Lived Experiences of Blue-Collar Workers: A Phenomenological Study on Barriers, Coping Strategies, and Community-Based Interventions for Health Equity

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of blue-collar workers in Mayantoc, Tarlac, Philippines regarding healthcare access barriers and community-based interventions for health equity. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 purposively selected blue-collar workers engaged in informal and manual occupations. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. Findings revealed that structural barriers—such as financial constraints, geographic distance, long waiting times, and incompatible work schedules—were the primary obstacles to healthcare access, rather than cultural or stigma-related factors. Participants reported coping strategies including self-medication, home remedies, and consulting traditional healers as pragmatic responses to limited access. They strongly recommended community-based solutions such as barangay clinics, mobile health services, extended clinic hours, free essential medicines, and workplace-based health programs. The study concludes that addressing healthcare access for blue-collar workers requires decentralized, worker-centered, and community-based interventions to promote health equity in provincial contexts in the Philippines.