- Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
- Lack of informed choices on sex and pregnancies. A 2013 survey found that maintaining virginity until marriage was important for 83% of women aged 15–24, even though 14% of 15–19 year-olds and 49% of those aged 20–24 years experienced first sexual intercourse before marriage (Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. & University of the Philippines Population Institute, 2016). This societal norm of maintaining virginity until marriage demoralizes women from admitting sexual activity and inappropriate health concerns. Studies also reveal the presence of several barriers, such as religious concerns, to accessing family planning services in the Philippines (Nagai, et al., 2019). Eventually, this factor can lead to the lack of informed choices and unwanted pregnancies that may consequently place their health at risk.
- Weak institutionalized policies, or the lack thereof, and misallocation of funds. Many health workers suffer from the budget cuts in public hospitals by the government’s 2022 proposed budget (Buan, 2021). With lack of proper funding in the health sector, proper implementation of health care services is hindered. This contributes to the rising levels of maternal mortality as sufficient investment in obstetric care and skilled birth attendants as well as provision of health education for women and families can help in addressing this concern.
- What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
- According to the Department of Health (2013), the top 3 causes of maternal mortality are (1) labor complications, (2) pregnancy-related hypertension, and (3) postpartum hemorrhage.
- For maternal morbidity, the top 3 causes according to the lecture are (1) hemorrhage, (2) infection, and (3) unsafe abortion.
References:
Buan, L. (2021, September 15). Health workers hit budget cuts in public hospitals amidst fight vs COVID-19. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/health-workers-hit-cuts-public-hospitals-2022-budget/
Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. and University of the Philippines Population Institute (2016). The 2013 young adult fertility and sexuality study in the Philippines. Quezon City: Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. and University of the Philippines Population Institute.
Department of Health [DOH]. (2013, December 9). Maternal Deaths by Main Cause. https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause
Nagai, M., Bellizzi, S., Murray, J., Kitong, J., Cabral, E. I., & Sobel, H. L. (2019). Opportunities lost: Barriers to increasing the use of effective contraception in the Philippines. PloS One, 14(7), e0218187. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218187