1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Other determinants affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines include cultural factors that impact women’s health and their access to services. Women’s low status in society, lack of access to and control over resources, limited educational opportunities, poor nutrition, and lack of decision-making power contribute significantly to adverse pregnancy outcomes including maternal mortality.
Moreover, laws and policies, such as those that require a woman to first obtain permission from her husband or parents, may also discourage women and girls from seeking needed health care services – particularly if they are of a sensitive nature, such as family planning and abortion services, or treatment of STIs.
Cultural beliefs and practices also significantly influence the rate of maternal deaths in the country. For instance, one traditional practice that affects maternal health outcomes is early marriage. Many women in developing countries, such as the Philippines, marry before the age of 20. Pregnancies in adolescent girls, whose bodies are still growing and developing, put both the mothers and their babies at risk for negative health consequences.
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
Top 3 Causes of Maternal Mortality Ratio in the Philippines
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Complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery, and puerperium
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Hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium
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Postpartum hemorrhage
Top 3 Maternal Morbidity
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Hemorrhage
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Infection
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Unsafe Abortion
References:
The Policy Project. (2012). Philippines Maternal and Neonatal Program Effort Index. http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/MNPI/Philippines_MNPI.pdf
Department of Health. (2013, December 9). Maternal Deaths By Main Cause. Department of Health Website. Retrieved March 16, 2022, from https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause