Nursing-Led Livelihood Programs and Women's Health

This study investigates the socioeconomic and health outcomes of nursing-initiated livelihood programs implemented among indigenous Aeta women in Sitio Monicayo, Pampanga, Philippines. The livelihood programs-bracelet making, rag making, and liquid dishwashing-were introduced in 2016 by nursing faculty in partnership with the local community. The research employs an explanatory sequential mixed methods design.

In Phase 1, a nonrandomized cross-sectional survey is conducted with Aeta women who have participated in the livelihood programs for at least six months. Outcomes include household income change, employment shifts, and six composite domains: Program Benefits, Facilitation, Self-Confidence, Resilience, Future Intentions, and Barriers. Nonparametric analyses (Wilcoxon signed-rank, McNemar-Bowker, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlations) are performed using SPSS v29.

In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews are conducted with a purposively selected subgroup of participants to contextualize the quantitative findings. Interviews explore barriers and enablers of participation, and their impact on nutrition, stress reduction, preventive care, and caregiving roles. Thematic analysis follows Braun and Clarke's framework, with member checking used to validate findings. Integration is achieved through joint displays to align, complement, or contrast quantitative and qualitative outcomes.

Data quality assurance: Data entry is checked for completeness and internal consistency. Predefined rules for range and coding consistency are applied across variables. A pilot test is conducted before main data collection to ensure reliability and validity of measures. Source data verification is performed by cross-checking survey and interview records with program participation logs.

Sample size: The sample size (N=25 for survey, n=10 for interviews) is based on available program participants and is designed to capture both breadth and depth of experience.

Statistical analysis plan: The primary quantitative outcomes are household income change and employment shifts. Secondary outcomes include composite scores for empowerment and barriers. Qualitative findings are coded inductively and deductively, and integrated with quantitative data to explain mechanisms and identify discordances.

This study was reviewed and approved by the Angeles University Foundation Ethics Review Committee (2024-CON-Faculty-004).

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older
• Member of the Aeta community in Sitio Monicayo, Pampanga, Philippines
• Participation in at least one nursing-initiated livelihood program (bracelet making, rag making, or liquid dishwashing) for a minimum of six months
• Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Not a resident of Sitio Monicayo or not part of the Aeta community
• Did not participate in the livelihood programs or participated for less than six months
• Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent