Answer the following and post your answers here. Cite references of your answers as much as possible.
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 that were mentioned in the lecture, the age of the mother is one of the factors of maternal mortality in the Philippines. According to the 019 Philippine Health Statistics from the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health, mothers aged 35-39 years old had the highest number of maternal death cases in the Philippines, having 322 recorded cases. Additionally, many women in rural areas begin having children at a young age. Since adolescent women are normally not developed enough for childbirth, these young mothers face many complications during and after pregnancy and contribute to the high maternal mortality rate.
Another factor is the economic status of the patient, the underprivileged are at disadvantage. They can’t have the best care that they should have during the pregnancy in order to deliver the baby healthy at their best possible health.
Moreover, the use of contraceptives also affects maternal mortality in the Philippines. Individuals who are underprivileged also have the tendency to have limited access to contraceptives. Also, 80-90 % of Filipinos are Catholics, at first birth control pills, condoms and other forms are contraceptive use are considered to be similar to abortion.
2. What are the top 3 causes of maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines? Top 3 maternal morbidity?
Top 3 Causes of Maternal Mortality
1. Eclampsia - 16%
2. Gestational [pregnancy-induced] hypertension with significant proteinuria – 14.7%
3. Other maternal diseases classifiable elsewhere but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium – 10.5%
Top 3 Causes of Maternal Morbidity
1. Hemorrhage
2. Infection
3. Unsafe or obstructed labor
References:
Department of Health (2019). The 2019 Philippine Health Statistics [pdf]. Retrieved form https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/2019PHS_Final_092121.pdf
Project, B. (2020, July 16). Maternal Mortality in the Philippines. The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/maternal-mortality-philippines/