Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
1. Chronic or pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, anemia, and depression and anxiety may indirectly contribute or even cause maternal mortality here in the Philippines.
2. Disrupted and/or limited access to reproductive and health services due to COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the overwhelming demand brought by the pandemic, national and local health systems are overwhelmed as well and general resources for women’s health might have been diverted for immediate use of COVID-19 patients. Pregnant women's utilization of facilities for antenatal check-up and delivery is declining, because of service disruption, difficulty in commuting, and their fear of contracting COVID-19 (United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA], 2020).
3. Poor socioeconomic status and condition. Women who are part of the marginalized groups and are living in poverty may have poor diet, healthcare barriers, and less education (Murray, 2021). Inadequate knowledge about pregnancy or reproductive health in general may lead to an unwanted or earlier pregnancy. Insufficient dietary intake can lead to poor pregnancy and outcomes and health deficiencies. Not getting quality care puts women at risk for infection or other complications that could otherwise be managed and treated by a skilled healthcare provider (Murray, 2021).
4. Increasing rates of adolescent fertility. Pregnancies in adolescent girls, whose bodies are still growing and developing, are normally not developed enough for childbirth (The Maternal Health Study, n.d.) which can thereby put both the mothers and their babies at risk for negative health consequences.
5. Advanced maternal age. Much like how it is for pregnant adolescents, maternal mortality is also heightened in pregnant women who are in the middle adulthood stage.
6. Lack of information about reproductive health.
What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ration in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
Top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines are:
1. Complication related to pregnancy (38%)
2. Hypertension (35%)
3. Postpartum Hemorrhage (17%)
Top 3 causes of maternal morbidity ratio in the Philippines are:
1. Hemorrhage (31%)
2. Infection (19%)
3. Unsafe abortion related to failed instrumentation and medication (16%)
References:
Murray, D. (2021). Maternal mortality rate, causes, and prevention. Verywellfamily. https://www.verywellfamily.com/maternal-mortality-rate-causes-and-prevention-4163653
The Maternal Health Study (n.d.). Maternal and Neonatal Program Effort Index (MNPI) Philippines. http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/MNPI/Philippines_MNPI.pdf
United Nations Population Fund (2020). Significant rise in maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies feared because of COVID-19, UNFPA and UPPI study shows. Retrieved from reliefweb on February 14, 2022. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/significant-rise-maternal-deaths-and-unintended-pregnancies-feared-because-covid