Chua, K. J. G. (2015). Establishment of regular provision of physical therapy services to address increasing incidence of musculoskeletal conditions among Ivatans in Mahatao Batanes (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management. Health Systems and Development. Batch 5 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

There is an increasing number of patients seeking consult for degenerative conditions attributed to the aging population of the Ivatans These conditions impair their function, promote disability and decrease their quality of life. There are no clinics- private or public in the province, who are offering physical therapy services to address these concerns. Thus, this study aimed to establish a regular provision of physical therapy. The procurement of modalities and the partnership between the RHU and the hospital allowed at least 6 percent of Mahatenos, especially the senior citizens and persons with disability, to have access to PT intervention at the primary level. Most of them demonstrated positive effect on their condition. Unexpectedly, majority of patients catered by PT came from working age group, highlighting the early onset of these conditions and the pervasiveness of chronic work related musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries must be properly addressed to allow early return to work and prevent disability as they grow older.