1. Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Aside from the factors affecting the maternal mortality rate discussed in the lecture, there is also a lack of cost-effective interventions for pregnant women, such as immediate access to obstetric care, increasing the number of births in health facilities, and universal access to reproductive health services, including family planning. In addition, only 60 percent of the births in the Philippines are supervised by a skilled birth attendant, therefore, having an experienced physician or attendant must be present during delivery to reduce the likelihood of reducing the maternal mortality rate.
I also think that lack of education or awareness, combined with the data that teenage pregnancy affects nearly six percent of Filipino girls, plays a big role in the maternal mortality rate in the country. DKT Philippines cited that the rising numbers of adolescent pregnancy rates are the results of a lack of awareness of emergency contraceptive pills. They also added that only one of four unmarrieds, sexually active women aged 18 to 29, are aware of the possibility of getting pregnant after having unprotected sexual intercourse even with contraceptive pills.
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
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Complications related to pregnancy account for 38% of the data
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Hypertension accounts for 35% of the data
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Hemorrhage accounts for 17% of the data
Top 3 causes of Maternal Morbidity
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Hemorrhage accounts for 31% of the data
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Infection accounts for 19% of the data
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Unsafe abortion accounts for 16% of the data
REFERENCES:
UNFPA. (2009, April 7). Philippines: Maternal Mortality Rates Not Making Sufficient Progress to Meet MDGs. United Nations Population Fund. https://www.unfpa.org/news/philippines-maternal-mortality-rates-not-making-sufficient-progress-meet-mdgs
Manila Bulletin. (2021, December 14). Teenage pregnancy affects nearly six percent of Filipino girls. https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/14/teenage-pregnancy-affects-nearly-six-percent-of-filipino-girls/