1. What do you think are the reasons of high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
I think that patriarchy, power imbalances, non-comprehensive sex education, and inadequate primary care for sexual health are the major reasons for high unmet need in our country. As discussed by Latorre (2019), numerous studies give evidence that the father or male partner’s desired family size is a strong predictor of unmet need. In the case of teenage pregnancies, family planning practice is also less likely because the choice of women is influenced by their being dependent on their male partner and their family.
Based on the study, open communication and joint decision-making should indeed be encouraged for sexually active couples. This would only be possible if information and services are adequate and available for all clients and appropriate to their age and needs. Proper contraceptive use, including modern methods, should be promoted more extensively. Restrictive provisions in the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act should be addressed. It is also important to improve primary health care coverage and training.
2. What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
- Health teaching and policies should consider that different age groups might have different needs. Effects and proper use of appropriate contraceptives for sexually active adolescents, first-time parents, teenage parents, and those who are in long-term union are key elements of reproductive health promotion (Latorre, 2019; Pepito et al., 2021).
- Current initiatives on adolescent reproductive health need to be strengthened. Key health messages on menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and family planning should be understood on a deeper level and by a wider audience, as Latorre emphasized (2019).
- There needs to be a comprehensive sex education in schools. The goal should be to help sexually-active adolescents make informed decisions, especially on the choice and proper use of contraceptives.
- Coverage of media platforms should also be improved. Improving nationwide Internet access can bring the public closer to credible organizations promoting reproductive health (Pepito et al., 2021).
References:
Latorre, A. A. E. (2019). Factors associated with unmet need for family planning among young women in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development, 23(2), 10-19.
Pepito, V. C., Amit, A. M. L., Tang, C. S., Aliazas, N. A. K., Sarah, J., Baquiran, R. S., & Tanchanco, L. B. S. (2021). Factors associated with pregnancy among Filipino women aged 15-19: Results from the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-808908/v1