Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master in Public Health

Keywords

Tuberculosis, Digital Screening Application, Community-Based Intervention, Active Case Finding, Primary Health Care, Public Health Informatics, General Luna, Rural Health Services, Case Detection, Health System Strengthening.

Abstract

Background: The detection rates for tuberculosis cases in General Luna, Surigao del Norte continue to fall short of national targets which maintains its status as a public health priority. The combination of geographic isolation with social stigma and diagnostic access barriers results in postponed tuberculosis detection and treatment initiation.

Objective: The project set out to boost TB case detection in General Luna through the fusion of digital health technologies with community-driven approaches to improve early identification and referral processes.

Methods: The project involved the development and rollout of the RespiraCare mobile application—a digital screening and referral tool aligned with the National TB Program (NTP) protocol. The program executed TB awareness seminars alongside BHW training while coordinating digital household screenings and mobile chest X-ray deployments at the barangay level. Tools for monitoring and evaluation were activated to assess both coverage and outcomes.

Results: The project achieved 71% household screening coverage, exceeding the 70% target. Among identified high-risk individuals, 35% received chest X-ray referrals, with high completion rates in Sta. Cruz (65%) and Malinao (54%). GeneXpert submissions reached 123% of the target, and 96% of confirmed TB cases were initiated on treatment. Community awareness activities engaged 379 participants. TB case detection rose from 40 (2024) to 78 (2025), with 27 cases identified via the RespiraCare app. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant association between app deployment and increased case detection (p < 0.001), validating its effectiveness in improving TB screening and referral.

Conclusion: The implementation of the RespiraCare digital screening tool significantly improved TB case detection, referral, and treatment initiation in General Luna, surpassing key performance targets. Despite challenges in diagnostic service uptake in one barangay, the intervention proved feasible, scalable, and well-accepted by frontline users. Sustaining its impact will require system refinements, policy integration, and strengthened diagnostic access in underserved areas.

First Advisor

Billy Jay N. Pedron, PTRP, MSHSM, PhD

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