Dengue fever remains a major public health concern in the Philippines, particularly in endemic areas like Kalibo, Aklan. This study examines the factors influencing family caregivers' awareness of the potential health benefits of papaya (Carica papaya) leaves in managing dengue fever. Employing a quantitative, comparative-correlational research design, the study surveyed 349 family caregivers in a dengue hotspot barangay in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Data were gathered using a validated, researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed through statistical tools, including descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income significantly influenced awareness levels. Older caregivers and those with higher education demonstrated greater awareness of papaya leaves' benefits, while economic constraints often directed families toward alternative remedies. Technological factors, including access to online resources, and cultural influences within kinship and social factors also significantly shaped caregivers' understanding. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in awareness when grouped by socio-demographic characteristics and highlighted correlations between influencing factors and awareness levels. Papaya leaves were recognized by the respondents for their therapeutic benefits, particularly in alleviating thrombocytopenia and enhancing immune response in dengue fever management. The findings emphasized the need for integrated health education programs and community-driven campaigns to promote informed and safe use of herbal treatments. By bridging traditional knowledge with evidence-based practices, the study contributes to enhancing caregiving practices and health outcomes in underserved areas in the Philippines.
papaya leaves, dengue fever, family caregivers, awareness, alternative medicine, thrombocytopenia
Jazmin Lorenz A. Resurreccion. Corresponding author. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus. Email: jazminlorenz0852@gmail.com
Daphne Lizet B. Tollos. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus
Eddie Mhar Cacho. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus
Kit Patrick Lee A. Dela Cruz. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus
Llana Euriz I. Traje. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus
Ma. Ellen C. Teston. Master of Arts in Nursing, Clinical Instructor, College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus. Email: mecteston@asu.edu.ph
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
This work was not supported by any funding.
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by College of Nursing - Aklan State University Main Campus and the barangay officials of Aklan, Philippines.
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
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Cite this article:
Resurreccion, J.L.A., Tollos, D.L.B., Cacho, E.M., Dela Cruz, K.P.L.A., Traje, L.E.I & Teston, M.E.C. (2025). Factors influencing awareness of family caregivers on the potential health benefits of papaya (Carica papaya, 1753) leaves in dengue fever management. Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Medical Research, 1(1), 68-93. https://doi.org/10.53378/jahsmr.353170
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