Maternal Access to Health Services by Pregnant Mothers in Bacnotan,La Union, Philippines

Abstract

Understanding variables that influence accessibility and health-seeking patterns of pregnant mothers is necessary for possible intervention of behavioural change.TheresearchwasconductedinDistrict1ofLAUnion,CityofSanFernando,Philippinesto ascertain accessibility and utilization of maternal health services by pregnant mothers in Philippines’ weak maternal health services delivery.Themajorpurposeofthestudywastodeterminethematernalaccess/utilizationofpregnantmothersinBacnotandistricthospitalregardingfacilitating/hinderingfactorsinaccessingpregnancyrelatedservices.Descriptivemethodofresearchwiththequestionnairewasthemaindatagatheringtoolsemployed.Weightedmeanwereutilizedtotreatthedata.Theanalysisofthegathereddataindicatethatthesomepregnantmothersdonotavailedservicesattheirconvenienttimeduetounderstaffingofthehealthfacility,somecouldnotreceivesupportfromtheirhusbandsandspouse/relatives,whileSomeofthemencounteredbarriersalongtraditionalbeliefsheldbythemandtheirspouse/partners.Basedonthefindings,Insight into facilitators and barriers to accessing/utilization of health services in this population revealed tools for enhancing engagement in health promotion programs addressing healthy lifestyleandtheneedforthemanagementtoemploymorestaff,designmodalityforoutreachadvocacytothecommunitymembersregardingsupporttothemothersandaddressotherhealthrelatedissuesincludingbarrieralongtraditionalbeliefs.