Midwifery, Maternal Health and Gynecology

INTRODUCTION:
 

The World Health Organization stated in the fact sheet published online that Maternal Mortality is unacceptably high and around 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth related complications around the world every day. In the Philippines reported high rates were associated with poor birthing practice, including home births without the attendance of skilled health professional and no adequate and quality prenatal care. With this, the researcher was determined to explore how the geographical setting, cultural practices and beliefs affects the Facility-based childbirth likelihood of B’laan tribe in Norala, South Cotabato, Philippines.

 

METHODOLOGY:

 

This study used exploratory research method. For quantitative approach, a self-made validated survey questionnaire was utilized composed of two parts: Part I, Demographic Profile; Part II, Factors affecting Facility-based Childbirth likelihood of B’laan Parturients. A Focus Group Discussion was conducted for qualitative approach, a validated guide questionnaire was used to gain more insights on the effects of geographical setting, cultural practices and beliefs. The 30 randomly chosen participants in the study were the married or unmarried B’laan women who submitted for prenatal check-up from March 2019 to March 2020 of the identified locale of the study and 9 participants for the Focus Group Discussion three from each Barangay – Tinago, Puti, and San Miguel.

 

RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION:

 

For Quantitative Results: participants age bracket of 20-30 has the highest percentage of 76.67 while having the lowest percentage of 10 was age bracket 31-40 years old depicting the number of younger mothers, considered one of the risk factors associated with home delivery and cultural norms. As to educational attainment, the highest percentage was elementary level and the lowest percentage of zero was college level affecting their decision to avail the Facility-based Childbirth. In Qualitative Approach three (3) themes were emphasized, pinpointed, examined, and recorded from the gathered data which represent the level of patterned responses related to the study such as Comfort at Home; Support of Significant Other; and Desire in availing Maternal and Newborn Services. Thus, the researcher recommends the construction of “Bahay ni Nanay” to house pregnant women prior to expected delivery; a resident midwife must be available 24/7 in the facility; and strengthen the implemented strategies to increase likelihood of giving birth to Birthing Home.

This project will be coordinated with the Non-Government Organizations, Rotary Club International and other funding agencies. The local government to improve the road for possible access to the recreational facilities. For further research, there should be a study in other tribes like T’boli, Manobo, and Muslim; Interrelatedness and difference of the barriers affecting

different tribes; and a Correlational Study among B’laan, T’boli, Manobo and Muslim Tribes.