1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
The lecture provides an overview of the top leading causes of maternal mortality in the Philippines. It can be observed that most [of the causes] are a result of certain pregnancy malpractice and the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions. For instance, a complication related to pregnancy sits at 38%, hypertension at 35%, hemorrhage at 17%, followed by unsafe abortion at 9%. All of which tend to question the maternal's good health and well-being.
However, as much as these claims serve the truth based on statistical data, other factors- may be related indirectly, should be reviewed and considered. Looking at this subject at the macro-level and aligning the perspective in the Philippine setting, the lack of healthcare facilities and services could be a great point of argument. We have seen the effort of the Philippine government to allocate funding in constructing healthcare institutes, providing a sanitary safe space. However, the argument still remains firm as these infrastructures are majorly built in the centers of cities and are barely reached by the marginalized communities. Furthermore, the growing number of healthcare facilities calls for more healthcare workers. Another problem will arise since the number of competent healthcare allies giving services is not equally distributed in all parts of the Philippines. With this, the unstrategic construction of healthcare facilities merged with a lack of healthcare providers and competence will most likely lead to a higher maternal mortality rate.
Another great point of discussion vis-a-vis pregnancy and the rate of maternal mortality is insufficient patient education. Although one might argue that with technological advancement information is within our reach, still, the access to reliable, medically backed-up, and well-fitting facts is uncertain. What I mean by this statement is that it is highly advisable to visit a medical practitioner, discuss the do's and don'ts, and seek help in person than relying on what's provided on the internet. A lot of pregnancy misconceptions that are apparent in the marginalized and tightly culture-based communities should be debunked and given an explanation. Doing so will gradually lower the mortality occurrences.
In general, the topic of health should be viewed in a holistic approach. It must be understood that physical, mental, physiological, and social aspects affect the overall wellbeing of a person. Combating the event of mortality is a long way process of understanding multiple holes!
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
The top three causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines are complications related to pregnancy, sitting at the top with 38%, followed by hypertension at 35%, and hemorrhage at 17%. The data presented in the lecture also showed the great significance of unsafe abortion, taking up 9% of mortality incidents.
Meanwhile, the top three causes of maternal morbidity are the following: 31% of maternal morbidity is due to hemorrhage, followed by infection at 19%, and 16% is caused by unsafe abortion. The morbidity rate caused by unsafe abortion must be given emphasis considering that first, this practice is illegal in the Philippines, and second, those who opt to take part in abortion are those with unwanted pregnancies. Thus, combating this cause requires ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services that falls under Goal three of the Sustainable Development Goals