Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
There are various factors that affect the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines other than disease and illnesses. Although some have subtle influence, they influence the maternal mortality rate.
First, the rise of teenage pregnancy. According to WHO (2019), the risk of maternal mortality, and complications in pregnancy and childbirth are highest among adolescent girls. This is due to the girls’ biological, economic, social, and cultural factors that compromise the health of adolescent girls (Graczyk, 2007). It should be emphasized that girls under 19 have underdeveloped bodies barely capable of handling pregnancy. Thus, teenagers are more vulnerable to maternal morbidity.
Second, the COVID-19 pandemic. According to UPPI and UNFPA (2020), there is a significant rise in maternal deaths during the pandemic. Other than the disruption of family planning, and maternal and newborn health services, violence is also becoming more rampant. The pandemic aggravates the pre-existing vulnerabilities of women and girls, and has led to a 26% increase in maternal mortality cases.
Lastly, inequality in the use of maternal and child health services. Although the country has attempted the health insurance coverage to provide more healthcare accessibility among every social class, equal treatment for medical needs are not yet reached (Paredes, 2016). Maternal mortality rates are actually more rampant among those in lower socioeconomic status, since healthcare use remains to be pro-rich. Still there is a room for improvement due to the recent improvements implemented by the government.
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 (Philippine Health Statistics, 2019)
- Eclampsia (16%)
- Gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria (14.7%)
- Other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (10.5%)
Top 3 Maternal Morbidity (Baccay, 2022)
- Hemorrhage (31%)
- Infection (19%)
- Unsafe abortion (16%)
References:
Baccay, K.B. (2022). Prenatal Care [Slides]. VLE. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXIWQpPevbtDjGVAOOlWiDtyE9CqJskQ/view
Epidemiology Bureau - Department of Health. (n.d.). The 2019 Philippine Health Statistics. Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf
Graczyk, K. (2007, May). Adolescent Maternal Mortality: An Overlooked Crisis. Advocates for Youth. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/storage/advfy/documents/fsmaternal.pdf
Paredes, K. P. (2016). Inequality in the use of maternal and Child Health Services in the Philippines: Do pro-poor health policies result in more equitable use of services? International Journal for Equity in Health, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-016-0473-y
UNFPA Philippines. (2020, August 15). Significant rise in maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies feared because of COVID-19, UNFPA and Uppi Study shows. UNFPA Philippines. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://philippines.unfpa.org/en/news/significant-rise-maternal-deaths-and-unintended-pregnancies-feared-because-covid-19-unfpa-and
WHO. (2019, September 19). Maternal mortality. World Health Organization. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality