Other than the factors discussed in the lecture, what do you think are other factors affecting the maternal mortality rate in the Philippines?
Other than the factors discussed in the lecture (i.e., antenatal care, delivery care, and postpartum care), early marriage/pregnancy, lack of access to birth control, limited educational opportunities, and limited and inefficient services in urban-poor areas may affect a woman’s pregnancy outcomes.
The rate of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines continues to rise as observed in the 7.3% increase in teenagers being pregnant was observed over a 10-year period (2002-2013) (Almendral, 2020). The lack of access to contraceptives (a complicated issue in a country where about 80% of its citizens are Catholics) and the inadequate sex education (something considered taboo in a highly religious society) play a part in escalating this “national social emergency” (Almendral, 2020). Maternal mortality is affected primarily because pregnancy among “adolescent girls, whose bodies are still growing and developing, puts both teenage mothers and their babies at risk for negative health consequences” (MNPI, 2001). Limited educational opportunities predispose young women to enter relationships/maternal responsibilities without awareness of the consequences of unplanned pregnancy and the complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Lastly, though policies and programs to address and aid maternal and neonatal health exist in the country, these are not automatically translated into quality services at the local/urban level. As stated in the MNPI (2001), these policies and programs need to be reevaluated and be further developed.
What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
According to the 2019 Philippine Health Statistics, the leading cause of maternal death (maternal mortality ratio) is eclampsia with 233 deaths, comprising 16.0% of maternal deaths in that year. Pregnancy-induced gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria (215 deaths, 14.7%) and other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (153 deaths, 10.5%) follow eclampsia to form the top 3 causes of maternal mortality.
As discussed in the lecture, the top 3 causes of maternal morbidity in the Philippines are postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and unsafe abortion.
REFERENCES
- Almendral, A. (2020, August 21). Photos: Why the Philippines has so many teen moms. NPR.org. https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/08/21/787921856/photos-the-hidden-lives-of-teen-moms
- Baccay, Kenny-lyn. (2022). [Class Handout]. Prenatal Care. University of the Philippines Manila.
- DOH. (2019). The 2019 Philippine health statistics. https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf
- The Maternal Health Study (MNPI). (2001) Philippines. http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/MNPI/Philippines_MNPI.pdf