1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
The Philippines' high maternal death rate can be attributed to a number of causes. Hemorrhages, infections, obstructed labor, hypertensive problems throughout pregnancy, and complications linked with improper abortions are all common causes of maternal death. Although having a physician, nurse, or midwife present during birth helps reduce maternal mortality, only 60% of deliveries in the Philippines are currently supervised by these competent birthing attendants. Others rely on traditional delivery attendants who lack official training and, as a result, are frequently unable to handle difficulties.
Aside from what is mentioned above, insufficient human resources for health, delays in seeking care, poor equipment, and a lack of ambulance transportation are factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the country.
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
According to the data published by the Department of Health in 2010, the top 3 causes of maternal mortality were (1) Complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery, and puerperium, (2) Hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium, and (3) Postpartum hemorrhage. While in maternal morbidity, the top three causes are hemorrhage (31%), unsafe abortion (16%), and hypertension (15%).
References:
DOH. (2013). Maternal Deaths By Main Cause | Department of Health website. https://doh.gov.ph/Statistics/Maternal-Deaths-By-Main-Cause
Maternal mortality in the Philippines. (2020, July 15). The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/maternal-mortality-philippines/