Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
- Lack of quality sex education. Culturally, the Philippine society expects that individuals, most especially women, are to keep their virginities until marriage, and due to this belief, the sex education that most of us receive is that the only way is abstinence. This can then lead to a greater curiosity that is accompanied by bad decision-making, further leading to unwanted pregnancies, STDs, etc.
- Unequal access to healthcare. With the discrepancies in the standard of public health care, those in marginalized rural areas have a harder time getting the services that they need, while those in urban areas would have a greater opportunity to have access to these services. Despite this, there are expecting mothers who don’t go to health centers for free checkups due to the fear of expensive services or medication.
- Pre-existing medical conditions. Medical conditions diagnosed before pregnancy can pose many great complications. Preconception care can help lessen the risks and effects of these conditions when they get pregnant.
What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
Causes of Maternal Mortality (DOH, 2019)
- Eclampsia (16%)
- Gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria (14.7%)
- Other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (10.5%)
Causes of Maternal Morbidity
- Hemorrhage (31%)
- Infection (19%)
- Unsafe Abortion (16%)
References:
Baccay, K.B. (2022). Prenatal Care and Safe Motherhood Lecture Video PART I. VLE. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXIWQpPevbtDjGVAOOlWiDtyE9CqJskQ/view
Department of Health [DOH]. (2019). The 2019 Philippine Health Statistics. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf
Guide healthcare in the Philippines. Allianz Care. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.allianzcare.com/en/support/health-and-wellness/national-healthcare-systems/healthcare-in-philippines.html