Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Several factors affect the development of complications during maternity that may lead to maternal mortality. These include:
1. Poverty and the presence of trained birthing attendants. According to a study, an estimated 60 percent of births are attended by health professionals while the rest still resort to traditional birthing attendants without formal training. The poor are most vulnerable since they are less likely to be able to afford the service of trained professionals nor access quality health service at facilities.
2. Age. There has been a growing number of teenage pregnancies in the country. Physiologically speaking, adolescent women’s body are not yet capable of handling childbirth which makes them more vulnerable to complications during birth and pregnancy.
3. Low level of contraceptive use. Limited access to contraceptives led to several unplanned pregnancies which eventually lead to abortions. The use of contraceptives provides women an option and allows them to be more ready for pregnancy ib due time.
4. Educational level of women. When women are educated properly regarding the pregnancy and the proper ways of dealing with the matter, there is less likelihood of maternal complications as it is ensured that risky behaviors and practices will be avoided with proper education.
What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
The top 3 causes of maternal mortality as of 2010 according to the Department of Health are:
1. Complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery, puerperium
2. Hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium
3. Postpartum hemorrhage
Meanwhile, the top 3 causes of maternal morbidity are:
1. Hemorrhage
2. Sepsis
3. Unsafe abortion
References:
Ballweg, J. & Pagtolun-an, I. (1996). The Risk of Childbearing: A Philippine Study of Pregnancy Complications and Maternal Mortality. https://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/popn_pub/full_papers/JBalweg%20and%20PagtulonAn.pdf
Department of Health. (2013). Maternal Deaths by Main Cause. https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause
Rau, A. (2015). Maternal Mortality in the Philippines. https://borgenproject.org/maternal-mortality-philippines/
United Nations Population Fund. (2009). Philippines: Maternal Mortality Rates Not Making Sufficient Progress to Meet MDGs. https://www.unfpa.org/news/philippines-maternal-mortality-rates-not-making-sufficient-progress-meet-mdgs