of-pocket expenses, and limited access to formal financial resources were the  
primary sources of financial strain among BHWs. A moderate positive relationship was found between financial  
constraints and coping mechanisms, indicating that increased financial difficulty was associated with greater  
reliance on adaptive strategies such as borrowing and informal savings. No significant differences were observed  
in financial constraints when respondents were grouped according to demographic profile, suggesting that  
financial challenges are structurally driven rather than demographic-specific. The findings support the  
implementation of inclusive Financial Wellness and Resilience programs, improved access to formal financial  
services, and strengthened institutional and policy support to enhance the financial stability and quality of life  
of BHWs. These recommendations contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals,  
particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and  
Economic Growth).  
Keywords: Barangay Health Workers, coping mechanisms, credit, savings, financial constraints, financial  
literacy, Financial Strain Theory, Goal Setting Theory  
INTRODUCTION  
Background of the Study  
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) serve as crucial frontline health personnel, providing essential healthcare  
services and health education within their communities. They act as vital members of the primary care team,  
assisting midwives and nurses in implementing various health programs at the local government level. In Sta.  
Cruz, Marinduque, BHWs are often the first point of contact for residents' health needs. However, despite their  
critical role, these workers face significant economic hardships stemming from low and irregular salaries  
combined with daily financial pressures, affecting their ability to save.  
Understanding BHWs' financial literacy, saving habits, and credit practices is crucial for supporting their  
financial resilience. Effective savings and responsible credit use offer protection against financial instability,  
enable investments in professional development, and enhance overall well-being. While financial literacy  
training and structured saving programs can help manage limited incomes, the specific coping mechanisms  
employed by BHWs in dealing with their financial challenges, are largely underexplored and require targeted  
attention.  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2025  
Objectives of the Study  
1. Identify the primary financial constraints experienced by BHWs.  
2. Assess their current saving practices.  
3. Evaluate their use of credit facilities and its impact on financial well-being.  
4. Explore the relationship between financial constraints and the delivery of healthcare services.  
Statement of the Problem  
1. What is the demographic profile of the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque in terms  
of:  
1.1 Age  
1.2 Gender  
1.3 Education Level  
1.4 Marital Status  
1.5 Monthly Honorarium  
2. What are the financial constraints faced by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in their daily lives and how do  
these manifest:  
2.1 Low and Irregular Income  
2.2 High Out-of-Pocket Expenses  
2.3 Limited Access to Financial Resources  
2.4 Financial Insecurity  
3. What are the coping mechanisms of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in terms of:  
3.1 Saving Practices  
3.2 Credit Utilization  
4. Is there a significant relationship between financial constraints and coping mechanisms of Barangay Health  
Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances?  
5. Is there a significant difference between the demographic profile and financial constraints of Barangay Health  
Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances?  
6. What practical recommendations can be developed to improve the financial constraints and overall wellbeing  
of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)?  
LITERATURE REVIEW  
Existing research documents that BHWs are predominantly female and often volunteer-based with unstable  
incomes: Pandapatan et al. (2024) found 89.8% of Marawi BHWs remain unpaid, earning under ₱8,000 monthly,  
while Landingin (2024) noted Santiago City BHWs receive just ₱1,300 – an amount Bacani (2020) describes as  
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inadequate for living costs. Hatigan-Go et al. (2023) adds that San Miguel BHWs have long tenure but low  
educational attainment, creating barriers to effective financial management.  
Key challenges include low incomes paired with high out-of-pocket expenses (San Juan, 2021) and limited  
access to formal financial institutions (Balladares & Ramos, 2020), forcing BHWs to rely on "paluwagan" and  
social networks for support. Thapa et al. (2025) explains that financial literacy training improves saving habits,  
though such programs are not widely available.  
Policy efforts like the Magna Carta (Sornito, 2023; Buena, 2025) promise better pay and protection, but Baliola  
et al. (2024) finds enforcement is weak – leading to delayed allowances (Gaite, 2024; Cabalza, 2024) and post-  
election terminations (Villanueva, 2023). Statista (2023) also reports uneven workloads, with 1 BHW per 768  
residents in NCR putting extra strain on their capacity.  
Scope and Delimitation of the Study  
The study specifically focuses on BHWs from the barangays of Maharlika, Bagong Silang, Banahaw, Pag-asa,  
and Lapu-Lapu in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, with a total of 38 respondents. Ultimately, it aims to  
understand their current financial conditions, as well as the challenges they face and potential areas for  
development.  
Despite the meaningful insights generated by this study, certain limitations should be acknowledged. First, the  
study was conducted with a relatively small sample size of 38 Barangay Health Workers from selected barangays  
in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other municipalities  
or regions. However, this limitation was addressed through the use of appropriate non-parametric statistical  
techniques, particularly the Kruskal-Wallis H test, which is well-suited for small samples and ordinal data.  
Second, the study relied on self-reported responses, which may be subject to recall bias or social desirability  
bias. Third, the scope of the research was geographically limited, and variations in local government support,  
honorarium structures, and institutional policies in other areas were not captured. Despite these limitations, the  
consistency of findings across demographic groups and the statistically significant relationships observed  
provide reasonable confidence in the study’s conclusions. Future research may enhance the robustness of the  
findings by expanding the sample size, including multiple municipalities or provinces, and employing qualitative  
methods to capture deeper contextual and experiential dimensions of Barangay Health Workers’ financial well-  
being.  
Theoretical Framework  
Financial Strain Theory  
Financial Strain Theory, proposed by Agnew (1992), explains that individuals experience stress when their  
financial resources are insufficient to meet their needs and obligations. This theory highlights how limited  
income, rising expenses, and restricted financial support create pressures that influence behavior and decision-  
making. For Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, financial strain arises from low  
allowances, irregular honoraria, and the increasing cost of basic commodities. These stressors may affect their  
daily functioning, emotional state, and capacity to manage both personal and work-related responsibilities.  
Goal Setting Theory  
Goal Setting Theory, introduced by Locke and Latham (1981), posits that clear, specific, and attainable goals  
enhance performance and improve self-regulation. In the context of Barangay Health Workers, setting structured  
financial goals—such as planned savings, debt management, and organized budgeting—helps them cope with  
financial strain more effectively. Establishing concrete financial objectives enables individuals to monitor their  
progress and maintain discipline, allowing them to manage their limited resources more strategically. Supporting  
this theory, Heintalu (2025) noted that measurable and well-defined goals significantly improve motivation and  
performance.  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2025  
Financial Strain Theory  
Reduced Well-Being  
Decreased Productivity  
Impact  
Delivery and Community  
on  
Service  
Financial Constraints  
and Coping  
Mechanisms  
Goal Setting Theory  
Saving Practices  
Credit Utilization  
Figure 1. Theoretical Framework  
Research Hypothesis  
Based on the concept discussed, the following hypothesis is presented:  
H01: There is a significant relationship between financial constraints and coping mechanisms of Barangay Health  
Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances  
H11: There is no significant relationship between financial constraints and coping mechanisms of Barangay  
Health Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances  
H02: There is a significant difference between the demographic profile and financial constraints of Barangay  
Health Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances.  
H12: There is no significant difference between the demographic profile and financial constraints of Barangay  
Health Workers (BHWs) in managing their finances.  
METHODOLOGY  
The study employed a quantitative–descriptive correlational research design. The descriptive component was  
used to determine the level of financial constraints and coping mechanisms of Barangay Health Workers in  
Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, while the correlational aspect examined whether a  
relationship existed between the two variables. This design was suitable for the study because it allowed the  
researchers to describe existing conditions and analyze the relationship without manipulating any variables.  
The research was conducted in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, where the Barangay Health Workers operate  
in various barangays. This location was selected because it provided access to BHWs with diverse financial  
backgrounds and coping strategies. The population of the study consisted of all thirtyeight (38) active Barangay  
Health Workers assigned in the barangays of Maharlika, Bagong Silang, Banahaw, Pag-asa, and Lapu-Lapu. To  
ensure fair representation, the study used stratified random sampling wherein each barangay served as a stratum.  
The number of respondents selected from each barangay was proportionate to the actual number of BHWs in  
that area, after which random selection was performed. Unique identifiers were assigned to each respondent to  
maintain organization in data management.  
A self-made questionnaire served as the primary data-gathering instrument. It consisted of items assessing the  
demographic profile, financial constraints, and coping mechanisms of the respondents. The questionnaire  
utilized a five-point Likert scale to measure the degree of agreement or experience related to each item. Prior to  
its administration, the instrument underwent expert validation from the College of Business and Accountancy to  
ensure clarity and appropriateness. Revisions were made based on feedback to improve the final instrument.  
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The data gathering procedure began with securing approval from barangay officials in Poblacion. Upon approval,  
the researchers personally distributed the questionnaires and explained the study’s purpose to the respondents.  
The participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity. After the retrieval of completed questionnaires,  
the responses were tabulated, organized, and prepared for statistical analysis.  
The data were treated using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency and percentage for the demographic  
profile, mean and mode for determining the level of financial constraints and coping mechanisms, Pearson  
Correlation for establishing the relationship between the variables, and KruskalWallis H Test to determine  
whether there is a statistically significant differences in the financial constraints of Barangay Health Workers  
(BHWs) when grouped according to age, gender, educational attainment, marital status, and monthly honorarim.  
A significance level of 0.05 was used throughout the analysis.  
Ethical considerations were observed to protect the rights and welfare of the participants. The respondents were  
informed about the purpose of the study and their voluntary participation. Confidentiality and anonymity were  
strictly maintained, and no personal information was disclosed. The researchers ensured that the data collected  
were used solely for academic purposes and were treated with integrity and honesty.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  
Demographic Profile of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque  
Figure 2.  
Demographic Profile of the Respondents  
31.58%  
73.68%  
100%  
79%  
31.58%  
Vocational and High School  
Married  
40-49 yrs old Female  
Php 1001- Php 1500  
The demographic profile of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque reflects  
how age, gender, education, marital status, and income influence their capacity to perform community health  
roles. Most BHWs are aged 40–49, indicating a workforce dominated by older adults whose long-term  
community involvement strengthens trust and service quality, consistent with Social Role Theory, which links  
age and accumulated experience to caregiving roles. All respondents are female, mirroring national and  
international patterns where women dominate community health work due to cultural expectations that associate  
caregiving with femininity, aligning with Gender Role Theory. A large share of BHWs are high school graduates  
or vocational completers, supporting Human Capital Theory, as educational attainment enhances competence,  
confidence, and the ability to follow health protocols. The majority are married, suggesting strong family support  
systems that reinforce commitment and emotional stability, consistent with the Social Support Theory. Most  
BHWs earn only Php 1,001–1,500 monthly, reflecting financial constraints that shape their coping strategies and  
parallel Resource Dependency Theory, where limited income affects work motivation and the need to manage  
multiple responsibilities. Overall, these characteristics show that BHWs operate within intersecting social,  
economic, and cultural conditions that influence their effectiveness, commitment, and financial vulnerability in  
performing frontline health services.  
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Table 1.  
Level of Financial Constraints Experienced by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)  
Low and Irregular Income Mean Verbal Description  
. Adjust/limit expenses to make honorarium last  
4.24  
2.03  
trongly  
Agree  
Disagree  
. Honorarium covers basic needs  
3. Look for side jobs  
4.45  
3.32  
3.576  
Strongly  
Agree  
4. Experience delays in honorarium  
Neutral  
Agree  
Composite Mean  
2.2 High-Out of Pocket Expenses  
. Spend own money for work duties  
. Unexpected expenses affect saving  
. Delay/avoid medical care due to cost  
. Borrow money for sudden health expenses  
2.79 4.37 2.74  
3.79  
Neutral  
Strongly  
Agree  
Neutral  
Agree  
3.356  
Neutral  
Composite Mean  
2.3 Limited Access to Financial Resources  
1. Hard to apply for loans from formal institutions  
2. Lack access to savings and credit services  
3. Do not qualify for most credit/loan programs  
4. Do not know where/how to access financial  
2.66  
3.24  
2.95  
3.13  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
3.044  
Neutral  
Composite Mean  
2.4 Financial Insecurity  
1. Worry about not having enough money  
2. Unable to save for the future  
4.21  
4.34  
3.63  
4.39  
Strongly Agree  
Strongly Agree  
Agree  
3. Feel unprepared for financial emergencies  
4. Anxious about unexpected expenses  
Strongly Agree  
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5. Financial insecurity makes me question continuing as  
3.24  
Neutral  
Barangay Health Worker  
3.962  
3.48  
Agree  
Agree  
Composite Mean  
Grand Mean  
Legend:  
Mean  
Range  
Level of Agreement  
4.21 – 5.00 Strongly Agree  
3.41 - 4.20 Agree  
2.61 – 3.40 Neutral  
1.81 – 2.60 Disagree  
1.00 – 1.80 Strongly Disagree  
Table 1 presents the financial constraints experienced by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Poblacion, Sta.  
Cruz, Marinduque, focusing on low and irregular income, high out-of-pocket expenses, and limited access to  
financial resources. The grand mean of 3.326, interpreted as “Agree/Neutral,” indicates that financial difficulties  
significantly affect the daily lives of BHWs. Low and irregular income (mean = 3.576) emerged as a primary  
concern. Respondents reported adjusting or limiting expenses to make their honoraria last, seeking additional  
side jobs, and experiencing delays in receiving pay. This reflects a reality where financial instability disrupts  
their ability to cover basic needs and plan long-term, consistent with Mundoc (2024), who emphasized that low-  
income earners frequently develop coping strategies to manage inconsistent earnings. Ballentine, Goodkind, and  
Shook (2020) highlighted that low-income workers adapt by prioritizing expenses and relying on community  
support, which mirrors the BHWs’ experiences of adjusting spending to survive irregular pay schedules. High  
out-of-pocket expenses (mean = 3.356) also contribute to financial strain. BHWs often spend personal funds for  
transportation, medical needs, and work-related duties. Some reported delaying or avoiding medical care due to  
cost or borrowing money for unexpected health expenses. San Juan (2021) critiqued the Philippine healthcare  
financing system, noting that health workers are frequently compelled to shoulder costs that should be covered  
by public resources, a situation corroborated by the experiences of BHW respondents. Bernard et al. (2023)  
further emphasized that such expenditures increase financial vulnerability by forcing workers to choose between  
essential living needs and work-related obligations. Finally, limited access to financial resources (mean = 3.044)  
restricts BHWs from obtaining formal loans or accessing structured savings programs. Many respondents  
reported difficulties in applying for loans or credit, lack of knowledge about available financial assistance, or  
outright exclusion from formal financial systems. Balladares and Ramos (2020) observed similar patterns among  
Philippine BHWs, noting that limited access to financial services often leads to reliance on informal lending  
mechanisms, reinforcing cycles of debt. Collectively, these findings illustrate that financial constraints among  
BHWs are not only a matter of low income but also a result of structural and systemic barriers, echoing the  
experiences documented by Ronquillo (2022) and Sano et al. (2021). Moreover, the overall financial insecurity  
(mean = 3.962), underscores the cumulative effect of low income, high out-of-pocket expenses, and limited  
financial access. This high level of financial insecurity indicates that BHWs frequently face challenges in  
meeting both personal and work-related obligations, reflecting systemic vulnerabilities within the community  
health workforce. Collectively, these findings illustrate that financial constraints among BHWs are not only a  
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matter of low income but also a result of structural and systemic barriers, echoing the experiences documented  
by Ronquillo (2022) and Sano et al. (2021).  
Table 2.  
Coping Mechanisms Adopted by BHWs  
3.1 Saving Practices  
Mean Verbal  
Description  
1. Regularly set aside money for emergencies  
2. Use piggy banks/home-based savings methods  
3. Participate in group savings/paluwagan  
4. Deposit money in bank/cooperative savings  
5. Have a written budget  
3.39  
3.03  
3.18  
3.03  
3.21  
3.168  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Composite Mean  
3.2 Credit Utilization  
1. Borrow money from family/friends  
2. Rely on loans to make ends meet  
3. Pawn valuable items to cover expenses  
4. Rely on high-interest “5-6” system  
4.16  
2.97  
2.89  
1.95  
Agree  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Disagree  
2.952  
3.06  
Neutral  
Neutral  
Composite Mean  
Grand Mean  
Legend:  
Mean  
Range  
4.21 –  
5.00  
Level of Agreement  
Strongly Agree  
Agree  
3.41 -  
4.20  
Neutral  
2.61 –  
3.40  
Disagree  
1.81 –  
2.60  
Strongly Disagree  
1.00 –  
1.80  
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Table 2 presents the coping mechanisms that Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) employ to manage financial  
constraints, focusing on both saving practices and credit utilization. The grand mean of financial coping  
strategies, considering all aspects, reflects a “Neutral/Agree” level of engagement,  
indicating that while BHWs attempt to manage their finances, their strategies are limited by irregular income  
and structural barriers. In terms of saving practices, BHWs demonstrated varied habits. Some respondents  
regularly set aside money for emergencies (mean = 3.39) and participated in informal savings systems like  
paluwagan (mean = 3.18), while others preferred home-based methods such as piggy banks (mean = 3.03) or  
depositing small amounts in bank accounts or cooperatives (mean = 3.03). The practice of creating written  
budgets was less consistent (mean = 3.21), reflecting that although BHWs recognize the importance of saving,  
their actions are irregular and largely influenced by their limited resources. The composite mean for saving  
practices was 3.168, interpreted as “Neutral,” suggesting moderate engagement in saving behaviors. These  
findings are supported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (2021), which reported that informal savings  
mechanisms are common among low-income Filipino communities, and by GrinsteinWeiss et al. (2021), who  
highlighted the significant role of community-based savings in promoting financial inclusion. Similarly,  
Martinez (2022) emphasized that family-based saving systems often serve as informal safety nets, which aligns  
with the observed BHW practices. Credit utilization, BHWs primarily borrow money from family and friends  
(mean = 4.16), occasionally rely on formal loans to make ends meet (mean = 2.97), or pawn valuable items to  
cover unexpected expenses (mean = 2.89). They generally avoid highinterest informal lenders like the “5-6”  
system (mean = 1.95), though respondents reported some difficulty paying loans on time (mean = 2.79). The  
composite mean for credit utilization was 2.952, interpreted as “Neutral,” indicating that BHWs sometimes rely  
on borrowing as a coping mechanism, particularly during financial shortfalls or emergencies. Gomez et al. (2024)  
noted that informal lending provides short-term relief but often leads to long-term debt cycles, a pattern reflected  
in the BHW responses. Chikwira et al. (2022) highlighted the importance of responsible borrowing and financial  
education to reduce financial vulnerability, which corroborates the study’s findings. The overall financial  
insecurity experienced by BHWs, considering low and irregular income, high out-of-pocket expenses, and  
limited access to financial resources, had a grand mean of 3.962, interpreted as “Agree,” which suggests that  
financial challenges significantly impact their daily lives. Collectively, these findings indicate that while BHWs  
employ a range of coping strategies, including saving and borrowing, their effectiveness is constrained by  
inconsistent income and limited structural support, echoing observations by Mundoc (2024), Ballentine et al.  
(2020), and Bernard et al. (2023).  
Table 3.  
Relationship Between Financial Constraints and Coping Mechanisms of BHWs  
Pearson Correlation  
Variables  
Pearson Significance orrelational  
Interpretation Decision  
(2-tailed)  
Level  
Financial Constraints  
Coping Mechanisms  
0.599**  
0.000  
Moderate  
Positive  
Significant  
Relationship  
Reject  
H0  
Table 3 shows the statistical relationship between financial constraints and coping mechanisms among BHWs  
using Pearson correlation analysis. The computed r-value of 0.599 (p = 0.000) indicates a moderate positive  
correlation, which is statistically significant at the 0.01 level. This suggests that as financial constraints increase,  
BHWs intensify their coping strategies, such as budgeting, saving, or borrowing. This finding aligns with  
Financial Strain Theory, which posits that individuals under economic pressure develop adaptive behaviors to  
manage stress arising from limited resources. In the context of BHWs, financial strain motivates active  
engagement in both formal and informal coping mechanisms. For example, respondents with more irregular  
income reported higher reliance on borrowing from family or informal networks, whereas those facing high out-  
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of-pocket expenses participated more in group savings systems to offset costs. Similar studies by Calonia et al.  
(2022), Ettman et al. (2023), and Samuel et al.  
(2025) confirm that financial strain correlates with behavioral adaptation, highlighting the link between  
economic hardship and practical coping strategies. These results demonstrate that coping mechanisms among  
BHWs are directly influenced by their financial limitations and underline the importance of interventions to  
support financial resilience.  
Table 4.  
Demographic Differences and Financial Constraints of BHWs  
Kruskal – Wallis H Test  
Profile  
Age  
H-Value  
13.660  
0.000  
P-Value  
0.751  
Interpretation  
Decision  
Gender  
1.000  
Not  
Not Reject H0  
Educational Attainment  
20.872  
0.467  
Significant  
Marital Status  
24.111  
26.957  
0.288  
0.172  
Monthly Honorarium  
Note: Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)  
Table 4 examines the influence of demographic factors on financial constraints using the Kruskal–Wallis H Test.  
The analysis revealed no significant differences in financial constraints when BHWs were grouped according to  
age (p = 0.751), gender (p = 1.000), educational attainment (p = 0.467), marital status (p = 0.288), and monthly  
honorarium (p = 0.172). This indicates that financial constraints are experienced similarly across demographic  
groups, highlighting that structural and systemic factors are the primary drivers of financial difficulties. These  
findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving financial well-being should target all BHWs rather than  
focusing on specific demographic groups. Structural factors such as low pay, irregular honoraria, and mandatory  
out-of-pocket expenditures play a more critical role in shaping financial outcomes than age, gender, or education  
level. Clark et al. (2023) and Aydin (2022) supported the use of the Kruskal–Wallis test in analyzing ordinal data,  
confirming the robustness of these conclusions despite the study’s relatively small sample size. Overall, the  
results underscore the necessity for comprehensive financial support programs, such as budgeting workshops,  
access to low-interest loans, and financial literacy initiatives, that can benefit all BHWs regardless of personal  
demographic characteristics.  
The absence of statistically significant differences in financial constraints when Barangay Health Workers  
(BHWs) were grouped according to age, gender, educational attainment, marital status, and monthly honorarium  
underscores the dominance of structural rather than demographic determinants of financial well-being. This  
finding indicates that financial challenges are uniformly experienced across BHWs, regardless of personal  
characteristics, and are primarily driven by systemic factors such as low and irregular honoraria, mandatory out-  
of-pocket expenditures for work-related activities, and limited access to formal financial services. Consequently,  
interventions that narrowly target specific demographic groups may be ineffective and exclusionary. Instead, a  
universal and inclusive approach to financial well-being is warranted. The use of the Kruskal Wallis H test is  
methodologically appropriate given the ordinal nature of the data and the relatively small sample size, and prior  
studies have confirmed its robustness under such conditions, thereby supporting the validity of the findings.  
These results highlight the need for comprehensive, institutionally supported financial programs such as  
budgeting and financial literacy workshops, access to low-interest loans, emergency savings mechanisms, and  
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reimbursement schemes that can address the root causes of financial strain and benefit all BHWs equally, rather  
than focusing on demographic segmentation.  
RECOMMENDATIONS  
Based on the findings of the study, which revealed a moderate positive relationship between financial difficulties  
and coping mechanisms and no significant differences across demographic profiles, the following  
recommendations are proposed to enhance the financial well-being and overall quality of life of Barangay Health  
Workers (BHWs):  
1. Implementation of Financial Wellness and Resilience Programs (SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 8: Decent Work  
and Economic Growth)  
It is recommended that local government units (LGUs), in collaboration with relevant agencies, implement  
inclusive Financial Wellness and Resilience programs for all BHWs. These programs should focus on financial  
literacy, budgeting, savings management, responsible credit utilization, and emergency fund preparation. Since  
financial challenges are structurally driven rather than demographic-specific, participation should be universal  
to ensure equity and maximize impact.  
2. Improved Access to Formal Financial Services (SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)  
LGUs may establish partnerships with cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and local banks to facilitate  
BHWs’ access to low-interest loans, savings accounts, micro-insurance, and mobile banking services. Simplified  
enrollment processes and financial orientation sessions are encouraged to reduce exclusion from formal financial  
systems and reliance on informal lending mechanisms.  
3. Strengthening Institutional and Policy Support (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)  
Policy reforms should be pursued to ensure the timely release, standardization, and possible augmentation of  
BHW honoraria. Institutional mechanisms for reimbursing work-related out-of-pocket expenses, such as  
transportation and medical supplies, are strongly recommended to reduce financial strain and enhance job  
satisfaction and retention.  
4. Integration of Financial Well-Being into Health Workforce Development (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-  
being)  
Financial stability should be recognized as a key component of workforce well-being. Incorporating financial  
well-being initiatives into existing BHW training and development programs can help reduce stress, improve  
morale, and ultimately enhance service delivery and community health outcomes.  
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Expansion (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)  
Regular monitoring and evaluation of financial support programs are recommended to assess effectiveness and  
sustainability. Future research may expand coverage to other municipalities or provinces and utilize mixed-  
method approaches to deepen understanding of financial behaviors and long-term impacts of institutional  
interventions.  
6. For Future Researchers  
Future researchers are encouraged to expand the scope of this study by including a larger sample size and  
covering multiple municipalities or provinces to enhance the generalizability of findings related to the financial  
constraints and coping mechanisms of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Conducting comparative studies  
across urban and rural settings may also provide deeper insights into how institutional support, honorarium  
structures, and local governance affect financial well-being.  
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Researchers may consider employing mixed-method or qualitative research designs, such as in-depth interviews  
or focus group discussions, to capture the lived experiences, emotional dimensions, and contextual factors  
influencing financial behavior among BHWs that may not be fully reflected in survey data. Longitudinal studies  
are likewise recommended to examine changes in financial constraints and coping strategies over time,  
particularly in response to policy reforms or the implementation of financial wellness programs.  
Future studies may also explore the effectiveness and sustainability of Financial Wellness and Resilience  
interventions, cooperative-based savings schemes, and LGU-supported financial assistance programs through  
impact evaluation approaches. Additionally, integrating variables such as financial stress, job satisfaction,  
service delivery outcomes, and retention of BHWs may help establish stronger links between financial well-  
being and healthcare performance, thereby contributing to evidence-based policymaking and the advancement  
of Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, decent work, and health equity.  
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