1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Socioeconomic Factor - Socioeconomic is one of the factors affecting maternal mortality as people who are unprivileged enough do not have access to proper and quality healthcare because they lack the financial capability. The healthcare system in the country still does not reach the poorest of the poor in which people are forced to consult and follow inaccurate and improper maternal care.
Lack of Healthcare Facilities and Healthcare Professionals - There are still areas that do not have functional healthcare facilities in which they have to travel to the capital just to seek medical attention. People living in far-flung areas do not get the proper medical care because of the lack of healthcare facilities and healthcare workers. On the other hand, there are places that have healthcare facilities but do not have healthcare professionals providing care. One example of this is my province, Ifugao, in which we do not have an equipped functioning hospital so people with emergency cases have to go to Baguio and nearby provinces. Although we have district hospitals, these facilities do not have the equipment and means to conduct complex and extensive procedures.
Misinformation - Many Filipinos still believe in many myths and fake information about pregnancy. Fake information about pregnancies without a scientific and medical basis can do harm to the mother and the baby.
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
According to the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health in 2019, Eclampsia is the leading cause of maternal mortality with 233 deaths (16 %). It was followed by gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria with 215 deaths (14.3 %), then other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium with 153 deaths (10.5 %).
On the other hand, the top three causes of maternal morbidity are hemorrhage (31%), infection (19%), and unsafe abortion (16%).
References:
Department of Health, (2019). The 2019 Philippine Health Statistics. https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf