Elloran, B. C. (2017). Role recognition of B'laan tribal leaders in the improvement of maternal and child health care of Blaan tribes in Barangay Datalbukay, Glan Sarangani (Unpublished master's thesis).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 7 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

Culture presents to be the most complicated challenge to public health including maternal and child care. Cultural practices such as early and fixed marriages pave the way for maternal health problems such as early pregnancy and increased parity that may lead to maternal, neonatal and infant mortality. This study aimed at identifying the practices, knowledge and needs of B'laan pregnant women on maternal and child health services and to identify roles of the tribal leaders in the community in relation to maternal and child health. Results of the study identified that accessibility is a key component for women from tribal communities like the B'laan tribe in availing maternal and child health services. Accessibility includes geographic accessibility, financial accessibility, and "cultural" accessibility of freedom discrimination. Tribal leaders are thought to be the most influential persons in the tribal community. However, the important role of being instruments for behavior change and the bridge between culture and correct heath practices were not mentioned nor prioritized. Relating culture to appropriate health practices and vice versa is very important to be able to obtain better maternal and child health outcome.