ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS BY THE COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This paper aimed to assess the impact of implemented community extension and outreach programs of the College of Radiologic Technology at Barangay San Isidro, Iguig, Cagayan. The primary objective is to assess how these programs have influenced health awareness, accessibility to medical services specifically diagnostic services, and overall well-being of the residents. Through a case study approach, data was collected using surveys and interviews involving community members within the community. The study made use of descriptive research design. It was used to describe the profile of the respondents, the different projects and activities provided in its service community. In determining the distribution of the respondents’ profile and the perceived overall effectiveness of the programs, frequency count and percentage distribution are used to employ interpreting the data obtained from the survey. To determine the awareness of the clients on the community extension and outreach programs as well as the perceived benefits of the outreach and extension programs, frequency count, percentage distribution and rank is used in terms of: 1. Awareness of outreach programs 2. Source of information 3. Frequency of exposure to outreach and extension programs and 4. Outreach and extension activities participated in. In assessing the perceived impact of the community extension and outreach programs, descriptive statistic is used to determine the weighted mean. Results of the study revealed that respondents are middle-aged, female dominated, mostly high school graduate and unemployed with monthly income below poverty threshold and Itawes speaking people. Moreover, the results show that respondents are aware of the community extension and outreach programs through community meetings and have experienced it first-hand participating mostly in Health Education Seminars. Further, results revealed that the community extension and outreach programs were very beneficial to the clients specifically on enhanced knowledge of preventive health measures on main community benefit, Health Education Seminar and Workshops for Community Benefit and Gained Knowledge About Health Issues or Preventive Care for personal benefit. More than this, the community extension and outreach programs were very effective in the community contributing significantly to improved access to diagnostic services, knowledge gained, influence on personal health practices and the overall health awareness of the community.