Reel versus Real: Perception of Selected Public Secondary Teachers on using Online Reference versus Registered Doctor's Consultations regarding Health Concerns

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers play an important role in nurturing the cognitive skills of every individual. This profession, however, is highly stressful and oftentimes causes diseases and health concerns. Teachers in the millennial era are exposed in using technology and tend to make use of it when searching for signs and symptoms regarding health concerns. The researchers primarily aimed to determine the perception of teachers regarding consulting online reference versus seeking help from registered doctors about their health concerns.

METHODS

The researchers used descriptive case study method of research by utilizing interviews and focus group discussion to gather. It is a qualitative approach that focused on the description and identification of currently existing phenomena. Three (3) participants of the study who were classified as public secondary teachers were selected by the used of purposive sampling. The study was conducted in Trece Martires City Senior High School and data was collected by the means of naturalistic approach.

RESULTS

This study aimed to determine the perception of selected public secondary teachers regarding consulting online references versus seeking help from registered doctors and how these perceptions help them on handling their health conditions. Based on the semi-structured interview conducted with the three (3) participants, the researchers found out that registered doctors are more health and medication literate and trusted in giving proper diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, registered doctors help the teachers on handling their health conditions by giving valid information, appropriate diagnosis and treatment and quality assurance fordrug prescribing.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that the teachers handle their own health conditions by seeking consultations from registered doctors. Therefore, registered doctors are more reliable and trusted in diagnosing and drug prescribing compared to online references. The results will be a great help on giving information and guidance for other teachers on where they should seek regarding to their health concerns.